We’re at California Grill For Their 50th Anniversary Dining Experience
Over the past few months, we shared details with you of a new dining experience available at the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort created especially for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
Our MickeyBloggers Greg and Elyssa finally had a chance to try out the 50th Anniversary Dinner and here’s a first look at this limited time experience!
There is a virtual check-in so you don’t have to worry about waiting at the restaurant for your table. For those unfamiliar, the California Grill is on the 15th Floor of the Contemporary Resort. In addition to its California-inspired cuisine, it is also known for stunning views.
When arriving at the table special 50th Anniversary Dinner Menus were waiting. These lay out all the options for the dinner and you can even take them with you as a memento.
On the top of the menu, there is a really nice blurb about Disney’s 50th Anniversary and the role that the Contemporary Resort has in this legacy.
As you can see from the description above the 50th Anniversary Dinner is a three-course experience. The dishes on offer are inspired by past favorites along with new market-fresh dishes. A “50” on the menu indicates special dishes created for the occasion.
Above is a quick look at the menu.
For the appetizer, Greg and Elyssa chose the California Grill Classics Sushi Trio
This treat came with a Blue Crab California Roll, a Shrimp Tempura Roll and a Spicy Kazan Roll.
For the main course, Elyssa Tried the Handcrafted Squash and Mushroom Ravioli. It was served with Chantelle Mushrooms, Honeynut Squash, Herbed-Pistachio Pesto and a Truffle-Mushroom Cream. Elyssa, who is a vegetarian said that this main was delicious!
Greg ordered the Oak-Fired Filet of Beef. It came with Black Truffle- Brown Butter Chateau Potatoes, Golden Raisins Vinaigrette, Cauliflower and Roasted Tomato Butter.
We couldn’t wait to give you a look at the dessert!
Above is the “Five Magical Bites.” Included on this tray of yumminess are Honey, Lemon, Carrot, Chocolate and Strawberry treats. Each one of them was scrumptious and there was even a gold 50th Anniversary emblem at the center which we though was a nice touch.
The other goodie our MickeyBloggers got to try was the EARidescent Gran Marnier Soufflé! It was served with creamsicle ice cream and macerated Florida citrus.
Now that we’ve covered the food, let’s just take a minute to appreciate the view shall we!? It was still daylight when we visited for dinner meaning that there were spectacular views of the Grand Floridian.
A bit further down and you’re treated to this gorgeous view of the Magic Kingdom! You can see everything from the Castle all decorated for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary to a monorail passing by. This certainly makes for a magical evening.
In what we thought was a lovely touch, new artwork also graces the walls of the California Grill.
It’s definitely worth giving it a look over! These images are of the early days of the Contemporary Resort.
They give quite an insight into how the resort was back in 1971!
So much has changed, but the awesomeness of dining here still remains the same!
The cost of this limited-time dining experience is $89 per adult and $39 per child (ages 3-9) plus tax and gratuity.
Reservations are strongly encouraged to avoid disappointment and can be booked 60 days in advance.
Bookings can be made via the My Disney Experience app.
In addition to the three courses we shared with you this evening, the California Grill has an incredible array of wines and cocktails and beers are also available.
As an extra special treat, we even got our drink served in a 50th Anniversary domed glass complete with a glow-cube that changed color while we dined!
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with us here at MickeyBlog.
We’ll be coming to you LIVE! from the theme parks each and every week during the 18 month run of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”
With new policies and procedures in place for next year, there’s never been a better time to work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner who can help you navigate through Disney’s new way of doing things! Just fill out my form HERE to get your FREE, no-obligation quote. Alternatively, feel free to reach out at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook