poison ivy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2010
BRUNCH AT THE TOP - CALIFORNIA GRILL
SUN. MAY 22, 2016
10 AM
Thought I'd give a pictorial review of our exceptional brunch experience on May 22.
"Brunch at the Top" debuted on February 7, 2016, so it's fairly new. Offered only on Sundays which makes securing a reservation very limited. Not sure how I managed to get one but really glad we did!
Here's the official Disney Parks Blog: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...debuts-february-7th-2016-at-california-grill/
Price: $80.00 + $5.00 tax + gratuity.
Dining Plan accepted = 2 TS credits/pp + gratuity
also available: cash bar w/specialty drinks
OUR MENU
We drove over to the Contemporary from the VWL around 9:35am for a 10 o'clock resv.
The security guard directed us to valet park, stating it was included in the price of the brunch.
Score
Front door service. (very nice perk)
The California Grill encompasses the entire top floor of the Contemporary Resort.
Hence the name "Brunch at the Top"!
It boasts spectacular views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake and provides guest access to 2 outside viewing platforms which extend from either end.
Lucky for us, both sides were open. We were invited to return back anytime that evening to view wishes.
We checked-in at the podium on the 2nd Fl of the Contemporary.
Here they will validate your valet ticket and hand you a buzzer to wait to be escorted via private express elevator straight to the 15th floor.
.
Where you are immediately greeted with a complimentary Mimosa - chilled champagne poured into a waiting glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. Delicious!
A refreshing non-alcoholic white grape juice was also on hand as the perfect alternative.
Their live band quietly set the mood with a stand-up bass and keyboard.
We chose the earliest time slot - 10 am, which placed us among the first to be seated.
This was a great advantage. Not only did it better our chance at securing one of the most coveted window seats on property, but it allowed for optimal photo opportunities without interfering with the other guests.
Our Table - Score 2
our table sat among this small group of "2 Tops" symmetrically aligned to section off the main seating area.
Our Views:
Each table is pre-set with cream; sugar; whipped orange blossom honey butter; house strawberry jam (ridiculously good) and other sweeteners.
Starters:
fresh juice and ice water
Custom roast California Blend French pressed pot of coffee
Signature Bread service
Tillamook Cheddar Biscuit; Cranberry Scone; Caramel Apple Walnut Monkey Bread
(All so good!!)
Bloody Mary Bar - (alcohol cash add-on)
This bar takes up a decent amount of space.
it extends from the last bar stool to the entire case sitting under the sign
Drinks are served in a Large Hurricane Glass.
which leaves room for the 5 hand selected condiments to build your drink:
(carrots/Italian meats/candied bacon/brie cheese/dill pickle spear/green olives/pickled cauliflower/beets/lg cocktail onions/rosemary sprig)
including Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
just about my entire 1st plate was from the Bloody Mary Bar. (toothpick items & bacon)
everything on that bar was there to enjoy with or without the cocktail. So have fun!
Continued............
SUN. MAY 22, 2016
10 AM
Thought I'd give a pictorial review of our exceptional brunch experience on May 22.
"Brunch at the Top" debuted on February 7, 2016, so it's fairly new. Offered only on Sundays which makes securing a reservation very limited. Not sure how I managed to get one but really glad we did!
Here's the official Disney Parks Blog: https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...debuts-february-7th-2016-at-california-grill/
Price: $80.00 + $5.00 tax + gratuity.
Dining Plan accepted = 2 TS credits/pp + gratuity
also available: cash bar w/specialty drinks
OUR MENU
We drove over to the Contemporary from the VWL around 9:35am for a 10 o'clock resv.
The security guard directed us to valet park, stating it was included in the price of the brunch.
Score
Front door service. (very nice perk)
The California Grill encompasses the entire top floor of the Contemporary Resort.
Hence the name "Brunch at the Top"!
It boasts spectacular views of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake and provides guest access to 2 outside viewing platforms which extend from either end.
Lucky for us, both sides were open. We were invited to return back anytime that evening to view wishes.
We checked-in at the podium on the 2nd Fl of the Contemporary.
Here they will validate your valet ticket and hand you a buzzer to wait to be escorted via private express elevator straight to the 15th floor.
.
Where you are immediately greeted with a complimentary Mimosa - chilled champagne poured into a waiting glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. Delicious!
A refreshing non-alcoholic white grape juice was also on hand as the perfect alternative.
Their live band quietly set the mood with a stand-up bass and keyboard.
We chose the earliest time slot - 10 am, which placed us among the first to be seated.
This was a great advantage. Not only did it better our chance at securing one of the most coveted window seats on property, but it allowed for optimal photo opportunities without interfering with the other guests.
Our Table - Score 2
our table sat among this small group of "2 Tops" symmetrically aligned to section off the main seating area.
Our Views:
Each table is pre-set with cream; sugar; whipped orange blossom honey butter; house strawberry jam (ridiculously good) and other sweeteners.
Starters:
fresh juice and ice water
Custom roast California Blend French pressed pot of coffee
Signature Bread service
Tillamook Cheddar Biscuit; Cranberry Scone; Caramel Apple Walnut Monkey Bread
(All so good!!)
Bloody Mary Bar - (alcohol cash add-on)
This bar takes up a decent amount of space.
it extends from the last bar stool to the entire case sitting under the sign
Drinks are served in a Large Hurricane Glass.
which leaves room for the 5 hand selected condiments to build your drink:
(carrots/Italian meats/candied bacon/brie cheese/dill pickle spear/green olives/pickled cauliflower/beets/lg cocktail onions/rosemary sprig)
including Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
just about my entire 1st plate was from the Bloody Mary Bar. (toothpick items & bacon)
everything on that bar was there to enjoy with or without the cocktail. So have fun!
Continued............
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