Review: Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle at California Grill

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

As has been the trend in the past few months, a new upcharge dining event debuted on February 26th, 2017 called Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle at California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Located on the 15th floor of one of the original Walt Disney World hotels, this dining experience was designed for a more intimate group. With a maximum of 50 guests, the Napa Room affords a beautiful view while enjoying drinks and small offerings food.

California Grill

California Grill

The cost is $99 per person, plus tax and gratuity, which includes all you can drink from a well-stocked bar in the room and an all you can eat selection of sushi rolled by the expert California Grill sushi chefs, a selection of flatbreads and other small plates..

Wine

Wine at the bar

California Grill wine list

The wine list

The food offerings, located in an adjacent room to give more space in the Napa Room for guests to talk and enjoy the evening, are a unique blend of options for almost every taste palate

Guests are sat an hour before Wishes! starts over the Magic Kingdom, which gives plenty of time to go back for more food and enjoy many of the drink options. The food was constantly being refreshed and, if something was out, it would only be a minute or so before is would be replenished.As Tinker Bell prepares to take flight over the Magic Kingdom guests are moved out to a private viewing area with their own glowing glass of champagne. The viewing area does offer one of the best views of Wishes! but can also be a bit chillym so bring a light jacket if you do visit.Once the last fireworks have gone off, it is back inside for more drinks and a small dessert selection.

My overall feeling for this event was there wasn’t much for the price:

  • The food offerings were nice and unique but very small and to equal a meal next door at the California Grill you would have to go back many times.
  • The alcoholic options were nice and plentiful but also opened up for some guests to take full advantage of the “all you can drink,” which backfired during the fireworks viewing as they didn’t care about the other guests and were loud and talking over the show. This really took away from the magic of the private viewing.
  • The desserts, while very tasty, were very rich which cut down on the repeat visits again to try and fill up.
  • As for the fireworks viewing it was a very beautiful view, but if you go up to have dinner at California Grill you can have almost the same view. Sure, dinner will cost more but you will also have more to eat.

As the ladies I was sat at a table with, who all had just finished the Princess Half Marathon, said “it’s a good way to celebrate,” which is the perfect description why you should do this. But as always don’t just take my word for it, if you are looking for something special to do on a Sunday night try it out!

Reservations for Celebration at the Top are now open for select Sunday evenings from February 26 to April 16. As mentioned, the cost is $99 per person plus tax and gratuity. Complimentary valet parking is included. Contact Walt Disney Dining at 407-WDW-DINE or click HERE.

Jeremiah Good
Our main correspondent for Walt Disney World and the Orlando area and a heck of a paleontologist if he does say so himself.