California Grill – WDWNT Archive

REVIEW: California Grill’s “Celebration at the Top” Debuts, But Does It Sip, Savor, and Sparkle $123 Worth?

WDWNT on March 6, 2017

Announced just over a week ago, the Celebration at the Top event offered at the California Grill on top floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort debuted last night. Here is Disney’s description of the event…

Join us for an intimate event that celebrates fine food and fireworks.

Highlights

Experience the flavors of the Pacific Coast—and enjoy a dazzling fireworks display—during Celebration at the Top, a special event held in the private Sonoma Room and Napa Room of California Grill.

Here, you can relax, unwind and savor light bites and refreshments for one hour prior to the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Culinary offerings include:

Canapés, sushi and small plates inspired by the California Grill menu
Libations from the complimentary bar offering California wines, beers, and cordials.
As showtime approaches, step out onto the intimate and private observation deck reserved just for Celebration at the Top Guests. Here, you can enjoy an incredible view of the Wishes nighttime spectacular—the biggest and brightest fireworks in Magic Kingdom history. The lights will dim as music is piped into California Grill—so you’ll be immersed in the magic of the night.

After fireworks, head back inside to enjoy a sweet spread of petit four desserts, cordials and coffee.

Location

Celebration at the Top is held in the Sonoma Room and the Napa Room at California Grill, an award-winning restaurant located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. These private rooms are ideal for intimate events, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and connecting to an exclusive observation deck—where you can enjoy sweeping views of Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom park.

Parking

For your convenience, complimentary valet parking is included with this event.

Pricing and Reservations

Start planning for an unforgettable evening. Explore pricing and reservation details for Celebration at the Top:

Pricing: $99 plus gratuity and tax per person

Dates: Held on select Sundays through April

Reservations: Book online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463

Please note that the Wishes nighttime spectacular may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

So, Sunday, February 26th, 2017 was the first event, and we went to see just how good it would be. Mind you, the actual price of the event after tax and gratuity was roughly $123.00. Can you get your value out of an even that high in price? Let’s find out.

Check in took place starting at 6:30pm near the California Grill check-in desk, with the rooms upstairs opening for the event at 6:45PM sharp. I thought this was nice as it gave us 15 minutes to go and enjoy the view from the balcony before beginning our experience.

I honestly haven’t dined at California Grill since the week it reopened a few years back. Then again, I’ve never been a big fan. The views are unparalleled, but the food has typically disappointed me.

Regardless, it could not have been a prettier evening with nicer weather.

Once 6:45pm rolled around, we were invited into a private room with seating. The observation deck for the event was open if you wanted to go out there, but we wanted to start making the most of our time here with food and drink.

There were assigned seats last night, but we were told this would change moving forward. The views from here were nice and I thought it was a pleasant atmosphere. The tables were spaced out nicely and the event did not feel too overcrowded (maybe at the start of food service, but otherwise comfortable).

Once you are seated, you have a card with your name on it, and a strange light-up necklace thing. I don’t even know how to describe them…

At the open bar, this menu greeted guests. While this may seem like a short list, also available was Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Ketel One, Seagrams, Bacardi, Dewers Scotch, and Jack Daniels. Basically, you could order just about anything that the bartenders could make with any of those ingredients. This is the best selection at any dessert party event at Walt Disney World, far and away.

I have to say I enjoyed a majority of the wines listed (and yes, I did try all five of them), with the Bordeaux Blend being my favorite, but the MacMurray Estate Vineyards Pinot Gris being a close second though.

A variety of beers are available as well. The bars opened with the event at 6:45PM and remained open un till 8:45PM, when the bartenders made the rounds to see if anyone was interested in a final drink before departing.

The small appetizers include two flatbreads, tandoori style chicken satay, and a pork belly bao. The flatbreads are the Duck Confit and Roasted Tomato variety.

The flatbreads were just OK. The chicken satay with Vietnamese peanut sauce was solid, but my favorite had to be the Pork Belly Bao. Overall, this round felt a little lacking and could probably benefit from 1-2 more items.

