California Grill Review: Is the $99 Prix-Fixe Menu Worth It?
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort remains one of the most iconic dining experiences on Walt Disney World property. Perched at the very top of the resort, it offers sweeping views of Magic Kingdom, upscale dishes inspired by California cuisine, and access to one of the most unique fireworks viewing spots on property.
This was my first time returning in quite a while, and my first time experiencing the prix-fixe menu format. If you are considering adding California Grill to your next vacation, here’s what you need to know.
What Does Prix-Fixe Mean at California Grill?
California Grill now operates exclusively with a fixed-price menu. Adults pay $99 per person, and children are priced separately. The price includes:
- One starter (Market Inspirations)
- One entrée (Chef’s Journey)
- One dessert (Sweet Creations)
Beverages, including soft drinks, coffee, cocktails, and wine, are not included.
Before 2020, California Grill offered standard à la carte pricing, but since reopening, the prix-fixe format has remained. I have to imagine this helps ensure that guests are there for a complete dining experience rather than simply stopping in for a drink and stepping outside for fireworks. If you want the view, you are committing to the full meal.
Atmosphere and Fireworks Viewing
California Grill’s location plays a major role in the value of the meal. Guests with evening reservations can step outside onto the dedicated fireworks viewing platform either before or after dinner. The music is piped in, and the vantage point is stunning. The view alone makes the evening feel special, both literally and figuratively elevated.
Starters: Market Inspirations
I ordered the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, a dish that has been on the menu in various forms for years and has quite the following. It arrives swimming in a tomato broth with pine nuts, basil, and California extra virgin olive oil. It is a single raviolo, and yes, it is small, but it is rich, comforting, and flavorful. I recommend it without hesitation.
My husband ordered one of the sushi selections, the Surf & Turf Roll, which included fresh fish, expertly prepared rice, and those vibrant California flavors the restaurant is known for. California Grill has long been recognized for its sushi program, and if you enjoy sushi, you are likely to find this course to be a standout.
Entrées: Chef’s Journey
For my entrée, I chose the Oak-Grilled Filet of Beef, served with roasted garlic potato puree, charred broccolini, fig-onion marmalade, and reduction jus. I ordered mine well done, which I know pains many a chef, but even fully cooked, the filet was tender, flavorful, and beautifully charred.
My husband chose the Grilled Pork Tenderloin, which features creamy goat cheese polenta, roasted pork belly, aged balsamic, and organic mushrooms. The pork belly was especially well executed and added a rich, decadent note to the dish.
Both entrées felt thoughtful, elevated, and aligned with what a signature Disney dining experience should deliver.
Desserts: Sweet Creations
Dessert was where things became more mixed for me. The menu leans heavily into creative interpretations rather than traditional flavors, which will appeal to some guests more than others.
Chai-Milk Chocolate Crème Brûlée
This version was deconstructed, topped with a lace tuile cookie rather than the expected caramelized sugar crust. While fun in concept, the flavors leaned more toward pumpkin spice than chocolate and chai. The texture also lacked the satisfying crack of a traditional brûlée.
Maple-Pecan Mille Feuille
Based on the description, I expected buttery layers of pastry, but the base was more dense than flaky. The maple flavor in the cream was lovely, but overall the dessert felt a bit lackluster.
The highlight of the dessert course was the Blueberry-Goat Cheese Cheesecake, which offered a creamy texture with familiar flavors and a bright fruit profile.
If you love classic chocolate or vanilla desserts, you may find yourself wishing for more traditional options rather than experimental ones.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth $99 Per Person?
California Grill is a premium experience, and the cost reflects not only the food but the setting, the fireworks viewing platform, and the overall atmosphere.
It is worth it if you are looking for:
- A special-occasion meal
- Elevated dishes with unique California-inspired flavors
- A premium fireworks viewing location
It may not be worth it if:
- You prefer simple or familiar flavor profiles
- You want flexibility to order a single course or drinks only
- You are choosing it primarily for dessert
For us, the appetizers and entrées delivered beautifully, the location was spectacular, and the service was attentive. The dessert course felt less successful, but overall the evening was memorable and felt like a true Disney signature dining experience.
Would you add California Grill to your next Walt Disney World trip? If you have tried the prix-fixe menu, I would love to hear what you thought!
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