The California Grill, high atop Disney's Contemporary Hotel

Contributed by The Disney Chick,  friend and Guest Blogger.

When the Mousekefoodie team invited me to write a guest post for their big debut, I was thrilled. Because I love Disney (obviously), and I love food – making it, eating it, watching other people make it so I can eat it. And there’s a lot of great dining available in the Disney Parks, but I’ve always found that the best dining in Walt Disney World is in the resorts. (Bonus: eating at resorts also allows you to scope out all the different hotels and then begin obsessively planning which one you should stay at on your next trip.) And my favorite restaurant – by a magical mile – is the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it’s totally worth it.

Allow me to express my love the only way I know how – with a list.

Five Reasons to Dine at the California Grill

The View – You can’t talk about the California Grill without mentioning the view. Simply put, it’s unparalleled in WDW. From your table, you’ll be able to see the Magic Kingdom, the Seven Seas Lagoon, and well beyond. I recommend making a reservation around sunset, when the vistas will take your breath away. Plus! The windows automatically dim so you can enjoy the view without getting sun in your eye. Squinting is gauche, dah-ling.

The Wine List – I love wine, but I’m not one of those people who loves wine (you know the type). But even those people would be impressed by the California Grill’s wine list. It’s big. It’s intimidating. I usually make the waiter pick, and I’m always happy with the selection.

The Ambience – You know those restaurants you walk into and immediately wish you had worn your pearls? This isn’t that place. The California Grill is an undoubtedly classy establishment (there is a slight dress code), but you never feel stiff or stuffy while you’re there. Your night begins when you check in on the second level of the Contemporary Resort, when you are whisked up in an elevator to the 11^th floor … and then you freefall in terror. Just kidding! That happens elsewhere. Here, the doors open and you walk into the bar area, where you are greeted by spectacular views in all directions. It’s first class dining, the Disney way.

The Wishes – If you went ahead and made that sunset reservation, you’re in for a special treat, because right around the dessert course, you can head outside to the viewing platform (or stay at the table) to watch Wishes. They even pipe the music in. Pure Disney magic, at it’s finest. The outside viewing area is also a great place to watch the nightly water pageant around the Seven Seas Lagoon. And you can stay out there as long as you like (Well, until they close. Been there, took pictures of that.).

The Food – Oh right, the food. It’s spectacular. And I mean that. Living in New York City means I have access to some of the world’s best restaurants, and I’ve had a birthday dinner or two at those places you hear about on Top Chef, and let me tell you – the California Grill can play ball in the big leagues. Every time I eat there, I have a new “Oh! That’s what ____ is supposed to taste like!” moment. From the opening cheese plate to the closing sorbet, and all the pork/steak/pasta/seafood in the middle, the California Grill is a must-do on your next trip. Your taste buds will thank you, even if your wallet is giving you the stink-eye.

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