We have dined several times at California Grill but wanted to try the lounge. We went straight to the check in desk at 5pm and were excited to find out they had available seats at the bar. They assign you your seat and two bartenders work together to take your order - this was the only con as there were probably 12 of us at the bar and only two of them, so when it's your turn to order, be ready otherwise you may be waiting a bit! The best thing about eating at the bar is that you can order a la carte from the prix-fix menu and they also offer a variety of small bites as well. We had the short rib wontons and the spicy kazan roll off the bar menu- both were excellent with great flavors. For drinks the bartender made me the Blackberry sour as a mocktail and it was so delicious and fresh! My husband enjoyed the Sonoma Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned. We really loved this meal and watching the Florida sunset while we ate. You can't beat the views of Magic Kingdom from here and this is one of my favorite spots to watch the fireworks! read more

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Ever since they started requiring you to get a fixed menu in the dining area we always try to get seats at the bar where everything is still a la carte. Matt waited on us and made some awesome drinks. Ordered lots of good food and it was all amazing. Stepped out at 10 to watch the fireworks then called it a night. Always a good time. read more

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Second time in California Grill-an upscale restaurant in Disney... Very memorable experience if you get a chance to dine there- make a reservation 30-90 days an advance to get a better time spot to catch up Magic Kingdom fireworks, which started at 9.30 pm everyday (weather permitted) We got 9pm dinner time (too late for my dinner meal, but-no choice). Our waiter Jay brought us drinks right in time to catch up fireworks from the terrace! Fantastic view ! We were lucky-no rain, gorgeous evening. Menu in California Grill is excellent! So many choices! $89 for 3course meal of your choice... I ordered Barbecued American Eel roll as appetizer, which was very interesting...Plancha -Seared Scallops-as Entrée with beets gnocchi- melted in the mouth; perfectly cooked. My desert choice- Caramel-Cappuccino Cake- (see the picture with the lips shape cake)- was the delightful finish of the whole evening... and at the end-Jay brought us a special gift - chocolate /raspberry cake )awe the 3rs picture) -we just tried it, were soo full -took all the cakes (half left) as leftovers... couldn't finish it... Vine list is big. We tasted a few vines, with Jay help picked what we liked... Thank you, Jay! Another tip-come 2hrs earlier-to ride a monorails/ferry. We parked the car by the Contemporary Hotel parking lot, took a Monorails from there (Monorails stop)... just for a ride around, then switch to Ferry... Ferry brought us to the other part of the lake, we took Monorail again-1stop- and we arrived back to the Hotel. Monorails and Ferry -free. Parking also free if you have a reservation.. read more

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After visiting multiple resorts and theme parks at Walt Disney World in Orlando for over 30 years, my wife and I finally booked dinner (Window Table 701, Check Number 1-314) at the California Grill restaurant at the top of Disney's Contemporary Resort on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at 7:55PM EDT. Our server, Jay, provided flawless, impeccable service that complemented the wonderful food (His: Sushi Surf & Turf, Filet Mignon with Scallops, Flourless Chocolate Cake; Hers: Goat Cheese Ravioli, Pork Tenderloin, Cheesecake) and spectacular Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing that provided a memorable experience. Total price (including 2 drinks each and tip) was $369.27... yes, it's pricey, but totally worth it for us. read more

The pre fix menu has really ruined this restaurant for us. We use to go the every trip 2 times. Please get rid of the pre fix menu. read more

