Fireworks at the California Grill Confusion

[BrerDan]

Hi folks!

So I'm thinking of heading to WDW for my birthday week in August. I've heard many times about seeing fireworks from the California Grill at the top of the Contemporary, so I made reservations for 9:45 (I think the fireworks are set for 10 that night) on my birthday....when I got my email confirmation, it noted that you could dine and then go up to the balcony to see the show--so now I'm confused.

I was thinking you needed to be dining at the time of the show, but now I see that's not the case. Now I'm worried I've made a bad decision because we'll be stuck at our table when the fireworks go off. Would it be better to set my reservations for earlier in the evening --or is the view from the table good?

Thanks much!

Brer Dan

[yoyoflamingo]

We did this last year. They let you leave the table during the meal to watch on the balcony. They even keep the food warm for you by not putting it out during the fireworks.

They have it down to a science, and it works very well.

[NeverNeverland]

And even if you aren't seating yet, you still can go out and watch them

[expedition_evan]

when we went, half of my family went out on the balcony and the other half stayed at the table. both were great locations, so you will be fine either way! they play the music inside and dim the lights so that you have no problem seeing them if you choose to stay inside... and you will definitely love the restaurant!

[BrerDan]

Thanks for all the replies folks! I definitely appreciate it

I might do this one night and the new Noodle location desert buffet another night.

[yoyoflamingo]

Thanks for all the replies folks! I definitely appreciate it

I might do this one night and the new Noodle location desert buffet another night.

We're looking to try the dessert buffet this July. I haven't called yet, but I think we're going to try it.

And FYI...there are 2 balconies for the fireworks in the California Grill. The second one, by the bathrooms, is less crowded because it is slightly hidden. Our server suggested seeing the fireworks from this back balcony, and it was much less crowded.

[BrerDan]

Thanks for the tip!!!

We're looking to try the dessert buffet this July. I haven't called yet, but I think we're going to try it.

And FYI...there are 2 balconies for the fireworks in the California Grill. The second one, by the bathrooms, is less crowded because it is slightly hidden. Our server suggested seeing the fireworks from this back balcony, and it was much less crowded.