Sushi makes up the second food station. A Shrimp Tempura Roll, Vegetable Roll, and California Roll were available .A lobster roll is also available at this station (and it was quite good).

I liked the sushi well enough, but it’s not really my favorite that I have had.

Fireworks Viewing

Just moments before fireworks begin, you may step outside on to a private balcony and enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks, which is still Wishes! until May 11th and will then be replaced by Happily Ever After on May 12th. While it has not been decided as of yet, it seems likely that these Celebration at the Top events will be extended past April and continue into the new show.

On your way out, you are handed a light-up glass with champagne. This is a nice touch, and you can take the cup home.

The viewing area is behind the usual viewing area, but it is far enough behind that the guests in front of you will in no way obstruct your view. There is also more than enough room out here with the limited number of guests at Celebration at the Top. All in all, the view is as good as a regular view from California Grill (which you can get if you go dine at the lounge or the regular restaurant).

Below is video of the fireworks from this private balcony, which is quite the nice view:

Dessert

Here its the dessert station, which opens once the fireworks conclude and guests are welcomed back inside. On a side note, you could stay inside and watch fireworks through the windows if you wish, assuming you want to continue to enjoy food and drink from a climate controlled environment.

Desserts include fruit tarts, cream puffs, a creme brûlée tart, chocolate ganache cupcakes, and a hazelnut crunch cake. The dessert service began at 8:15PM and ran until the end of the event around 9PM.

The Creme Brûlée tart was amazing, as was the Hazelnut Crunch Cake. Overall, all of the desserts were really great, and in a lot of ways saved the event from the somewhat disappointing appetizer servings.

OVERALL

Value wise, I don’t feel like Celebration at the Top is a waste, but you may find just as good of a time (and value) at California Grill through several other methods.

Brunch at California Grill offers unlimited mimosas and quite a bit more food, all without time constraints of Celebration at the Top. As well, by showing your receipt from earlier in the day, you will be welcomed back upstairs during the fireworks that evening and be given access to the balcony. $123 can also buy you quite a bit of food at California Grill during normal meal services, which also provides access to the balcony. And lastly, the lounge at California Grill, which does not require a reservation (but may be hard to get into later in the evening), also provides, you guessed it, balcony access.

So, where is the value in Celebration at the Top? Alcohol and service. If you feel like you can put back several drinks in 2 hours, then you can find your value here. Unlike other dessert parties, the bartenders were actively making rounds to top off and replenish drinks in the dining room. This is a nice change, but still doesn’t quite do the trick.

Honestly, I had a great time at Celebration at the Top, but it still falls under “overpriced”. This isn’t so much a feeling I had when we experienced the Star Wars or Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam dessert parties at Hollywood Studios, but those are priced at just about half of this. Even though there was less time to consume alcohol, those offered a wider selection and a better value per hour than Celebration at the Top. As far as Magic Kingdom offerings go, you may be better off with Ferrytale Wishes if you prefer alcohol, and for sure you will want to just book the in-park dessert party if you have young children.

Celebration at the Top is a savory, sparkly good time if you want an open bar and an event likely free of small children. Otherwise, there are plenty of other options you should explore.

California Grill at Contemporary Resort Introducing “Celebration at the Top” Fireworks Party

WDWNT on February 23, 2017

Imagine being able to delight in the sparkle of the Magic Kingdom fireworks spectacular from an intimate and private observation deck. Celebration at the Top, a new dining event coming to California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, can be perfectly summed up in three words: savor, sip, sparkle.

Celebration at the Top guests can check in at California Grill an hour before fireworks. After being whisked up to the California Grill, which sits on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests will be taken to the intimate and secluded banquet rooms. Enjoy canapés, a selection of sushi rolled by the expert California Grill sushi chefs, a selection of flatbreads and other small plates. A complimentary bar offering craft beers, California wines, cordials and coffee will also be available.

