ADRs in Epcot for Illuminations

[FutureBrideOfMike]

I made ADRs in Epcot almost every night of our trip, bc it is our favorite park. Our ADRs are at 7pm on these nights. I thought if the park closed after Illuminations that we would have to be done eating and ready to leave by then. But now after thinking about it, I would love to be able to dine & watch Illuminations, can you do this? If yes, what time should I switch ADRs to?
Thanks!

 

[simpilotswife]

I wouldn't mind having this information as well as any recommendations for places to eat while watching.

 

[dawgfan]

I could be horribly wrong about this buy the only place that you can really view Illuminations while dining is the Rose and Crown. The Mexican stand outside the lagoon also has a view but less appealing.

Something we loved was to eat a late dinner after Illuminations and leave the park after the show was over and the crowd had gone. It was magical. The crowds were gone and the place was nearly deserted. Photo Ops galore. Quiet and peaceful stroll to the gate. It was really neat.

 

[FutureBrideOfMike]

I just assumed that if the parks closed at 9pm, then we would have to be out by then. But from the previous post it looks like we could have later ressies. Can someone advise? I'd like to readjust my ADRs today. Thanx!

 

[Ted and Holly]

Illuminations usually starts at 9:00pm. The park officially closes at that time. The last seatings for the restaurants are around the same time. You can, however, stay in the park for quite some time afterwards. Not much is open, except maybe Mouse Gear. We have stayed in the park until 10:30 more than once.

But you should really try to plan your meals so that you are getting your dessert when Illuminations begins. This way, you can pay and leave at the end of the show. A lot of work needs to be done to clear out and close the restaurants and the park.

The Rose and Crown can be the best place to view Illiminations from. If timed right and seated at an outside, lower patio table, the view is incredible. They do no gaurantee any seating requests, however.

Ted

 

[kaytieeldr]

You can also see Illuminations from the glassed-in area of Chefs de France. They dim the lights inside and out. I made my at-the-time PS for 8:15 or 8:30, and ended up leaving the park around 10. There were still some Guests in the restaurant, and there were still a few walking through the park.

 

[Ted and Holly]

Another note. Depending on how busy the park is, there can be a short window of when you will actually get a good table for the show. What I mean is, the show is at 9. People know this, so if they are sitting at a table on the lagoon, they will wait around for the show. If you change your ADR to 8:30, those tables may be full.

I find that 7:30 or 7:45 is the best time to shoot for an outside table.