California Grill Review - Come for the View, Stay for the View

California Grill is one of the most impressive restaurants at Walt Disney World thanks to its location on the 15th Floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort providing beautiful views of Magic Kingdom, but does the food live up to the view?
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[@Anamariagaray]

Oh, how I’ve missed the sweet, POSITIVE attitude of Jackie!!❤

[@helenebassin8608]

So wonderful to see Jackie!! We need more of her sunshine and positivity!!!!

[@WastedPo]

Jackie always brings such positivity to the videos. She should really be in more restaurant reviews. (Also, good to see Craig in what I assume is the last of his pre-recorded videos.)

[@darcyau6786]

Jackie’s energy is always a delight and Ryno always cracks me up. I miss the grill’s regular menu and keep hoping they’ll get rid of the prix fix model.

[@triciamurphy3906]

So nice to see Jackie.

[@libraryminnie5892]

I like this format and see the benefit of letting the experience settle in before assigning scores. Loved to see Jackie’s smile and commentary to round out the group. It would be excellent to have a rotating fourth diner; there are many to choose from the group who did the weekly show together for years. And, a special thanks to Craig for all his years of hard work and genuine heartfelt appreciation for WDW.

[@JeterKid25]

Spot on comment: WDW: “This is the place where it’s a once in a lifetime trip.” Us (Ryno): “OK, then start meeting that quality” Doesn’t get more clear cut than that.. people we eventually look to alternatives and stop coming

[@bobgargiulo802]

Another great restaurant review! Absolutely loved seeing Jackie again! I wish she would be in more of the shows....

[@FruitBrute]

Ryno’s “to defeat the Huns” joke was so on point 😂

[@Hetchel]

PLEASE have more Jackie in your reviews. Such a sweet addition! I agree with Ryno, the ambiance is the view. The tables and decor look like a Vegas buffet dining room. Always enjoy these reviews and appreciate the addition of Hannah. Will miss Craig. Thanks for sharing.

[@tammystime3]

Loved Jackie being there. Great video. We were there before Covid and it was phenomenal. The fireworks really does it for us.

[@madelinekrous5371]

What a joy to see Jackie again! Love dining reviews. The Dis team always makes me feel like I'm right there in the restaurant with them.

[@frankcarney4882]

Yeah, Jackie joins the gang before Craig leaves

[@jacobkeel3444]

Definitely liked this new review format!

[@1978rga]

Dang, these cocktail prices are tough to digest! Makes me happy that I don't mind a beer- assuming that would still be under $15! 😆

[@user-gp8yq]

3 scallops for a main are you kidding me…

[@codenameu.arctos3747]

prix fixe menu...there shouldn't be ANY errors! Everything should be amazing. Also as another commenter ansked....where'd yall go to eat afterwards?

[@kathleenproctor5207]

Only been to California Grill once and it was not a great experience. I am not one to write off a restaurant completely because of that, but there are plenty of other places to try. Then it went to prix fixe menu which made it less appealing to give it another shot. I think dinner in the lounge will be the way to go back. The place was packed and uncomfortably loud. We were seated forty five minutes after our reservation time. The food took forever to arrive so we asked if our 8 year daughter, who was well behaved but hungry, could get her food even if ours wasn’t ready. This seemed to really piss our waiter off, but he brought her food. So she got to eat her meal before the fireworks started and we went out to watch. We returned to the table to find our entrees had arrived in our absence. The waiter became became missing in action. We felt so ignored that my husband finally had to find someone else to get the bill. While not as momentous as a proposal or celebratory dinner, it was our big dinner for the trip and a complete failure.

[@kemoon82]

I so appreciate this video. I was on the edge of booking, I'll be there soon. I've done the brunch twice...so I would recommend that, but I'm thinking not this trip for dinner.

[@TheFtm22]

Good to see Craig got a better meal finally! Also great to see Jackie! As far as the server, here is what I think. If you work at WDW as a server at a signature restaurant and you are not feeling magical, call in sick or something. Don't ruin all the experiences of the guests you would serve that day. For real, it's not Walmart and here's your damn cart. This is an EXPENSIVE restaurant with a menu which requires you to eat a three course meal. It sounds to me like the bar where you can order a la carte is the best option. Full disclosure - I have never dined at California Grill. I am basing my thoughts on the review only and my own expectations of service at ANY restaurant with that price level.