Just before the night spectacular begins, guests will be lead to their private observation deck, which offers stunning views of Magic Kingdom park and the fireworks. After taking in the breathtaking sights and sounds, guests can return to the private room for petit four desserts including decadent chocolate confections and fruit tarts.

Celebration at the Top is held in the Sonoma Room and the Napa Room at California Grill, an award-winning restaurant located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. These private rooms are ideal for intimate events, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and connecting to an exclusive observation deck—where you can enjoy sweeping views of Bay Lake and Magic Kingdom park.

Reservations for Celebration at the Top are now open for Sunday evenings from February 26 to April 16. Cost is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Complimentary valet parking is included. A dress code is in place to be able to attend this event. More information can be found on the official website.

The California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Re-Opens September 9th

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

Disney’s Contemporary Resort announces the Grand Re-Opening date for the California Grill – September 9th! Guests will be able to call for reservations starting August 26th.

The California Grill’s metamorphosis comes with a new look for the dining room, complete with a modern California design and a decor with fresh colors of oranges and yellows. Artwork adorns the walls; artwork by Disney Legend Mary Blair will please guests and Disney fans alike. Her artwork designs are even incorporated into the carpets!

In the lobby, an impressive wine display houses 1,600 bottles of wine. In the dining room, two new communal tables, with seating for 10, will be positioned at the north end of the dining room for optimal fireworks viewing.

And as before, the fantastic views of the Magic Kingdom will still dazzle guests nightly. In addition to the giant windows along the outer walls of the restaurant, there are now two outdoor fireworks viewing areas – one on the northwest side, and another new deck on the southwest side.

Seasonal ingredients will be the highlight on the new menu, as well as flat breads cooked in the wood-burning oven. Chef Piasecki will also be using the ovens for entrees such as baked prawns with charred lemon and savory meatballs with orzo.

But don’t fret, your longtime favorites, such as the Grilled Pork Tenderloin, has been transformed into Pork Two Ways – grilled tenderloin and pork belly, with goat cheese polenta and mushrooms. Another favorite, the oak-fired filet of beef, makes a return, accompanied with heirloom tomato risotto, marinated tomatoes and basil.

At the new sushi bar, the new omakase menu includes 12 courses of seafood — and all courses are the chef’s choice! Each night, guests will be surprised with the sushi chef’s heavenly creations. The sushi menu may also feature ama ebi (sweet shrimp) tempura, lobster sashimi, crunchy Japanese bone marrow with sesame beef tartare and red onion marmalade, and spicy-crusted oysters.

To accompany these tempting entrees, guests can choose from 250 choices of wines, 10 types of sake, and 8 varieties of craft beers and ciders. The California Grill, of course, still has its own unique signature cocktail list that are only available on site.

The restaurant opens daily at 5 p.m. For reservations, visit www.disneyworld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE (3463).

Will you be there for the Grand Re-Opening?

Dessert Menu Revealed for the Revamped California Grill

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Parting is such sweet sorrow, but the California Grill’s grand reopening will be much sweeter! Guests have been missing the California Grill for months now, but the re-opening date is close approaching (rumored to be around August 25th).

Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes gave a preview of a few of the new desserts for the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The new dessert menu will feature several new additions that Chef Barnes and his artistic team have been creating.

“You’re going to see a big change with some new concepts. This is our chance to create a new menu with a fresh infusion of California, and it’s coming together nicely,” says Chef Jeff, stating that the new theme of the menu is “artful and playful.”

New to the California Grill menu is a dessert trio with a Coke float, strawberry sundae and caramel corn sundae, “too good and tempting to have such great flavors on one plate,” Chef Barnes says.

The chocolate pudding cake is made with a 70% Dark Chocolate from Belgium

Banana fritters, dusted with sugar, are served with chocolate and marshmallows

And don’t forget the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake! Served with fresh fruit, it’s light and refreshing

Keep checking with wdwnt.com for more details about the California Grill’s grand reopening date; we will be sure to update you as more information becomes available.