This review is for the lounge/bar seating at California Grill. This is located in the Contemporary resort on the 14th floor. The view here is beyond magical and gives you a wide eye view of Magic Kingdom, and the surrounding resorts. We will definitely have to come back here to have an actual dinner, which is a price fix meal and definitely on the higher end. This restaurant 100% needs a reservation BUT if you want to sit at the bar, you have the opportunity to do that. The check in desk is located on the 4th floor, you would go to the check in desk and ask if there are any bar seating available. Based on how busy they are you might be able to get in or you might need to wait a little bit. The first time we had to wait about 20 minutes and the second time we got in immediately. It really depends on the busiest of the bar. Once you get called you take the elevator to the top floor, the 14th floor and again are greeted by more cast members. They have your name on the ticket and will take you to the bar for your seat. The bar is pretty long and has about 20-25 seats. They do have a completely full bar with beer, wine, and all the liquors. Their wine list is pretty extensive as well. They have a few specialty drinks as well. The first time we went here my wife had Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini(Three Olives Blueberry Vodka, Lemon and Pomegranate Juices, Sugared Rim) She absolutely love lemon drop martini and adding the blueberry was a nice added touch. This last time she had the Icewine Martini(Belvedere Vodka, Inniskillin Vidal Icewine, Flame Raisins on the Vine)She thought it was so delicious and just a pretty drink. I ordered the Sonoma Maple Bourbon Old Fashioned both times.(Sonoma Distilling Co. Bourbon, Vanilla Maple Syrup, Angostura Bitters and Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries with an Orange Twist) Simply put... delicious drink. I love the vanilla maple syrup, it's definitely different addition to a classic drink. In addition to the drinks they have a small bar menu featuring food. They had a few sushi rolls, a charcutier board, pizza and then my absolute personal favorite, the braised short rib wontons. These came with 4 steamed wontons stuffed with braised beef. I literally cannot tell you how wonderful these were. I would actually go back here day after day just to order these. They had so much flavor, were cooked perfectly and were just absolutely delicious. They also had a special our bartender told us we could order. This was a goat cheese ravioli. This was one giant ravioli and was full of goat cheese with a broth over the top and a specialty mushroom. This was also delicious; my only wish was it had more than one ravioli. It was a very large ravioli, but it was so good, and I was sharing with my wife that I wanted more. I think we ordered well! If you order food, they also ask if you want the bread service, which is homemade sourdough bread served with a tomato jam and olive oil. This was really good, but the bread was a little hard and cold. I would have preferred warm bread, but I understand that they probably make large batches, so they are ready to go. All in all this is a fantastic place. If I am basing this off appetizers and drinks, I cannot even imagine how amazing the meal would be. We will definitely be making reservations next time for dinner. There is a thought that children are not allowed here but that is not true. For the price, I personally would not be bringing children but we are also at Walt Disney World. I would expect to see children here. I'm sure the price is different and have children's friendly items for the little ones. It is a little fancier, so they do encourage you to dress up and I did not see one person in shorts or jeans. I really feel the views, the food, the drinks really make this a fantastic place to dine. Even if you are not there during firework time, you can come back and go out to the patio deck. Just keep your receipt.Even if you just sat at the bar, you can come back and utilize the rooftop viewing of Magic Kingdom fireworks. This is a must stop!!! read more

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Get prepared to be controlled from the moment you make the reservation, to when parking your car, when entering the hotel and trying to use an elevator to get to the restaurant. The ultimate surprise is when you sit at the table and you look at the menu and you see no menu prices. Looking more carefully at the menu you will find a tiny note at the top showing the price is fixed at $89 no matter what you order. I wasn't expecting to be treated like the poor Disney World vacationers who pay an exorbitant fee to stand in line all day. This was just a fixed fee because I'm at Disney World. All the items on the menu were to be chosen as one appetizer, one entree and a dessert. Drinks were excluded, of course. But ice water was included. The meal was very small portions. Looking around it seemed astounding that everybody there was leaving at least $100 behind. Next time I'll just sit at the bar and have one sushi for $26. Other than the ambience, this place is overpriced and overrated and California pizza is no longer on the menu. It would be hard to justify a $89 personal pizza. read more

This was the ultimate experience for fine dining. I would rate this as one of the top 10 meals I have ever had. We checked in and when called an elevator took us to the 15th floor. Our reservation was at 9:50, we were seated at a table next to the window to view the fireworks show from Magic Kingdom, had an option to view from outdoor terrace. They dimed the lights and ported sound into the restaurant when the fireworks started. What an experience. Our waiter Walter was such a gentleman, cheerfully brought orange and mint for our water, I later ordered a tasty Old Fashioned. Orange and mint is a baseline for what I tip, I like to drink lots of water. We chose from the 50th Anniversary Celebration Menu Cascade Roll Tuna, Salmon and Hamachi Poke, Jicama, Cucumber, Yuzu-Avocado Purée, Masago Arare, Soy Gel California Grill Sushi Classic Trip Blue Crab California Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Spicy Kazan Roll Very good, beautiful plating. Florida Black Grouper Herbed basmati rice, cashew chutney, bok choy, baby shitake, green curry-coconut nage a stock flavored with vegetables, white wine and herbs. I wanted to try something new, Walter suggested this. I have never had grouper before, it is a meaty white fish. I am not normally a fan of chutney however the cashew chutney with the green curry-coconut nage was a parade of new delicious flavors for me, this was the star of the meal. Oak Fired Filet of Beef Brown butter Chateau potatoes, San Juaquin Valley asparagus, Golden Raison Vinaigrette, Roasted tomato butter. Ordered medium rare, it came cold. Walter ordered another one immediately and it was a lot bigger and cooked perfectly. I have had many filets in my life, this is the best I have ever had. Earidescent Grand Marnier Crème Brulee Pineapple-Mango compote, hibiscus textures, toasted coconut, white chocolate. Crème brulee is my go-to dessert, a little boring maybe, but my favorite ice cream is vanilla. This dessert took it to another level. Lavender Sugar Doughnuts Coconut frozen dessert, blueberry gin jam, pistachio crumble This was amazing, never thought a doughnut could be so good. Walter comped us Cava wine from Spain, my wife does not drink so I had two glasses lucky me. Big kudos to Chef de Cuisine Robby Sayles. Service a 10 - Walter was gentleman and witty. Ambiance at 10 - see the fireworks Food at 10 - Chef de Cuisine Robby Sayles is the man, dishes plated beautifully. California Grill exceeds the hype, we will return. read more

