This is a review for California Grill at The Contemporary Resort, we dined here on September 2017.
This was our first time visiting California Grill. We had heard people talk about it in the past and decided to check it our for ourselves. To begin we enjoyed a few drinks at the Outer Rim bar next to Chef Mickey's. The selection was great, and they were all delicious.
We then had the fun at trying to find where the check-in desk for California Grill was. If you don't know where it is, the easiest way to get to it is leave the monorail, head towards Chef Mickey's and go down the stairs, it will be on your right around the corner.
When we checked in, we were escorted into the elevator with a cast member and another party. When we reached the top, another cast member was ready waiting to seat us. As we walked to our seat we took in the atmosphere. It was a beautiful restaurant.
We were seated right next to the open kitchen (which wasn't very noisy as you'd expect). And could see clearly out the big beautiful windows.
As it was our first time, we decided to go out all and get a delicious bottle of bubbly.
After ordering our drinks, our server brought over some delightful bread and "European Butter".
For our entrees we ordered the Oak-fired Choice Angus Filet of Beef and the Pork Tenderloin. The downside for us is we're not fish eaters, so like many other Disney restaurants, a good portion of the menu's we have no interest in. The beef was well presented and cooked really well. The flavour of the beef surprising worked really well with the Tomato Risotto underneath. Was the beef worth $49? Probably just. The pork dish included 3 pieces of pork tenderloin and a piece of belly. This was also cooked really well and was delicious. It wasn't overly cheesy - which I was afraid of. Was the pork worth the $42? Yes!
For dessert we ordered the Warm Valrhona Chocolate Cake and the Creamsicle Crème Brûlée. The chocolate cake was hands down the best dessert I have ever had at Disney World. As you can see the image below, it is rather chocolatey. But, it wasn't sickly whatsoever. There was so many different chocolate flavours going on, it was a taste sensation in my mouth. The Crème Brûlée was equally as delicious. Normally you get a tiny portion of Crème Brûlée, but this was huge. Every bite was, to put it lightly, perfect. The little biscuits you get with it just melted in your mouth.
When it's time to view the fireworks, they give you a bit of a warning so you can go outside. Depending on where you are in your meal your server will let you know your options if you desire to watch the fireworks. She assured us we can go and watch the fireworks and continue our meal when we return.
We went out onto the balcony, and luckily it was very quiet. Only a couple other parties were with us. There was another balcony, so perhaps most people on the other side of the restaurant went to that one.
The view from the top is amazing, and although the speaker next to us was a little distorted, it didn't hinder the experience. No photos or videos do justice to the view you get of Magic Kingdom from that high up at night. As you're seeing it from high up and from a slight angle, you get to see the locations where fireworks are shot from. It's quite amazing how far back behind the park the fireworks are actually fired from. The only downside is the new 'Happily Ever After' show has a lot of projections, none of which you can see from the balcony.
In summary it was a fantastic experience. The food was amazing, the benefit of watching the fireworks is a plus, and one of the few places where you have to dress up a little smarter and enjoy a little more luxury. It has sure become one of our staple restaurants, even though it uses 2 credits.
Our Score 4.5/5
Is it worth the money? Yes, absolutely.
Is it worth 2 dining credits? Yes, absolutely.
Join the Mickey From The UK email club & never miss any of our Disney content
Tick the box to confirm you want to opt into our emails
(Your email will never be shared, sold or spammed as outlined in our privacy policy. Only Disney goodness you'll receive.)
Direct Link:
HTML Link: Click the text box above which will highlight, and then copy/paste the link.
All Disneyland Paris packages bookings made by 2nd April 2023 will receive a FREE crossing with P&O Ferries when you arrive between 1st April and 30th September 2023.
Benefits of Coming by C... Read more >
The 30th anniversary continues... and the magic is shining brighter than ever! It's time to dream bigger, laugh louder and smile wider as the 30th Anniversary continues until the 30th September, ... Read more >
Disney PhotoPass has announced a new "Video Memories" feature built into the My Disney Experience app. It takes your PhotoPass photos and creates videos for you to share. Video Memories is availa... Read more >
Disney has announced that on May 14th, 2023, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT will resume serving breakfast and lunch. The princess meet & greet restaurant reopened for dinner at the end of 2... Read more >
Can you claim a Blue Light Card (NHS) discount on your Disneyland Paris holiday? Yes, you can! However, you must book your Disneyland Paris package through the Walt Disney Travel Company UK (bet... Read more >
Do Walt Disney World offer a Blue Light Card (NHS) discount? Yes, they do! If you book your Walt Disney World package through the Walt Disney Travel Company UK (better known as Disney Holidays) ... Read more >
Starting today March 20th, guests who purchase Genie+ will receive the ability to save attraction photos at no additional charge for that day. However, the news isn't that exciting for Brits as M... Read more >
As previously announced, TRON soft openings begin today March 20th through April 2nd. Guests must use a virtual queue to get an opportunity to experience the attraction, or they can purchase a Li... Read more >
Disneyland Paris has announced that AVIS has come become their Official Partner in the Car Rental category for the next 5 years. Avis is a leading global rental car provider, with four distinct b... Read more >
TRON - the newest attraction at the Magic Kingdom - fully opens April 4th. However, guests who are at the Magic Kingdom between March 20th and April 2nd will get the opportunity to ride early dur... Read more >
