Dinners with Illuminations views

[arcticdisneylovers]

Which restaurants in Epcot have dinner with a view of Illuminations? We'll be there at the end of January

[ArthurFiggis]

My understanding is that the best view is from the Rose & Crown at the UK. I felt bad for the folks there on my last trip though, some kind of freak breeze blew all the smoke right at them

I've read that La Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico (not to be confused with the San Angel Inn inside the Pyramid) is a good viewing spot also. I'm going to try the balcony at Tokyo Dining in Japan on my next trip.

[TheRustyScupper]

Illuminations restaurant viewing (rev 5/6/2011)
. . . Rose & Crown - Excellent Patio View
. . . La Hacienda - Excellent Window View
. . . Tokyo Dining - Good Window view, Good Patio View
. . . Chef de France - Obstructed Window View
. . . Bistro de Paris - Partially Obstructed Window View
. . . Liberty Inn - Obstructed Patio View


NOTE: Tables at restaurants with views are highly prized.
. . . you may ask for a able with a view at the podium
. . . but, must take ANY seat when your ADR is ready
. . . whether there is a fireworks view or not

[catne]

at both Rose & Crown and La Hacienda we have been told every time that we cannot wait for a view-seat, have to take what's available when your name comes up on the system.

Note: La Hacienda has a number of "window view" seats that have zero view of Illuminations, so they may cheerfully announce that you're getting a window seat, when in fact it does you no good whatsoever...there is a side room where about half the tables are that does not even face the open lagoon (the windows in that room look off towards the sidewalk to Norway, so a tiny bit of lagoon but not the direction of the fireworks.) There really are not very many actual view-the-fireworks seats in there. You can see somewhat from the tables farther back in the one room, but you're looking "around" the people who actually have the tables at the window. They do dim the lights during the fireworks(to the point you cannot continue eating even if you want to) You can get up and go stand in the back of the room with the view, but it's not a very good view at all from that vantage point.

We prefer to get an earlier meal (like 6:30 or so) and then find a good viewing spot on the WS lagoon at around 8:30 (or by 7:45-8:00 if you're going at a busier time.)

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

Originally Posted by ArthurFiggis

My understanding is that the best view is from the Rose & Crown at the UK. I felt bad for the folks there on my last trip though, some kind of freak breeze blew all the smoke right at them

I've read that La Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico (not to be confused with the San Angel Inn inside the Pyramid) is a good viewing spot also. I'm going to try the balcony at Tokyo Dining in Japan on my next trip.

Have done both Rose & Crown and La Hacienda and Rose & Crown is easier to get a seat ! Have also stood up there in Japan and that's a great view.

[parkhopping]

I've done dinner at La Hacienda, and was fairly pleased with our view of the fireworks, though others on the DIS have given it poor reviews There was one table between us and the window. I was sitting with my back to the window and just turned my chair around. It's not as good of a view as being outside, as you don't get the full effect of the "booms", and because there's a roof over your head you can't see the bursts in their entirety. But it was a decent show and I'd do it again. Definitely nice not to have to stake out a spot around the lagoon, and I enjoyed sipping my coffee while watching the show They do allow you to walk out to the dining area for La Cantina if you wish; there's a door from La Hacienda, though the area is usually pretty crowded.

On my most recent visit we watched the fireworks from the balcony of Tokyo Dining and it was a good view. The arch and trees do partially obstruct your line of vision, but not excessively. We could see the globe the whole time. Note that you do not have to be eating at Tokyo Dining to stand on the balcony.

[figment_jii]

Originally Posted by arcticdisneylovers

Which restaurants in Epcot have dinner with a view of Illuminations? We'll be there at the end of January

Rose & Crown also has a reserved viewing area for folks that are seated inside or at an outside table without a good view. They let you leave your table to go watch the show and then come back and finish eating. The reserved viewing area (your server will escort you) is to the left of the restaurant (when facing the lagoon). R&C is the only restaurant with this feature, so even if you don't have a table with a view, you will be able to watch the show.

The view from the reserved area: