California Grill Brunch

[suecee]

Hi,

Thinking of maybe doing the brunch for my birthday when we visit.

Have any Dibbers done the brunch and is it worth the money?

I'd like a reservation as late as possible but would this then mean we were rushed?

If we planned a lazy day and got the last brunch reservation available could we kill enough time at the Contemporary without getting bored and then watch the fireworks in the evening?

Looking at February so I assume the fireworks won't be too late - about 8 ish?

All hints, tips and experiences welcome.

TIA

[vowels]

Yes, it is worth it.

We went in January with our three children and I still believe it was worth every penny. My husband was a little unsure because of the cost but now it is top of his places to go whenever we go back to Florida. My extremely, extremely fussy son loved the blueberry pancakes. My girls ate pancakes and said I should ask for the recipe as they were even better than mine( little darlings).

The food and service were wonderful. No picture or film does justice to the view. Nor does my description of the experience. I had never eaten at the Californian Grill before but I was very happy with Brunch.

Dixonsontour have a wonderful review of this Brunch, I find her reviews compulsive reading because she is always right!

[LadyDebs86]

It’s amazing.

Do it.

Here’s my review and pics:

Cali Grill Brunch

In short.

Do it.

[anna68]

We did it in April last year. It was great. We went for our 10th anniversary- I wouldn't do it just for standard but for a special occasion/ trip it was perfect and memorable and special. Our 6 yr old also enjoyed the food.

[MissVincent]

We went and had an amazing time. We also sat there for hours and never once felt rushed

[sky13]

There have been a few threads on this and the general consensus is that it is a fantastic meal.

I've been to CG brunch 3 times and love it so much that if I could I'd go back in a heartbeat. The atmosphere, food, and service are exceptional.

You get unlimited mimosas (although you can also ask for other things like a Diet Coke in addition). The appetiser buffet is yummy - typically there is a charcuterie selection, sushi, salads, deviled eggs, yoghurt with a very nice variety of toppings to select from (including actual honeycomb!), bagels with smoked salmon and various toppings, a few types of bread. Then you have the main course to order from - on my last visit I had the eggs benedict and the U10 shrimp and both were amazing. And a selection of desserts brought to you after.

Something I found out on my last visit is that you can order more than one main course per person at no extra charge. Had read about this on a few blogs and decided to ask my server about this! He even said that if I couldn't finish the main courses that they could box it up for me to go...

Atmosphere wise - all 3 times I've been there has been live music (someone on the piano and someone on I think the double bass).

Service - I was incredibly impressed last month - I went for brunch, and one of the servers came over to say hi - apparently he recognised me from when I had been there for brunch a year ago!

In terms of timing - they definitely don't rush you through your food and you can linger (and go out onto the observation decks to take in the meal). However, they do slowly pack up the appetiser buffet, and the live music stops. So my preference now is to get as early an ADR as possible so that I can take a bit longer over the appetiser buffet... You could always finish brunch, then head into MK for a few hours (maybe see the parade, ride a few rides with FP+, do sorcerers of the magic kingdom), before coming back for fireworks?

[Wigan Lass]

It’s the best meal I’ve ever had on Disney property and worth every penny (or credit). It’s a long one...our server at the beginning said we would be there at least 2 hours. They give you an hour or more just to do the buffet before bringing your entrees. The atmosphere is lovely...so relaxed. The food is absolutely divine. Best blueberry pancakes ever. And Eggs benedict. And the buffet before is just fantastic.

I’m not sure you could stretch out until the fireworks..but it’s walkable to M.K and that’s where we headed afterwards

Can’t recommend it enough

[suecee]

Originally Posted by vowels

Yes, it is worth it.

We went in January with our three children and I still believe it was worth every penny. My husband was a little unsure because of the cost but now it is top of his places to go whenever we go back to Florida. My extremely, extremely fussy son loved the blueberry pancakes. My girls ate pancakes and said I should ask for the recipe as they were even better than mine( little darlings).

The food and service were wonderful. No picture or film does justice to the view. Nor does my description of the experience. I had never eaten at the Californian Grill before but I was very happy with Brunch.

Dixonsontour have a wonderful review of this Brunch, I find her reviews compulsive reading because she is always right!

See more...

Thanks vowels. I have checked out the review suggested too. Looks great, a bit pricey but I'm worth it 😉

[suecee]

Originally Posted by LadyDebs86

It’s amazing.

Do it.

Here’s my review and pics:

Cali Grill Brunch

In short.

Do it.

See more...

Great review Debs - thank you! Looks fab 😁

[DisneyF1rstT1me]

What time classes as brunch at CG? I'd expect brunch to be 11ish but when I've looked at reservations it doesn't seem to open until 12pm.