Located high atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, California Grill has been a beloved dining destination since its debut in 1995. Perched on the 15th floor with panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon, the restaurant quickly gained a reputation for more than just its fresh, seasonal menus. From its open kitchen to its iconic view of Cinderella Castle, California Grill Disney has always delivered an experience that feels as grand as the fireworks overhead.
But what truly makes California Grill shine? It’s the people—the cast members who’ve poured their passion into every service, every dish, and every magical memory shared.
Passion Behind the Plates
Since day one, California Grill has been about more than culinary innovation. It’s been about crafting a legacy. Ray, a cast member who’s been there since opening night, recalls how the original team brought diverse talents and supported one another from the very beginning.
It’s that same spirit that inspired Ray to create one of the restaurant’s most beloved drinks: the Monterey. Known by regulars as the “Ray Ray,” this cocktail made with fresh-squeezed lemonade and crushed blackberries will be returning as part of this year’s anniversary menu.
“We’re surrounded by the freshest ingredients,” Ray shares. “California Grill has always been focused on excellence—and that starts with sourcing locally and seasonally.”
A Tradition of Exceptional Service
Signature dining at Disney is synonymous with unforgettable service, and cast members like Dale and Walter embody that standard. Both were on the opening team, and both still remember the names—and faces—of guests they’ve served for decades.
“We’re part of the Disney culture,” Dale says. “The level of service here, you just don’t get that anywhere else.”
Guests often return with their children—and now grandchildren—making the California Grill restaurant a tradition passed through generations. Walter reflects on seeing kids grow into parents, visiting again with families of their own. “That’s the real magic,” he smiles.
One of Dale’s most memorable moments came when he served Roy E. Disney, Walt’s nephew. “He teared up after the fireworks and said, ‘I’ve seen these a ton of times, and it still gets me.’ That’s something I’ll never forget.”
Honoring a Culinary Legacy
From hand-crafted cocktails to multi-course seasonal menus, California Grill Disney remains a beacon of culinary artistry and heartfelt hospitality. Thirty years in, it continues to shape what signature dining means at Walt Disney World.
Every dish tells a story, and every return guest helps write the next chapter. Whether you’re watching fireworks from your table or savoring a dish inspired by local ingredients, California Grill’s legacy lives on—in the food, the views, and the people who make it all happen.
For three decades, it’s been more than a meal—it’s been magic.
