California Grill Cast Members Celebrate 30 Years

Thirty years ago, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort opened as Walt Disney World’s first signature dining experience, forever changing the landscape of Disney dining. 

Located on the 15^th floor overlooking Magic Kingdom and Seven Seas Lagoon, this iconic restaurant quickly became popular for its fresh, seasonal menus, royal views of Cinderella Castle and one of the first open kitchens at the Resort. But beyond the contemporary cuisine, what truly makes California Grill special is the people. 

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. “The Monterey was made with [flavors of vanilla, pineapple] and lemonade made from scratch. Since the beginning, California Grill has focused on excellence and that still comes through today with local and domestic sourced seasonal ingredients.”

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. 

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.