[@katrinathompson4132]

What a treat to see Jackie!

[@larkendelvie]

Woot -- great to see Jackie! Ryno's entree looked kind of skimpy. I liked this review format -- the descriptions going with the food as you all got it was great but I like the fact that you did ratings a bit later. Honestly, I hate prefix menus -- often times what I end up having is 2 appetizers and a dessert or alternately just an entree with no apps or dessert. If you are at WDW on vacation you really don't want to have to deal with hauling leftovers around. The kids menu sounded just basic and definitely a rip-off. Thanks everyone!

[@disneyworldvacationer]

Every restaurant we went to on my most recent trip in May was disappointing except for Via Napoli. This includes Narcooosees, Flying Fish, Brown Derby, Boathouse and more (my last California Grill visit was disappointing as well even though it used to be my fave restaurant, sad to see it still looks that way). The thing that surprised us was, every single quickservice meal was OUTSTANDING. It used to be where every restaurant used to WOW us at WDW my previous trips so I think quality has gone down but their quickservice locations have been upgraded. Loved this review as with all your reviews. Craig, you have been a gentleman and a scholar and shall be missed. Happy weekend everyone!

[@user-ic9gn6bx9w]

Hopefully Via Napoli wasn’t disappointing because you expected it to stink, which it does! Pizza Ponte is far superior.

[@user-rx6cr5iz1s]

Not us. We went end of April and totally enjoyed everything we ate. The quick service has much improved ftom 10 years ago as well. Good food. No worries.

[@lauranewman7734]

Really , I’ve never had a bad meal at the boathouse !! Sorry you didn’t enjoy it .

[@disneyworldvacationer]

@@lauranewman7734 Yeah it was surprising. But I will be going back because it still is our favorite restaurant in Disney Springs. Hopefully that was a one-off.

[@janetwinslow4420]

Great to see Jackie! Such as nice surprise. California grill is not the place for large appetites. Portions seem so small

[@ginadoyle4089]

…and I like this format of reflection….especially when - days later- you keep remembering flavors

[@barcafan1033]

I have found that the service at many of the popular, high volume restaurants on property has really taken a hit since they have transitioned so many of them to either prix fixe or family style, all-you-care-to-enjoy experiences. It is palpable with many of the servers that they are keen to turnover tables as quickly as possible. I think serving essentially the same thing, or having narrowed options, for everyone makes just going through the motions the default setting. That should never happen at such an expensive experience as California Grill (or, to a lesser extent, Be Our Guest, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Ohana, Chefs de France, etc.).

[@user-tg9hv2kf2t]

Will miss Craig on these reviews!

[@jayneestrycker7453]

Love how truthful y'all are👍 Never been there, can't afford the trip up that elevator😂

[@Alyssa-cd7el]

Convinced not to go here lol thank you!

[@vistabadboi]

I remember when it was Top of the World and they had live dinner shows

[@heyyyItsDani]

It does seem the view gets top billing here. No thanks, my priority is great food and the Disney difference in atmosphere and service. Great thorough review as always!!

[@DrWarbird]

You sent back a bad drink and got a worse one. Then you say they have great bartenders. These two things don't go together.

[@davidmann9868]

I was at California Grill about six months ago and I'm sure we had the same waiter. He just didn't seem to give a crap about anything. When I pointed out there was a large string of fat running through my filet, he insisted I cut around it rather than offering to replace it. California Grill has not been the same since they switched to the prix fixe menu.

[@debragundlach1749]

So happy to see Jackie and her beautiful, happy smile!♡ Although your reviews of California Grill were enlightening and most likely helpful to so many viewers, I know my husband and I are on a fixed income and could never even dream of eating there. Unless Mr John would care to maybe offer a fan such as us, an opportunity to review a place we wouldn't normally go to. I don't drink if that helps😮! 😊 Love all of you, Debra ♡

[@BGreen112]

This food isn’t worth 90+ dollars a person

[@user-gp8yq]

Totally agree

[@Kate_Rose24]

“I like ‘em like I like my men: from the sea.” can we get that on a sticker please 😂

[@mebk1001]

love Canobie Lake Park :)

[@StripofPaper]

As feedback, I thought this video was way too long. It was informative and y'all have great banter and opinions, but it was way too long. 20-30mins would have been great The quality of the review was great, I still want to emphasize that.

