When we heard the news that the California Grill would be shutting their doors for a few months, we had a wistful moment. The California Grill is where I (Davina) had my wedding reception (the Napa room). It's where Karen and I planned my wedding (yes, my husband was involved, but you know how it is), it's where we went with our husbands for a wine-infused one-year anniversary, and it was the site of a follow-up girls trip.
In short, the Cali Grill (we are on nickname terms) is special to us for so many reasons. To think they may be changing it even slightly makes us nervous. We like it just. the. way. it. is.
Well, "just the way it is" with a few suggested modifications. So if you are listening California Grill refurb team, here are our top items we would like to see changed and what we would like untouched.
Bar Seats. No better place to chill before Wishes starts. Well, top of Bay Lake is a
close second but that's another post. All I ask is that you keep the bar patrons limited so it
doesn't get overcrowded, K?
No girl wants to stand with her drink in hand. We're lazy like that
Lighting. I should not be able to look across the table and
see Karen's wine-teeth. She should not be able to see mine. So lets dim
it down, shall we? Some lovely fuzzy lighting that makes everyone look
Barbara Walters airbrushed would be best. The last visit was like high def meets florescent
office lighting at its worst. Ug.
See those filthy glasses and wine teeth? We do to and it's not enjoyable. Dim the lights.
Whatever this is. Please don't take this off the menu. I will cry.
Don't ever change this.
Large wine glasses with a generous pour. Glug. Glug.
Classy
Dress Code. It burns my eyes to see jean shorts and t-shirts
in a place like this. I get it, Disney is casual but that does not mean
you just give up and throw on your "I'm with stupid" t-shirt. There
should be some dress code aside of "no shirt, no service".
Dress Code = Mouse ears optional.
Private Dining. Every Disney fan needs to experience the California Grill private dining. Our suggestion, plan your next family reunion in the Napa Room. It's like you have the whole place to yourself.
Keep the private room. Best.wedding dinner.ever. And look at that view.
Children. We have children and we love them. But we would not
bring them here. Lets ask all parents to find a sitter for the night as
well.
These children are corralled in a private room under the watchful eye of Karen's husband.
First Class Service. At my one-year wedding anniversary Karen organized to have my wedding flowers and special personalized menu at our table.
Special table set up for an anniversary? No problem AND right by the window.
Where else do you get this on your table? Girl please
First Class Views. 'Nuff said
NEVER get rid of that view
Water parade from the windows? Don't mind if I do.
Thank you Cali Grill for all the great memories. We love you and we can't wait to visit you again.
When Davina got engaged and started her quest for the perfect, low key destination wedding I crossed my fingers, rubbed Buddhas belly for luck and prayed to the Mouse gods that Disney World would somehow end up on her short list of options. Well don't you know that her quest for a tropical setting would lead her , and me, right up to the doors of the Polynesian Resort. Buddha...many thanks.
Once her decision was made of where to have her wedding at the beautiful Poly this naturally called for a girls trip. When I say girls trip I don't mean a caravan of biddies trying to get their groove back, I mean just Davina and me..really you don't need more than just your bestie. Because the wedding was going to be miles from our Massachusetts homes we decided that of course we had to go check out the hotel rooms and possible restaurants for a reception dinner. We absolutely had to stand in the spot where the ceremony would be. While we're their why not check out the spas and salons too? And no trip would be complete without riding all the rides as well. This was right after Pirates of the Caribbean was refurbished and the animatronic Captain Jack was put in. Oh did we ride that more then just a few times..
So much planning so little time.
But really this first "girls only" trip to Disney would pave the way for more and create some memories that will last forever. There are a multitude of "grown up" activities at Disney World so don't write it off for your next girls trip. We of course did the parks and rode all of our favorites because really no trip is complete without it. We also checked out the Spa at the Swan and Dolphin. Ahhhh...massages and me time. Lounging by the pool with a few tropical drinks before getting ourselves ready for a FANTASTIC dinner at California Grill. Our server was phenomenal and I think just a wee bit happy to encounter 2 girls without kids who wanted to drink some fine wine. Is there really any better way to end your day than watching the fireworks from the observation deck there with a glass of champagne? The answer would be no.
California Grill would become the place for Davina's post-wedding dinner. Because of our wonderful experience there it's now our favorite restaurant to go to and we plan a visit each girls trip. Husbands are also allowed to tag along too.
The long and short of it is Disney World is not just for kids or families..but for friends looking to get together, reconnect, relax, revel in feeling like a kid again, and in our case plan what would be the best day of ones life. Thanks for letting me be a part of it all D. Girls trip 2011 coming soon!