California Grill Closes Tomorrow For a New Look and a New Menu

WDWNT on March 3, 2013

The California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is shuttering for refurbishment on February 1st and will be closed until late Summer 2013. The interior of the restaurant is being remodeled with a design by the Puccini Group in San Francisco and will feature a wall of wines at the entrance and spectacular views from every table. Here are some renderings:

Chef Brian Piasecki recently previewed some of the new menu options. The pork and polenta dish will become “Pork Two Ways” with wood-fired tenderloin with goat cheese polenta, and braised lacquered pork belly with country applesauce.

Creative new sushi tastes include the Spicy Kaza roll with tuna, shrimp and scallops with tempura crunch and fireball sauce; Japanese-style bone marrow with crunchy panko, sweet onion jam and beef tartare; and Sea Urchin Nigiri with mamanori (soybean paper), salmon roe and freshly grated wasabi root.

Also, there is the new 24-hour braised beef short rib with truffle whipped potatoes, vol-au-vent (puff pastry) with roasted vegetables and natural jus.

Stay tuned for more details on the California Grill refurbishment as they become available.

Walt Disney World 2013 – Coming Attractions

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

So, 2012 is coming to a close and you’re probably now asking, “Well, what is happening at Walt Disney World in 2013?” It’s going to be nearly impossible to top all the changes and additions we had in 2012 at the Vacation Kingdom of the World, but there will be a steady diet of exciting offerings coming in 2013:

Princess Fairytale Hall

Disney princesses including Cinderella, Aurora, Snow White, Jasmine, Tiana and Rapunzel will have a new home for meeting their loyal subjects when Princess Fairytale Hall opens in 2013 in the shadows of Cinderella Castle. The castle-like entrance will feature walls of stone and stained glass windows leading to a large, high-ceilinged room where portraits of the princesses adorn the walls. When summoned, Magic Kingdom guests will proceed to elegantly furnished chambers to meet the princesses.

Limited Time Magic

Disney Parks guests will get an extra dash of pixie dust in 2013 with Limited Time Magic. Themed weekly surprises and special offers will surprise and delight Disney Parks guests with 52 weeks of the unexpected. Plans include everything from dance parties, new festivals and character meet and greets to culinary treats, special entertainment and commemorative keepsakes. The bicoastal offering — created to remind guests about the importance of family vacation time together — is full of unique, magical, memory-filled experiences – all available for a limited time only. Special experiences include Valentine’s week with enchanting dinners, or photo shoots with famous Disney character couples; a patriotic salute during July 4th week with red, white and blue lights adorning castles on both coasts and limited edition souvenirs; or the popular Dapper Dans barbershop quartet swapping their old-time melodies for surprise renditions of today’s boy band hits. Each Limited Time Magic offering will have a varying length from a day to a week to a season adding to the element of surprise.

The Kinsey Collection at the American Adventure

The American story of determination, courage, hope, struggle and inspiration will be told through more than 40 pieces of art, artifacts, books sculptures and documents on display at Epcot. The American Adventure Pavilion will be home to the Kinsey’s personal treasures of African-American art and history, amassed from their travels to 90 countries with some works dating to the 17th century. The Kinsey Collection is the intersection where art and history meet, a virtual history book opened wide, giving voice to untold stories of accomplishment and contribution. After previews during African-American Heritage Month in February, the Kinsey Collection is scheduled to open in March 2013. The Kinsey Collection, at the American Heritage Gallery, will be included in Epcot admission.

Disney Senses Spa Opens at Grand Floridian, Coming to Saratoga Springs
If the new year means a new you, the just-opened Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort welcomes Walt Disney World Resort guests to renew and rejuvenate in 2013. The newly-remodeled spa, owned and operated by Disney, blends Grand Floridian Victorian elegance with modern touches – plus a dash of Disney whimsy.

All the senses are engaged in an ultimate relaxation experience – flavorful and soothing elixirs, color variations in lighting and Disney orchestral music harmonize with the treatment selected. Spa-goers walk through the new Victorian-style entryway and indulge in the spa’s relax, renew, or imagine themes aimed at creating a custom experience. The centerpiece of the spa’s lobby is an original mural reflecting old Florida landscape and nature. Glass mosaic tiles in the Jacuzzi rooms further enhance the elegance and sophistication of the spa.

