California Grill

Disney's Contemporary Resort

New California Grill dining room

Main Details
Cuisine American
Type Signature Table Service
Price Range $60 and under
Alcohol Served
Characters
Disney Operated

Reservations
Available
Required
Recommended
Walk-Up Possibility Low
Website Disney.com

Dining Room
Indoor Seating
Outdoor Seating
Dress Code Smart Casual
Bar Counter Seating
Child Friendly
Special Views Views of Magic Kingdom
Unique Features Outdoor terrace viewing of Wishes

Disney Dining Plan
Disney Dining Plan
DDP Credits 2
Deluxe DDP Credits 1

Important Dates
Opening May 15 1995
Refurbishments Sep 9 2013

Menu Highlights
Dinner Sushi, Flatbreads, Mussels, Charcuterie, Filet of Beef, Scallops, Bison, Halibut, Pork Two Ways, Cheese Board, Sundae Sampler, Creme Brulee

Allergy-Friendly Menus
Dinner

Dining Availability
Breakfast Not Served
Lunch Not Served
Dinner 5pm to 10pm

Discounts
Annual Passholder
DVC Members
Passholder Discount 10% Discount applies to the non-discounted price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) during all available meal periods. Special events and dining packages excluded unless otherwise noted. Valid for the Passholder and up to three (3) Guests.
TiW

Dinner

September 2024

Three-course selection menu at California Grill

1 year ago5 photos

California Grill 50th Anniversary Celebration Menu

3 years ago5 photos

New California Grill dining room and menu items

11 years ago20 photos

Inside the newly refurbished California Grill

11 years ago2 photos

Celebrate New Year's Eve 2024 with Tiana at California Grill's Exclusive $799 Walt Disney World Event
1 month ago

Menu unveiled for the new 3-course selection menu at California Grill in Disney's Contemporary Resort
1 year ago

Pricing details for new 3-course selection menu at California Grill coming soon to Disney's Contemporary Resort
1 year ago

Reservations open soon for new California Grill three-course selection menu at Disney's Contemporary Resort
1 year ago

Write a Review

"As good, or better, as before." 10 years ago by senor_jorge

A visit to California Grill was something we looked forward to for our trip in early December. We wanted to check out the recent renovations of the space, as well as the menu.

We checked in downstairs, and went straight up and were seated immediately. Stepping off the elevator, and seeing the wine cooler is impressive! I'm still undecided about the new interior. There seems to be more seating, but it doesn't seem to be more crowded with the possible exception of the seats by the windows. I took one for the team and took the bench seating with my back to the window. My only issue was the lump under the cushion.

The food: Excellent! The grilled filet has been my standard order during previous visits, but I wanted to try something different on this trip. I also skipped the cheese board. I started with the goat cheese ravioli. It was one of the best things I had during our trip. The cheese had great texture and flavor. The sauce had just the right amount of fennel, and everything worked together beautifully! I'd have been happy with a larger serving as my entree. I chose Pork Two Ways with pork belly and tenderloin. Both were prepared perfectly. The belly almost melted in my mouth, but was not overcooked. The richness and flavor were great. The tenderloin was as good or better. It was tender without being overcooked to the point that it starts turning into mush. The flavor was great as well. Both cuts had been seasoned, but the seasoning complimented the flavor of the meat rather than masked it. The Goat Cheese Polenta, was fantastic as well. No one flavor was overpowering, and everything worked together to make it savory and very enjoyable. The Lemon Meringue Cheesecake was tart but the sweetness from the meringue balanced it out. In truth, the meringue was the star of that dish.

My wife really liked her Sushi appetizer, as well as her filet. She prefers her steak cooked medium, which is a little more done than I prefer, but the sample I had was great. On our next visit I may have to try one for myself. I really liked the previous version on the menu, but felt that the sauce overpowered the beef flavor a little too much so I usually asked for sauce on the side. That's no longer an issue for me!

Our favorite restaurant usually bounces back and forth between California Grill and Yachtsman and nothing we experienced on this trip has changed that. California Grill remains is still on the must visit list for each trip.

"A Tastey Tradition" 11 years ago by Duke of Disney

I've been going to this place since I was in a stroller. The food and atmosphere has always been great, I've never once not enjoyed my food. I especially have enjoyed the people that have been there for years that remember us when we go, that means a great deal. The sushi and steak items have always been my favorites. You won't find a better place in the park to watch the fireworks from - and have it all at your fingertips. Everything on the menu is great, I've had it all.

"5+ Stars!" 11 years ago by GroomerMinnie

Perfect Service, Perfect Food, Perfect Atmosphere! We have dined here a few times. We dined here once during Wishes, it was very Magical. DH and I were seating on the MK side and we got our entrees just before the show started. The lights were dimmed and the Music was piped through the restaurant. No crowds, perfect temperature and amazing food! It was very romantic. Another time we went we were seated by the open kitchen and that was also amazing watching them prepare the food and plates. Our servers are always superb. Food is out of this world. Definitely a must do for couples!

"Amazing experience" 12 years ago by Megan

Ate here for the first time in March, and its on my list to do again in October. The sushi was great, much better than anything I've eaten at home. I planned our dinner so we would be eating during the fireworks, and it was wonderful to go out on the observation deck for a unique view of Wishes.

California Grill closed for refurbishment (reopening date not yet confirmed) Feb 04, 2013 to Sep 08, 2013

California cuisine served 15 stories above the Magic Kingdom, featuring seasonal menus which can include flat breads, sushi, goat cheese ravioli, pork tenderloin, and creme brulee. Check in is on the 2nd floor. The California Grill is a signature dining location and requires two table service credits on the Disney Dining Plan. Advance dining reservations are strongly recommended. Proper attire is required.

Dinner is served from 5:00pm to 10pm.

Drinks and the full restaurant menu is also available in the California Grill Lounge, with seating on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are not available for the California Grill Lounge.

Details

Dress Code Guidelines

Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.
Ladies: Capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts.

NOT permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While t-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics are not acceptable.

Fireworks policy: Guests who have dined prior in the evening may return to California Grill to view the fireworks. Guests will need to present their receipt from dinner to gain re-entry to the restaurant.