PERFECT PASTA NEWS: California Grill Is Bringing Back One of Our FAVORITE Menu Items!

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Menu alert! If there’s one thing we LOVE, it’s trying all the new (and returning) menu additions around Disney World. Whether Disney is trying something new — like an OCTOPUS Cocktail — or bringing back an old menu item, there’s never a dull moment in the world of Disney dining.

California Grill

In fact, Disney just announced a special anniversary, and in honor of the occasion, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is making some fun menu changes. Let’s see what’s cookin’!

 

Happy birthday, California Grill! This beloved Disney restaurant is celebrating its 30th anniversary at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Here’s a fun fact for ya — California Grill was Disney World’s first signature dining experience. What a legacy! The California Grill is truly a masterpiece of fine dining; it has even been recognized by the Michelin Guide.

California Grill dining room

Of course, the restaurant has gone through quite a few changes since it opened 30 years ago, but the one thing that has remained consistent? The hard work and dedication displayed by Disney Cast Members every day! In fact, one of the restaurant’s opening day Cast Members, Ray, said, “That opening team was really special, everyone brought a different talent and was constantly learning for each other.”

©Disney

Ray even created one of California Grill’s most popular cocktails, the Monterey, or as his regulars call it, the “Ray Ray.” Want to try it? You’re in luck! Disney just confirmed that this signature cocktail will be returning as part of a NEW limited-time anniversary menu. The Monterey is BACK, people! If you’re wondering what’s in it, Ray explained, “The Monterey was made with [flavors of vanilla, pineapple] and lemonade made from scratch.”

The menu is CHANGING!

Wanna know what else will be on the special new menu? According to a Cast Member, several returning items will be on the menu from now through May 2026. Look for selections marked with a ’30’ on the menu. So far, we know that the following items will be returning:

• Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli
• Grilled Pork Tenderloin
• Blueberry-Goat Cheese Cheesecake
• The Monterey (Ray’s signature cocktail)

Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli

Disney teased that other returning favorites will also be added to the menu, so if you’re an original California Grill fan, make sure to stop by through May 2026!

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

We’ve tried a LOT of food in Disney World, and California Grill consistently delivers on flavor, quality, and overall experience. You can even catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from an exclusive viewing location at the TOP of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Fireworks viewing at California Grill

With DOZENS of places to eat at Disney World, we know it can be tough to plan your meals. That’s why we wrote the DFB Guide to Dining at Walt Disney World. We have reviews, pictures, and details about every restaurant all in one digital download – along with ALL of our best tips and strategies from decades of Disney World trips. 

DFB Guides

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

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What’s your favorite menu item at California Grill? Let us know in the comments!

The post PERFECT PASTA NEWS: California Grill Is Bringing Back One of Our FAVORITE Menu Items! first appeared on the disney food blog.

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