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I would give California Grill Lounge a solid 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars. As with pretty much every Disney restaurant, the service is *top notch.* The view from up here is the best in all of WDW, and possibly the best in the entire state. The drink selection and quality are both outstanding. However, I would say that the food does not stand up to the quality of offerings at the other WDW "signature" restaurants we've eaten at, or even some of the resort's moderate restaurants. I would still recommend eating here, but more for the view than anything else. You probably first heard about California Grill because of its famous view. And, yes, that view is absolutely stunning. Not only is the sweeping vista that stretches from the Polynesian across Bay Lake to the Magic Kingdom one of the most beautiful sights any Disney fan can lay their eyes on, but the unique vantage point is an absolutely fascinating look into some of the "backstage" workings of the park. Every Disney fanatic owes it to themselves to eat at California Grill (including the Lounge) at least once just for the view (you would also be crazy not to stay or come back for Happily Ever After). So, don't let my review of the food stop you from doing that. Just know you may be a bit underwhelmed by what's on your plate. We chose the California Grill "Lounge" over the "restaurant" for two reasons: it's easier to "walk in" and eat here, and it's potentially cheaper if you don't order a full dinner (which you won't be expected to do, unlike in the restaurant). We arrived around 6:00pm on a Saturday night and had no problem getting a table by a window. By some measurements, the Lounge actually offers a better view than much of the restaurant's tables: even at the bar, every Lounge seat has a great view of the Magic Kingdom. Service was standard Disney: quick, thoughtful, attentive, and friendly. Our drinks came out quickly and tasted great. The menu at the Lounge is exactly the same as the restaurant, which is a nice benefit. We ordered a pizza and a charcuterie plate. Along with the bread and olive oil, it was more than enough food for a meal considering we had only eaten lunch 3 hours earlier. While the quantity of the food was ample, the taste was...mediocre. The bread did not taste super fresh and olive oil was a bit harsh tasting (it had some unidentifiable herbs in it). The pizza was about what I would expect to find at a sit down pizza chain: nothing special. The charcuterie plate was also so/so: while we liked a couple of the options on it, we ended up leaving a couple as well. One great benefit to eating at either the restaurant or the Lounge is that you can come back around 9:00pm with your receipt to watch "Happily Ever After" from one of the outdoor decks next to the restaurant, complete with the music, which is piped in and synced with the show. After grabbing a quick Dole Whip from the Polynesian for desert, we headed back and enjoyed the show from high atop the Contemporary Resort. Come for the service, come for the drinks, and definitely come for the view...but don't expect to be overly impressed by the food. read more

Shrinkflation has really hit this establishment, the appetizers are very small. They have gotten smaller in the past three months. The entries are very good and the signature cocktails also are very good. The view of Magic Kingdom is great and the service is efficient and professional. read more

California Grill Lounge - New American Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Great place! Menu very well though out. Large place with vibrant colors and a view of Lake Buena Vista.

The California Grill on the top floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort is an excellent, top-notch, very expensive restaurant with good service. Some tables have a view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. We enjoyed our two white-tablecloth dinners there. I thought the food was better than at these sit down restaurants: the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom, La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot and the Brown Derby Hollywood Studios. One night I had very tasty sea bass and a soup. We shared some very good (and pretty) desserts. I can't recall what I ate the other night. Adjacent to the California Grill is a very narrow rooftop outdoor viewing platform from which restaurant guests (and perhaps hotel guests?) can view the Magic Kingdom fireworks. It might be 50 yards long and 20 feet wide. There are bannisters so it is safe for all ages. read more

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When in Disney World, I like to check out the magic kingdom fireworks whilst I eat an expensive, yet delicious, dinner. This spot checks all the boxes I require. The 50th anniversary menu selection is pretty comprehensive, so you can have your sushi for an appetizer and have your steak for your main. The dessert selection is eclectic, as the dessert is ordered focused on the historic desserts throughout Disney's storied past chef creations. I'll be back, as I always do. read more

