FIRST LOOK at California Grill’s 50th Anniversary Dining Experience in Disney World

Lots of new things have appeared throughout Disney World as part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations.

We’ve spotted all kinds of new treats, new merchandise, new fireworks, and more. Now, a NEW dining experience has come to a favorite resort hotel restaurant and we’re giving you a FIRST LOOK at what it’s like!

At the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you’ll find a special restaurant, California Grill. California Grill is popular in its own right, but for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World, the restaurant is offering a different experience.

Instead of the restaurant’s traditional menu, guests will be able to order from a special prix fixe menu that offers dishes inspired by the restaurant’s past as well as some brand new items.

The new prix fixe menu started being offered yesterday, October 3rd. Today, we got the chance to check it out ourselves! Just as when you dine at California Grill normally, you’ll check in online through the My Disney Experience app and head to the desks on the second floor.

There, Cast Members will escort you to special elevators for California Grill guests. After getting off the elevator, you’ll step into the beautiful California Grill space with those GORGEOUS views over Magic Kingdom.

Then, it’s time to order from the prix fixe menu. The specialty prix fixe meal includes 1 appetizer selection, 1 entree selection, and 1 dessert.

You can also order an assortment of beverages to accompany you meal.

The three-course meal costs $89 per adult (ages 10 and up) plus tax and gratuity and $39 per child (ages 3-9).

For adults, there’s also a guided wine pairing for an additional $39 per guest ages 21 and above. We opted for a couple of cocktails: the Blueberry Lemon Drop and the Icewine Martini.

Kids can add on a specialty nonalcoholic drink called the Stardust Sipper for an additional $11.

No matter which selections you choose, your evening begins with Bread Service.

Then it was time for the Market Inspirations, a.k.a. the Appetizer round!

For our first course, we grabbed the Lobster and Parsnip Bisque (a specialty item brought onto the menu for the 50th Anniversary)…

…the House-made Artisinal-style Duck à l’Orange Pizza (another 50th Anniversary item)…

…and the Braised Beef Short Rib Wontons.

Kids can start their meal with a Hearts of Romaine Salad, or a bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup.

For our entrees, we got the Oak-fired Filet of Beef…

…the Free-range Plancha-seared Chicken…

…and the Handcrafted Wild Mushroom Ravioli!

We also got the kids Grilled Beef Tenderloin.

For dessert (Sweet Creations), we ordered the Five Magical Bites 50 Years in the Making…

…the Valrhona Chocolate Torte…

…and the EARidescent Grand Marnier Soufflé!

Included in the price of your meal is the ability to view the NEW Magic Kingdom fireworks show, Disney Enchantment, from the private viewing area for California Grill guests (or you could view it right from your table, depending on the timing of your meal).

Keep in mind that there is a dress code. According to Disney, “Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional. Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Not permitted are tank tops, flip-flops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, hats for gentlemen, cut-offs, torn clothing and t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics.”

And that’s a first look at this new dining experience at California Grill. We’ll be bringing you a FULL review of our experience soon, so stay tuned for that. Check back with us for all the latest Disney news!

Click here to see photos and reviews of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary eats and treats!

What do you think of this new dining experience? Tell us in the comments!

The post FIRST LOOK at California Grill’s 50th Anniversary Dining Experience in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.