Dinner and Illuminations

[OneMoreTry]

Are there any Epcot WS dinner packages that include priority seating at Illuminations -- other than the Grand Gatherings package?

 

[jemiaule]

I don't think so...but if there is someone please speak up!

 

[Pumbaa_]

Wouldn't that be nice? Kinda like the fantasmic dinner package. I would go for it.

 

[hockeybabe]

It's not a guarantee, but you can get waterview seating at Rose and Crown if it is available. We had a 8 p.m. adr, and requested a Illuminations view on check in, and got one. It was so amazing! You could feel the heat of the fire, and a completely unobstructed view while sipping on beer and eating dessert...fabulous! Second trip, we watched from the balcony in Japan. Annoying people just blab-blab-blabbed all through the whole show, it was soooo annoying! Not fireworks related, I would get that, but whinng and complaining about some relative somewhere in the US, it was annoying. Well, went off topic just a bit there, eh? Sorry! Anyway, it's back to try Rose and Crown for us next trip!

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

So you think Rose and Crown? That sounds like a good idea. I was wondering about that. Thanks.

 

[OneMoreTry]

It's not a guarantee, but you can get waterview seating at Rose and Crown if it is available. We had a 8 p.m. adr, and requested a Illuminations view on check in, and got one. It was so amazing! You could feel the heat of the fire, and a completely unobstructed view while sipping on beer and eating dessert...fabulous! Second trip, we watched from the balcony in Japan. Annoying people just blab-blab-blabbed all through the whole show, it was soooo annoying! Not fireworks related, I would get that, but whinng and complaining about some relative somewhere in the US, it was annoying. Well, went off topic just a bit there, eh? Sorry! Anyway, it's back to try Rose and Crown for us next trip!

What time should I reserve if I try this? Is there a provision for those seated inside to go out and watch?

There was a thread about Ill from R&C a couple years back. I've been leery about trying this because the chance of getting a good seat is iffy at best. We would have 9 or 10 people. I assume it would be difficult to get a good table as anyone reserving after 7 is doing so in part to see the show.

 

[ellencoppola]

We were there last month and had ADR for Rose & Crown for 8:30 pm. They do not gaurantee an outside table anymore. I also heard that if you don't take what is offered to you they remove you from the list. People who have early reservations (7:00) were hanging out at their tables waiting for the illuminations to begin.

 

[Super 27]

We usually do a 7:30 reservation at R&C and have no trouble getting a table on the patio. It's a GREAT view of the show! If you do happen to get seated inside, they do have a standing area that is roped off so people can't crowd it in advance, and they'll let you go out there and watch. And if you don't mind standing, the view from the steps of Canada isn't bad either...

 

[bicker]

About 30% of the tables at Rose & Crown have a good view of Illuminations. It has long been the most desireable place to have a late dinner at Epcot, and everyone eating there wants to be seated at those tables, so do be aware of your chances (30%). They no longer will allow guests to wait for the next patio table, due to too many conflicts in that regard in the past.

We've been lucky enough to get a patio table for Illuminations three times out of eight times we've eaten at Rose & Crown during the show. It's a wonderful view (though not necessarily the best, mind you) if you are lucky. And even if you're seated around the side of the restaurant under the awning, or inside, there is typically a place you can go and stand and watch the show.

Good luck!