It’s hard to believe it, but the California Grill is 30 years ago! It has been delighting guests with its beautiful culinary offerings on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort for all that time. When it opened, it was Walt Disney World Resort’s first signature dining experience. It has led to many more!
The California Grill has beautiful views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom. This provides for beautiful views of Cinderella Castle, sunsets, fireworks, and magical moments. It is also known for its open kitchen and for its fresh, seasonal menus. All of this is taken to new heights by the cast members who bring this restaurant to life.
The Disney Parks Blog shared about some of the legacy of the California Grill as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Check the following out:
Crafting a Legacy from Day One to Today
Leading up to opening night, a team was assembled with one key ingredient in mind – passion. “That opening team was really special, everyone brought a different talent and was constantly learning for each other,” Ray, an opening-day cast member, remembers.
It’s that same passion that inspired Ray to craft one of California Grill’s most popular cocktails, the Monterey, or as his regulars call it the “Ray Ray”, which will be returning to this year’s limited-time anniversary menu.
“We’re surrounded by the freshest ingredients,” Ray explains. “Since the beginning, California Grill has focused on excellence and that still comes through today with local and domestic sourced seasonal ingredients.”
World Class Service Through the Years
For opening-day server, Dale, his passion goes hand-in-hand with purpose. “We’re a part of the Disney culture and the world-class service we provide is something you don’t receive anywhere else,” Dale says.
And it’s because of that spirit of service that Dale and other long-time Cast Members have created lifelong connections with guests. Over the decades, the California Grill team has welcomed families who first visited with their toddlers and now return with grandchildren alongside them.
“Something special about Disney is that people come back and vacation year after year and I’ve gotten to see families grow up in front of my eyes,” says Walter, another opening-day server. “I’ve seen kids when they were seven or eight years old and now, they’re 35 visiting with children of their own! I think that’s the real kicker, this place has been here 30 years, and it’s given us an opportunity to build strong, amazing relationships with a lot of families.”
That sense of connection, decades deep and deeply personal, is what continues to define California Grill. For many cast members, the memories they’ve shared with guests are cherished moments of their own.
“Once, I waited on Roy E. Disney, Walt’s nephew. And after the fireworks I went over to the table, and he was crying a little bit, and he said, ‘I’ll tell you, Dale, I’ve seen these a ton of times, and it still gets me’…and that’s my favorite memory of 30 years.” Dale fondly recalls.
Celebrating California Grill Since 1995
California Grill celebrates a legacy of excellence and care carried on by the passion of its cast members. Since 1995, they have set the stage for a new generation of signature dining at Walt Disney World; blending bold flavors and techniques into beautiful experiences.
With each new dish and every returning guest, its story continues to be written by the people who have made this restaurant special since that very first night.
Today, California Grill is among the hundreds of dining locations offered across Walt Disney World, from restaurants themed to favorite Disney characters and stories to the newly awarded MICHELIN Star recipient Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