[@thebabaluke2726]

Great views and the food was good across the board. However, the service was rough. We sat down and waited almost 45 mins for drinks and bread. Overall meal took close to 3 hours. Server was nice but everything felt chaotic and unorganized. Would like to go back at some point, but considering the price point, that won’t be for a long time.

[@user-gp8yq]

What is with the portion sizes of everything!

[@Molbyone]

Yea, as soon as they turned this restaurant into a pre-fix it became a hard no for us. 90 dollars/person before drinks is just way too much for what you get there. We'll go elsewhere.

[@paulciavardoni8069]

Three scallops?? That’s outrageous for that price!

[@ginadoyle4089]

We went to an exceptional brunch buffet at the Top of the World ❤

[@ironwolf56]

Aww man a Canobie Lake reference. Shout out to your fellow New Englanders.

[@tpg5974]

I liked the longer format of this video. Still not a fan of your rating system. Even if I enjoy an experience, but can't justify the price, I will probably never go back again. In my rating system, I would weight PRICE so much higher than everything else.

[@shaneestes372]

I've always wanted to eat at California Grill but have never had the chance except one time where they moved what was The Wave into California Grill for Breakfast only. So I've eaten in the space, but have never had their food in that location. I will someday, but not sure when, it does seem a bit pricey and the menu doesn't look like it used to. Still going someday, but it's not a priority for me currently.

[@wendypoloway8692]

I did not enjoy California Grill when I went there. The food was vastly over-priced for the few morsels I got and the service was rushed and the waiter rude. I just expected more …..I am glad your experience was better. I still would never go back

[@JacobElyachar]

Loved seeing Jackie joining the gang before Greg left. I am sad to hear about the California Grill, it was my family's favorite WDW restaurant!

[@ginadoyle4089]

Very rarely are the signature dining experiences worth the dollar amount…even with exceptional cast members.

[@raiderwrong5388]

Do you guys never talk to the server about the difference between menu description and actual plate? It seems common that what you order is not what you get.

[@nicoleturner6858]

Love Pork Belly. It's best on the smoker. Also love seeing Jackie.

[@giabarletta5929]

I couldn’t agree more with your score / ranking Ryno!! It is so sad and disappointing what’s happened to that restaurant since it reopened as prix-fixe after Covid. I was a LOYAL Cali Grill girl since probably around 2004 or so? It was a must do every trip, no negotiations. So when it was announced they were reopening after Covid, I was upset about the price and prix fixe option bc that’s not how I care to dine there but I was so excited I booked a ressie asap. And…it was AWFUL. The entire experience was awful. But I gave it the benefit of the doubt, they were just getting back on their feet and maybe needed more time to get it right. Went back 2 more times in the next couple of years. Each time getting worse and worse. I refuse to go back as long as they insist on operating at the sub par level they are operating on at such a signature dining price. Absolutely not, it is not even close to worth that price tag. If they get rid of the prix fixe menu and get staff who are up to that level of service then maybe I’ll give it another try. But the food is mediocre, the staff just seems annoyed, the balconies are overcrowded during fireworks now, we keep getting sat at the most darkest corner tables you can imagine, and the price is astronomical for what it is. And not being able to order what we want like we used to just makes it even more of a bummer. This was loooong but I have some FEELINGS about this place 😂

[@amu2323]

Ryno the scallops at Narcoossees are the only ones that have come close to the ones I would get on the cape. Narcoossees for the win at Disney

[@StripofPaper]

Damn, was hoping to refer to Scott as another Mega Man 3 😂

[@shaunereardon9508]

Where did you go eat when you were finished?

[@jayneestrycker7453]

They probably had no money left😢

[@kellykristine1238]

It’s more than enough food. The pizza starter alone is a meal

[@Pixiemarie0927]

​@@kellykristine1238pretty sure that was a joke haha

[@kellykristine1238]

@@Pixiemarie0927 joke or not, I’m just saying. My husband and I both had a pizza last time and I’m like, this is a meal itself. I could only have one slice to save room for my filet and cheese for dessert. I was surprised how big the pizza was

[@amydoran9987]

My family and I are going to Disney next week. I’ve never been to the cali grill. It’s not on our list of restaurants on our trips.This was a good review. This place is pretty but a little pricey and gourmet, and the server sounded rude. The view must be amazing.

