If it’s an extra-special meal you’re looking for at Disney World, California Grill is one of our favorite places to dine. Here, set high up at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you’ll find sweeping views of some of Magic Kingdom’s most iconic spots – and yes, you can catch the fireworks from here.
California Grill is one of Disney’s Fine/Signature Dining options (officially, it’s home to a Signature Dining experience), so it’s far more elevated than your average theme park or resort restaurant. Here, the table-service dining experience goes above and beyond, with an elevated menu, extensive hand-picked wine list, and top-tier seasonal ingredients.
We particularly love dining here for the extra-special fireworks view. Not only will you be able to take in Cinderella Castle as fireworks light up the sky, but it’s also a whole experience. Inside the restaurant, the lights dim and the show’s music is piped in for a completely magical evening meal.
However, it’s important to point out that because California Grill is an elevated dining experience, it isn’t necessarily the most family-friendly. Prices are high here, and little ones (particularly the under-5 set) may not be the best guests to join your table. Instead, we recommend stopping here for a date night or celebrating special occasions.
California Grill Location
California Grill sits on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
However, to check in for your reservation, you’ll want to head to the 2nd floor of the hotel. Once you’ve checked in, a Cast Member will escort you up to the 15th floor in an elevator reserved for guests of the restaurant.
California Grill Menu
California Grill offers a menu of elevated dishes, all of which use fresh, seasonal ingredients designed to reflect the Golden State itself (so yep, that means you’re getting California cuisine in Florida!)
Because seasonal ingredients are the focus, the menu does change throughout the year. However, the basics remain the same: All diners enjoy a three-course menu of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert for one set price.
Note: Before dining at California Grill, you’ll want to keep in mind that this Fine/Signature Dining experience does come with a dress code. Per Disney, “Guests are expected to dress accordingly in attire that respects the restaurant’s sophisticated and upscale aesthetic. Clothing should be clean, neat and in good condition. Please no swimwear.”
Here’s a sample of what you’ll find on the menu (the below information reflects the summer 2024 menu.) Only dinner is served here, so you cannot dine at California Grill for breakfast or lunch.
Market Inspirations (Choose One)
- Sonoma Goat Cheese Raviolo
- Surf & Turf Roll
- Sashimi and Nigiri Sampler
- Farmer’s Market Salad
- Pork Lechon
- Tempura Lion’s Mane Roll
Chef’s Journey (Choose One)
- Oak-grilled Filet of Beef
- Herb-crusted Oregon Lamb
- Cast Iron-grilled Pork Tenderloin
- Plancha-seared Sea Scallops
- Corn and Summer Squash Mezzaluna
- Chicken Ballotine
- AAA Ahi Tuna
- Wagyu Strip Loin
Sweet Creations (Choose One)
- Lemon Mousse and Olive Oil-Poppy Seed Cake
- Cherry and Dark Chocolate Mille-Feuille
- White Chocolate and Vanilla Bean “Mousse”
- Chocolate and Orange Crémeux
Kids’ Appetizers (a la carte)
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Hearts of Romaine
Kids’ Entrées (Choose One)
- Grilled Steak
- Grilled Citrus-glazed Chicken
- Seared Sustainable Salmon
- House-made Shells & Cheese
Kids’ Selections (Choose Two)
- Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes
- Steamed Green Beans
- Goat Cheese Polenta
- Brown Basmati Rice
Kids’ Dessert Selections
- Fresh Fruit
- Baymax in San Fransokyo
- Cookie ‘n Cream Ice Cream Sandwich
Disney Dining Plan
California Grill does not accept the Disney Dining Plan.
Advance Dining Reservations
Like all table-service restaurants, California Grill does offer advance dining reservations (ADRs) – and due to the popularity of this spot, you’re going to want to book one.
Signature Dining experiences tend to book up fast, and California Grill is especially popular because of its unique fireworks viewing experience. So, keep that 60-day booking window in mind (and don’t forget you can book slightly earlier if you’re staying at the Contemporary or another Disney World Resort!)
Is California Grill Kid-Friendly?
While California Grill welcomes kids of all ages as guests, its status as a Signature Dining Experience means it isn’t exactly kid-friendly. Sure, there’s a kids’ menu; but the overall atmosphere and food offerings are really tailored to adults.
Unless you’re looking to splurge on an extra-special meal or celebrate a particularly momentous occasion, California Grill is a place best enjoyed in the company of other adults. So, save this restaurant for a solo adult trip, a night when you book a nanny service, or in the future when the kids get a little older.
