Fine Dining at Disney World? California Grill Review
During our recent kid-free trip to Disney World, we stayed at the Contemporary Resort. We knew we wanted to plan a special evening out and get a reservation at one of the Best Disney Resort Restaurants. Read our honest review of California Grill at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort.
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The Atmosphere
California Grill is located on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort. When you arrive for your Reservation you will head to the 2nd Floor to check in. You can check in on the My Disney Experience app once you arrive or check in with a Cast Member and wait for your table. When it is your turn, you will be escorted up to the rooftop restaurant in a private elevator that is only used exclusively for California Grill.
When we were brought to our table, I was impressed by the grand views. You could easily see Magic Kingdom, Cinderella’s Castle, Space Mountain, and Seven Seas Lagoon. The views were really impressive.
The Menu
When we dined at California Grill in April of 2023, they offer a 3-course prix fixe menu which included:
- One appetizer
- One entrée
- One dessert
Because this was a special occasion we didn’t mind paying a premium for the prix fix menu. It allowed us to try a variety of food that we likely would not have ordered otherwise.
The Bread Service
One thing I’ve noticed at some Disney Restaurants is that they often have a unique (and extra delicious!) bread service before your meal. At California Grill, the bread service includes an olive oil dip with green onions and tomato.
Before your date night, why not take a stroll through one of my favorite parks, Animal Kingdom, and find out why we think you shouldn’t skip Animal Kingdom on your trip to Disney World? Read the post here.
Appetizers
Because of the prix fixe menu, we were able to enjoy two appetizers before our meal. We chose the black truffle pizza and Sonoma goat cheese ravioli. Both were divine!
Black Truffle Pizza
The portion of this appetizer is very generous. We both loved the truffle flavor and thin potatoes. Unfortunately, it looks like they have replaced this with the
Stone Fruit and Burrata Pizza, which to be honest also sounds delicious! Be sure to check the Disney Website for updates on the menu before you go.
The Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli
I already knew which appetizer I wanted to order before we even arrived. I am always doing my research ahead of time and reading/watching reviews. This appetizer was a favorite for several of my favorite Disney YouTubers so I knew I had to give it a try.
The Sonoma goat cheese ravioli is a Basil-Saffron pasta filled with goat cheese filling, served in a Tomato Broth with a Mushroom Ragoût and Fennel.
This. Was. Delicious! I would order it again in a heartbeat!
Drinks
Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini
While we are not big drinkers, we do enjoy a beverage or cocktail now and then. I ordered the Blueberry Lemondrop Martini and it was divine! The martini was made with Blueberry Vodka, Lemon, and Pomegranate Juices, and had a sugared rim. This was the perfect light beverage to slowly sip during our dinner.
The Entrees
Oak Fried Filet of Beef
I ordered the Filet, and I was not disappointed! It was served with Brown Butter Chateau Potatoes, Braised Carrots, Carrot Romesco, Cabernet Veal Jus. It was cooked perfectly and every bite was delicious.
Cast Iron Grilled Pork Tenderloin
My husband, Kevin ordered the grilled pork tenderloin. It was served over Goat Cheese Polenta with Forest Mushrooms, Lacquered Pork Belly, Root Spinach, Corn, and a Zinfandel Glaze. I was able to try a bite and it was so good!
Dessert
We did order two different desserts, however, I only snapped a picture of one, the Valrhona Ganache Tart. You can’t go wrong with a creamy torte, this one was made with Coffee Cream, Praline Crunch, Salted Caramel, and Cocoa Nibs. It was the perfect treat to slowly enjoy while watching the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from our table.
Kevin enjoyed the Peanut Butter Banana Torte as well.
Fireworks from the California Grill Restaurant
We made sure to plan our reservation around before the Happily Ever After Fireworks (which had finally returned!). I scheduled our reservations for around 7:45, hoping that we would be able to enjoy dessert during the fireworks. This worked out perfectly.
California Grill offers a rooftop terrace that you can use to watch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. If you had an earlier dinner at California Grill, hang onto your receipt. You are welcome to come back in the evening to watch the fireworks from the roof if you would like.
We actually had a nice view of the fireworks from our table so we didn’t feel like we needed to go outside to see them. We enjoyed our dessert while watching from our table.
The Cost of Dining at California Grill
California Grill is one of the most expensive places to eat at Disney World. This was a huge splurge for us!
The Adult price for the Prix Fixe dinner is $90 a person, not including tax and gratuity. The children’s price for 3-9-year-olds is $39 per child not including tax and gratuity.
California Gill is included in the Disney Dining Plan. You will need to use 2 Dining credits at this Signature restaurant. Find out all of the details and cost. Read the post HERE.
Important things to remember before making your reservation
Dress Codes Are Enforced:
Guests are expected to dress appropriately for this fine dining experience. This simply means no worn, torn, or casual clothing. Men should wear jeans, slacks, or dress shorts with a collared shirt. Jackets are optional. Ladies are expected to wear skirts, dresses, capris, nicer jeans, or dress shorts and a nice top. They do not allow any tank tops, hats, bathing suits/coverups.
Reservations
Reservations are a must and can be hard to get. Be sure to log in right at your 60-day window and make reservations if possible.
Prix Fixe Menu Only
Currently, California Grill only offers their prix fixe menu, which means you are unable to order a la carte. You may be able to order from a small a la carte menu at the lounge (see below.)
Lounge Seating is Available but Very Limited
If you are lucky you might be able to score a walk-up spot at the lounge although it is very limited and first come first served. The menu varies so check Disney’s website before you go.
Canceling Your Reservation
Reservation Cancellations or changes must be made at least 2 hours prior to your reservation or you will be charged a per-person fee. Read more about this policy on the Disney website
Come Back for the Fireworks
If you dined at California Grill earlier in the evening, be sure to save your receipt. You are welcome to return to the rooftop terrace to watch the evening fireworks as long as you have your receipt. (They will only honor receipts from the same day.)
Parking:
If you are not already staying at the Contemporary Resort, you can take advantage of the resort’s free parking as long as you have a dining reservation.
In Conclusion: Was it Wonderful? Our rating
Out of all of the dining we have done at Disney World, California Grill has made it to the top of the list. This is 100% based on the phenomenal food and first-class service. It was truly a fantastic dining experience, I’m sure we will be back.
Find out more about Disney World’s California Grill Restaurant at the Disney World Website HERE.