Incredible experience at the California Grill Lounge. We arrived right when they opened to ensure we'd be able to be accommodated upstairs without having prior reservations. Our bartender Jose was on point. I started with the Honig Cabernet (From a small, family-owned winery in Napa) and had my favorite dish there, the goat cheese ravioli. read more

California Grill Lounge - Honig Cab with their signature appetizer, goat cheese ravioli. both amazing. - New American Near Me - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

DO NOT MISS THIS. This place was the absolute highlight of our honeymoon (outside of Disney Firework show of course). The Service was amazing. Our server was extremely attentive and nice. He even pulled us aside at the end of our dinner and led us to a phone which had Micky Mouse congratulating us on the wedding. As for the Food: We had the three course dinner. I had the Lobster Bisque, Sea Bass, and a Chocolate Torte. The Bisque was the best I've ever had. The bass was extremely fresh and perfectly cooked. The desert was delicious. I also had the wine pairings with the dinner. I received three full glasses of wine for $34 I believe. The price of each individual wine would have been significantly higher than doing the guided tasting. Overall, this place is amazing. I will never not schedule a night at the California Grill for any future Disney Trips. read more

Top notch service by a lovely blonde lady! Amazing food with fresh product The view of the vastly was outstanding! The filet mignon was superb! Nice selection of wine The dessert was wonderful and very tasty do not miss the crème brûle with lemon and the banana caramel bar! A GEM read more

Hung out here on my most recent trip to WDW, and absolutely recommend it. It is first-come first-served, so be prepared to possibly wait, but the bar is large, so it seats a fair number. I only had to wait maybe 5-10 minutes before going up. I've eaten at the Grill many times, but don't like the way that they've made it a forced Pre Fixe menu, so bar it was this trip. The service, food, and drinks were all amazing, and exactly what you'd expect for a fine dining experience. I had a Manhattan, Pizza, sushi, and a beer, and all were superb. Plus you get to watch the fireworks from the MK! My only complaint is that Disney management needs to actually enforce the dress code. I like to dress up, so wore a jacket and tie, but at the very least I believe they require a collared shirt, and nicer shorts or slacks, and I saw several people not adhering to this. It's disrespectful to those of us who do follow it, as well as the restaurant, plus it also shows a lack of self-respect. That aside, definitely do the Grill's Lounge on your next visit to WDW, 10 out of 10! read more

Stunning setting and incredible food. The Vietnamese noodles are simply awesome. Service also phenomenal. And no better setting to watch the fireworks over the nearby Disney castle. Ask for a window seat or just go out onto the roof. (Really is worth the two dining plan credits if you're using it) Cannot fault it. Amazing read more

Love Love this restaurant Have been coming here for many years even before it was the California Grill. But tonight was very special We were celebrating my husband's birthday. It was so important to me that it was special for him. And again the California Grill came through. I requested a table to see the fireworks and I was put at a table that was the best. The food was amazing. but even better the service with a waitress named Shannon. all her recommendations were spot on. she was so friendly and made our night so magical. She even recommended us to come to the brunch on Sunday and was able to get us reservations. This is why we are DVC members since 1991 because of people like Shannon. Thanks Shannon for making my husbands birthday so special. read more

Went here for my anniversary dinner with my boyfriend during Disney's 50th anniversary special. The atmosphere in the restaurant is great, and very sophisticated. My boyfriend and I were able to sit at a window seat where we could see the Disney castle and the fireworks show they do nightly, which was very nice. However, for a 3 course meal at a fixed price of 90$ per person, I was not heavily impressed with the food that was served. The food was displayed well, but the taste was not as well done. filet I had was not well cooked to medium rare as I asked for, and the quality of the dessert was not impressive for what was given. However, the overall experience was mostly fine, and we still were able to have a nice evening here. read more

California grill is super hard to get last min reservations for (almost impossible) so instead go to the California grill lounge! It has the same exact menu but way more relaxed and you can sit by the window and see the 9pm show! Seats are first come first serve so if you're lucky and get there at a good time just find a table and sit right down. The food there is truly phenomenal. I also had a DELISH drink our waiter recommended. There's an edible flower in it and it's very elegant and tastes like spring. The sushi is SO FRESH, my entire family agreed that it was the best sushi we have ever had. This was my favorite meal in Disney so if you can't get a reservation don't fret!!! Leave some spare time in case you have to wait for someone to get up and go on up there and experiment the deliciousness that is CALI GRILL!!! read more

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