Why You Should Dine at Disney’s California Grill

Privately nestled atop the 15^th floor of the famed Contemporary Resort (the one with the monorail running right through it) you will find Disney’s hidden dining treasure: California Grill. When you’re dining atop this stunning architectural marvel you feel truly fantastic looking at the illuminated backdrop of Cinderella’s castle, Space Mountain, and Tron.

Most people who visit Walt Disney World never end up making reservations here at California Grill – and that’s a good thing for the rest of us; word hasn’t gotten out to the masses that this is one of the best restaurant experiences throughout all of WDW.

While looking down at all of the people and buses bustling below make sure to stop and take a moment to appreciate how calming it is to be high up in such a serene and tranquil space relative to such a busy location (i.e. near Magic Kingdom).

When you arrive at the check-in desk all the way back on the second floor, it is rather exciting to be led to a private elevator exclusive to this restaurant. The host/hostess instructs you to go all the way up to the top floor, and when the doors open it transforms into a hip, modern wine cellar.

Followed by this dazzling array of international wine bottles is a chic, upscale bar and lovely, open-style dining room that almost makes you feel like you’re no longer on Disney property. The fabulous vibe here teleports you to Seattle or Times Square, somewhere high up in the sky where you feel like you’re in a tower overlooking the city. A host or hostess then leads you to a perfect location for your dining table. Assuredly, there isn’t a bad seat in the house: incredible views abound.

Service

The waitstaff here is all very experienced, with impeccable timing and the ability to offer great suggestions for each course if you are like us and you are a little unsure about what to order. Please be mindful that it’s a pre-fixe menu which means that there is a set price and each guest chooses his/her own appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The bread service here is very good. Their rolls are quite obviously homemade, the butter is soft, and the olive oil with roasted garlic is a tasty treat before your appetizer.

Food

If you have never dined in an upscale or fine dining restaurant you may see something different than your expectation. There is a lot of art in the plating of these dishes, and flavors are meant to go together subtly. As a result, portions will be smaller than in a typical casual dining restaurant at Disney. If you have a big appetite, and you don’t care about an upscale atmosphere, and are looking to feel full after your meal we suggest you try Steakhouse 71 in the same building on the first floor (it’s excellent). While at California Grill you are in a fine dining restaurant, and as such each course is more of a presentation of perfectly executed dishes, rather than a battle of trying to put as much food as possible on your plate like at some of the buffet options at Disney.

The appetizers, entrees, dessert, and even free bread service are all multi-dimensional in their flavors and exoticness. Above this is a picture of their Sonoma goat cheese raviolo. Following that is their spectacular barbecue American eel roll with dragon sauce. Pictured after that is the surf & turf roll with shrimp tempura and blue crab yuzu salad.

Considering the complexity of these delicious dishes the portions are completely reasonable for the price. Some of the same menu options can be found at a local family restaurant in your hometown or city, but here every item is made bit-by-bit from scratch – the beautiful medley of flavors makes that evident. Additionally, if you like wine they do a wonderful job of pairing glasses with your courses and explaining why they chose their selections.

There is quite a nice selection to choose from regarding your main entrée, including a cast iron-grilled pork tenderloin, Plancha-seared sea scallops, Wagyu strip loin, seared lamb tenderloin, squash gnocchi, and oak-grilled filet of beef. There are also excellent dessert choices including lemon mousse and olive oil poppy seed cake, white chocolate and vanilla bean mousse, caramel mouse and apple spiced cake, and chocolate-hazelnut tart. Please note that the desserts change periodically, as do the sides that come with the chef’s selection of entrees.

Conclusion

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a wonderful dining experience for anyone who is looking for a classy, quiet ambience that is a step above most restaurants at Walt Disney World (and outside of Disney). The scenery overlooking Magic Kingdom is alluring, the chef’s creations are refreshingly different, and the ability to watch Disney’s fireworks show while enjoying fine dining is an experience everyone needs to try. This is the perfect location to surprise a loved one on an anniversary, for a birthday party, or during any other special event that’s meaningful. Do your future self a favor and make a reservation at California Grill today by reaching out to Ascension Nexus Travel!