ADRs and Illuminations

[lfeikert]

I'm looking for suggestions here. What should we do if we would like to have an ADR at an EPCOT restaurant and see illuminations? Is there some place that we should try for so we could watch while we eat? Or a certain place that we should eat so that we exit in a good place to watch? What timeframe should we aim for?
Thanks!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) There are three (3) sit-downs with a view of Illuminations.
2) But, at all three, you will not be guaranteed a view.
3) And, you MUST agree to take the first table offered.
4) All you can do is make an ADR and hope for the best.

NOTE: You used to be able to wait for a patio or window seat, but too many people didn't eat if they couldn't get that view. This left a lot of open tables elsewhere in the eatery. So,k no you must take the first table offered, whether it is a view seat or not.

 

[lfeikert]

So which ones are they? We want to do a meal at Akershus for a princess meal but aren't picky as to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Would this be a good option?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Sit-Downs:
1) Rose & Crown (UK)
2) Tokyo Dining (Japan)
3) Bistro de Paris (France)

Counter Service:
1) Cantina de San Angel (Mexico)

 

[gismo1554]

Sit-Downs:
1) Rose & Crown (UK)
2) Tokyo Dining (Japan)
3) Bistro de Paris (France)

Counter Service:
1) Cantina de San Angel (Mexico)

Ohh does Tokyo dining have views? Went to Teppanaki and it didnt so nice to see that Tokyo does.

With Rose & Crown it is the only resturant that has a special viewing area outside for those people stuck inside the resturant during the fireworks so you can ask to go down there to see it. This however is standing room only and first come first serve so can be an issue. As far as I'm aware the view from Bistro de Paris is limited and so I wouldn't go for that one personally but Tokyo dining might be a great one from that height.

Catina de San Angel tends to get busy early as people perch to get a good view for hours. Another place you can see the fireworks from is the beer garden next to the Rose & Crown. This is open seating but again you have to get a table early. There is no sort of service down there but the Fish & chips shop is just a short walk down the main street so you can go grab a bite while someone saves a seat. As this isn't directly by a food place it tends to fill up a little later than Cantina but still both fill early so be prepared to wait around.

 

[madalex]

There are numerous great places to watch Illuminations all around the WS lagoon. Unlike the shows in some of the other parks, you don't need to stake out a place hours ahead of time in order to get a good spot. Generally, you can find lots of good spots just 15 - 30 minutes before the show (yes, I know some people camp out an hour or more ahead of time, but this is not necessary and always struck me as wasting time in the park).

Thus, a dinner ADR no later than 7:00 at any of the Epcot restaurants (or even the Epcot resort area restaurants, since that area is so close by) should be sufficient to allow you to eat and still get done in time to get a good spot to watch Illuminations.