Fifteen treatment rooms offer pampering services such as water therapy, sugar exfoliation body treatment, rejuvenating citrus facial, a restorative hand and foot ritual with Chinese Jasmine oils, plus a Princess Pedicure or Magical Manicure for youngsters ages 4-12. Lounges, whirlpools and treatment rooms all provide rejuvenation through the healing nature of Florida citrus and botanicals.

The new menu of services also includes a signature 80-minute Grand Floridian treatment featuring a special aromatherapy massage.

Guests can book a spa appointment at the new Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort by calling 407-WDW-SPAS (407-939-7727) or learn more by visiting www.disneyworld.com/spas

All of the spas, salons and fitness centers will be owned and operated by Disney beginning Jan.16, 2013. On that same day the spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort will temporarily close for renovation and reopen in the summer as Senses – A Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.

“Sophia the First” and “Doc McStuffins” join Disney Junior – Live on Stage
Disney Junior – Live on Stage! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney California Adventure is periodically updated to feature the latest, most popular characters and stories from the Disney Junior line-up on television. In 2013, the top-rated “Doc McStuffins” and “Sofia the First” join the show. The new version of Disney Junior – Live on Stage! debuts at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in mid-February and comes to Disney California Adventure one month later, in March 2013. “Sofia the First” as a regular series premieres Friday, Jan. 11, on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

Starbucks comes to Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Starbucks will be opening locations at Disney theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The first two Walt Disney World locations will open in 2013. At Magic Kingdom, Main Street Bakery will close for refurbishment in January 2013. When it reopens in early summer, Main Street Bakery will keep its name and theming and continue to serve Disney favorites like cookies, brownies and seasonal cupcakes, in addition to Starbucks signature beverages and other menu items. At Epcot, Fountain View will temporarily close in March 2013. When Fountain View reopens in midsummer, it will serve Starbucks products. Each Starbucks location inside a Disney Park will reflect the theme of its surroundings. At Magic Kingdom Park for example, Cast Members will wear a costume consistent with the early 20th century look and feel of Main Street, U.S.A. At Future World in Epcot, the new Starbucks location and Cast Member costumes will be designed to match the park’s futuristic theme.

New Dining

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort gets a major makeover and will be closed from February 2, 2013 until late-summer 2013. Chef Brian Piasecki also is tweaking the menu, but the focus will remain on fresh, seasonal creations.
Upstairs at the France pavilion, Bistro de Paris has reopened with a new name and a completely refurbished dining room and new menu. Still haute French but a bit more casual, with a nod to famed chef Paul Bocuse in the décor and the name – Monsieur Paul. In the meantime, Boulangerie Patisserie bakery is a brand-new building at the back of the pavilion, opening in January 2013.
Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa now offers a private dining experience in The Chef’s Domain for up to 10 guests. Available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, cost is $155 per person plus tax (includes gratuity) for six courses.

Other 2013 additions Disney has not confirmed at this time include The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Tapaz (a waterside restaurant to be constructed in the Morocco pavilion at Epcot), and a rather large refurbishment project for the Jungle Cruise. We’ll have more on these projects as they become available.

So… what are you most excited for in 2013?

Some Culinary News from the World

WDWNT on January 16, 2009

While we anxiously await the return of Tom Corless, here’s some news for fans of Jiko and the California Grill from Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide blog:

Brian Piasecki has left Jiko The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to take the top spot at the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The spot at Jiko has been filled by John Clark, who most recently was in charge of operations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort’s first-floor restaurants.

The opening at California Grill was the result of Jens Dahlmann moving to Epcot to become that park’s executive chef.

No word on who’s taking the reigns at 1900 Park Fare and one of Tom’s personal favorites, the Grand Floridian Cafe.

Tag: California Grill