[@Michael-yb5md]

are there scores for this one?

[@graceschmidt1942]

I have been lucky with service at all the restaurants I have been to. However, I think it's possible that some times a server may feel that most people are going to tip on the cost rather than based on the service , which is what is should be based on.

[@DadOfTheYear.]

What time were y’all there? We have a reservation for 7:45 next week and wondering if the sun will still be a problem at that time

[@sarahvalentine5457]

Great review!! I’ve had wonderful meals at California Grill, including brunch which was hands down the best meal I’ve had at Disney. However; I won’t be going back until they get rid of the prix fix. Their apps, pizza, and desserts is where they shine so the current cost is not worth it for a mediocre entree.

[@FrancesAlicia]

I loved this format, checking back in after a day or two. Bad service urks me soo bad, your spending so much money and it’s something that can make or break an experience 😢

[@eileenashe4775]

OMG Craig where did u get that shirt its aweaome!

[@AngieNiles]

Great review as always. I just struggle with the prix-fix pricing - you're essentially paying $20 for appetizer, $59 for entree and $20 for dessert and that is just absurd. It shouldn't be required and I won't be going back unless they bring back an a la carte menu

[@Stark_117]

California Grill is still one of the best meals I have every trip. I recently went and the food was incredible as always. I always order other dishes also with a bottle of wine. You don't only have to the one of each. You can order others for an extra charge. I always dress up while there. also. I never go before 7pm though cause of the children or more laid back attire. Weekends is best and a 7:30pm or 8:00pm Reservation is what I recommend. I wouldn't go here during the day

[@AmySomensky]

😂 @ the title.

[@jasonhoch87]

Happy Friday!

[@lauramisitano4780]

I like the newer format. We also no longer go to the California Grill. We had a horrible experience with being ignored several times years ago and won’t waste our time and money there.

[@kellykristine1238]

I wish they would go to back to the old menu and ditch the prix fixe. That said, I order the cheese for my dessert. Love cheese and wine

[@caff1521]

Wow. I can’t believe you all had such a bad experience! We were just there less than a week ago and our server Jason was incredible! Everything you didn’t get from your server we got from ours! Also our menu was almost completely different. Maybe next time you’ll have a better experience

[@caff1521]

Also when we went they did not have the signature ($41) wine pairing, only the expensive pairing.

[@BlazeLifeHero]

last time we ate there we sat next Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost

[@ginag6328]

I was unimpressed when I ate there in 2022. I looked forward to it and it was a let down. I think it’s a very overrated spot

[@ReddOchober]

Disney alcohol is expensive and weak (I’ve questioned if they actually use alcohol. I’ve been disappointed with most drinks there. Better off getting beer and wine.

[@TheRealConcertKing]

So the real California Grill was the friends we made along the way?

[@CampbellzS0up]

Through all the Disney dining reviews I’ve seen nothing ever seems to be a MUST GO I save money now not eating at the parks.

[@kkandrj3419]

I love the Dis unlimited content.But, Hannah please stop with the “Karen” reference. The term is offensive. Google it. The term has evolved to : angry, offensive , entitled and racist middle aged woman. If you have an opinion own it as your own.

[@user-st3vd5bf6g]

“It’s loud”…2 seconds later…”It’s quiet. They should turn the music up.”. Used to love this channel, but the negativity has gotten to me. They complain about everything.

[@sacrosby]

I don't get why y'all are complaining about someone trying to do their job as a server. There was no excuse for his attitude but complaining about them reaching in front of you to set a plate down?

[@brockholman5779]

Remember, Jackie, that “delicious” doesn’t tell us anything. Is it tart, bitter, sweet, acidic, notes of citrus, fluffy dough, etc?

[@kellybroderick4636]

You are certainly not the only person who does this, but PLEASE, research what's going on before you speak. When you keep saying well I believe, I think, you aren't showing that you know what you're taking about. If you're a Disney site, be experts! Read the menu, find out what is going on before you speak!

[@shannonmiller5618]

I don't remember the last time there was a positive review from this team.

[@jcbnyc2009]

Speaks of volumes of the quality.

[@alvis-rd2ht]

ALL EYES ON RYNO . ITS JUST ME UCEEE DAY 1 ISH