To sum it up: great atmosphere, solid food, excellent shakes, and consistently good service…read more Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater can get busy, and reservations are sometimes difficult to secure because it's one of the more popular restaurants on Disney property. The menu is mostly burgers, sandwiches, pasta, and rotating specialty items. I've been visiting for several years, and it's a must-do for us. They usually offer a special burger and shake, although I still miss the ribs they used to serve. The atmosphere is what truly makes this restaurant special. You begin behind the scenes of a movie production and are then escorted by your carhop into a drive-in theater. The area is designed to look like nighttime, complete with city lights surrounding the theater. The most sought-after seats are the cars with bench seating, which can accommodate about two people per row. Larger parties may still be seated in a car-themed area, but they'll typically have regular tables attached to the front and rear sections of a vehicle. If you don't have a reservation, you may be seated at circular tables with umbrellas. Those provide more space, but they aren't nearly as immersive. The car benches have small built-in lights, which are helpful for reading the menu without ruining the atmosphere. The movie screen plays old B-movie trailers, drive-in commercials, and classic Walt Disney science-fiction cartoons. The program loops after about an hour, but since I've visited many times, I'm probably more aware of that than most guests. The food is consistently good, and you can't go wrong with the burgers. On my most recent visit, I tried the appetizer sampler, which included fried pickles, wings, and queso. The wings were excellent. I also ordered an alcoholic chocolate shake, but after sharing the appetizer and a sandwich, I was already dangerously full. My dining companion and I often share meals because the portions are filling. If you're hungry and skipping the appetizer, though, I recommend ordering individually. The service has always been excellent--exactly what I've come to expect from Disney. I've visited more than eight times and, with a reservation, have never waited longer than 10 minutes to be seated. I haven't tried dessert because I'm usually so full that I feel like I'm going to burst, especially back when they offered those ribs. I plan to try the house-made Sci-Fi Candy Bar on my next visit, as I've heard great things about it. Prices are reasonable for Disney, and annual passholder discounts are accepted. The restaurant can be a little difficult to find if you're unfamiliar with the park. It's next to ABC Commissary, down the wide walkway near the Chinese Theater. Once you're almost at the theater entrance, look to your left, find ABC Commissary, and follow the walkway down until you see the restaurant. Sci-Fi Dine-In is fun for the whole family and offers an experience you won't get anywhere else at Disney. Reservations are strongly recommended.

This is a spot my son has asked to visit twice. My review is after our 2nd visit and I'm writing it…read morebecause both times were incredibly frustrating. Both visits I made a reservation. Both visits I waited almost 1 hour for my reservation to be honored. No apologies. Nothing to accommodate. (Keep in mind if I had shown that late they would have given my table away). Once sat I was really irritated to see a half empty room. The table beside me was sleeping in the booth. No one was moving them along. No one. Once they actually left it took 10 minutes for the tale to be cleaned and another 10 before another reservation was sat. The lobby was still full of reservations not being honored though. The wait staff was OK both times. They go through the motions; food is slow to come out. We were checked on once. No area leader in sight to check on people. There's a whole park outside and stopping here on two separate occasions has put my planned time at the park in jeopardy. At this point, I won't be back. And if you have plans in the park, consider NOT eating here.

Overall 5/5: Pleasantly surprised by this place. Great food, even better service, relaxing…read moreambiance, and free souvenirs! The closest you'd get to a formal dining experience and non-fast food inside a theme park. Please make reservations cause the wait will be so long and in the heat. Food 5/5: We only ordered from their limited time "Eastern Delights" menu. Got the Vietnamese Shaking Beef, partner got the Bulgogi Chicken Bowl, and the Frostbite (non-alcoholic). - Vietnamese Shaking Beef 5/5: Perfectly cooked. Soft, tender, chewy udon noodles. Beef was served in cubes. Seared on outside, medium-done. Dish was slightly sweet. Authentic? No. But delicious? Yes. Wish the portion size was bigger. - Bulgogi Chicken Bowl 4/5: Large portion size. Chicken was tender/juicy. Not the best bibimbap I've had (of course compared to NYC) but not bad at all. - Frostbite 4/5: Basically a creamy sprite. Refreshing as any cold carbonated drink would be. Wouldn't be missing out if you didn't try this BUT you get the free duck and light-up cup. Can't say no to free souvenirs. Service 5/5: Our waiter was really nice and frequently checked in with us to make sure everything was to our liking. Ambiance 5/5: Warm relaxing atmosphere. We were seated in the recess area on the 2nd flood so it was quieter than the center of the restaurant. Place was spacious. A nice air-conditioned escape from the 90F, drizzling, weather outside.

I was craving some warm samosas and delicious vegetarian momos while visiting Napa last week, so I…read moresearched for Nepali food and came across this place. What a fantastic find! The food was absolutely amazing. I started with the momos and samosas, paired with a Nepali beer, and the combination truly hit the spot. For the main course, I ordered dal, aloo gobhi, chicken curry, and naan. One thing I really appreciated was that they asked about my preferred spice level. I requested my aloo gobhi extra spicy, and they customized it perfectly to my liking. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The service was friendly, and the attention to detail made the experience even better. Love, love, love this place! I'll definitely be back whenever I'm in Napa again. Highly recommended for anyone craving authentic Nepali food!

I was skeptical that a hotel restaurant can be this good, but this place did not disappoint. You…read moreget a 3-course prix fixe dinner. The menu rotates occasionally. I chose the spicy kazan roll for app, pork tenderloin for main, and a creme brulee for dessert. Others at my table got the flatbread with duck, so I was able to try some of that too. Spicy kazan roll can be seen as a bit basic (and it doesn't rival some of the amazing CA sushi), but it's like getting 2 entrees with the sushi and pork tenderloin, so can't complain there. Pork was perfectly cooked and I loved the goat cheese polenta, gave the creamy polenta a complex flavor. Creme brulee was so rich and custardy delicious. I couldn't finish this one, but I'm glad I tried it. Ambiance cannot be beat. The window view is beautiful, and it's delightful to see a castle right outside.

Coco Chanel is famous for saying, "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least…read moreone thing off." I believe the culinary world could take this advice with plates at the pass. Look at it, take one thing off. This is especially true for the California Grill atop Disney's first WDW hotel, the Contemporary Resort. In a world of micro-greens, pea purée, "summer sauces" and 8-10 other ingredients on a single plate, removing one might make the best difference--and wouldn't be missed! Service 5 stars (thanks, Jim!), plating 4 stars, taste 2 stars (avoid the surf and turf--very "fishy" and had to be replaced with the ravioli), timing and temperature 2 stars (pork was a bit under and the goat cheese polenta was cold). And don't make the mistake I did in getting 2 dishes with goat cheese, "Ugh!" I loved the idea of a fresh, seasonal, fusion menu, but this meal was way oversold. At $99/person (plus enhancements, think $10/scallop), this 3-course meal just seriously missed the mark. If this review required a title, it would be "Over-complicated," all the way down to the unnecessary white chocolate disc under the crème brûlée (for the love of all that is sweet, why??). First and last for me at California Grill.