Beaches and Cream

[castanea1985]

I'm debating what to do for the Illuminations at Epcot, ideally would like to book a meal with a view, but have already got plenty of ADR's already. So, would consider something a little different.
Does anyone know if you can get a good view of the Illuminations at Beaches and Cream? Would it be busy at that time?
Or failing that, any other ideas???
T.

 

[gilld]

No you wouldn't see anything much from Beaches 'n Cream. It was always busy there and as they don't take ADR's you could wait ages to be seated.

I suppose you could get take out from there and walk back to the bridge between Boardwalk and the walkway to Epcot and eat there. Personally, if you want to eat while watching Illuminations, I'd say book an Epcot restaurant or even eat at Tangierine which is really great.

 

[castanea1985]

Thanks for that. Can you see the Illuminations from inside Chefs du France??

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Technically you should be able to but the crowd will be in the way.

The best place to dine and view is at Rose and Crown and then only if you are given an outdoor table that faces the water.

There is the counterservice in Mexico. You'd have to get there very early and hold the table though. And be prepared for incredibly rude people who will try to squeeze their children between the railing and your table.

 

[castanea1985]

Thanks.
Might see if we can eat just before! So we don't miss it. I know what you mean about people pushing in! I think it would rather spoil things.
Thanks again for all the suggestions.

Does anyone know when is the best time to visit Beaches and Cream, so we might get a table??
T.

 

[danashay28]

Counterservice at Mexico was a great location. We got there about an hour prior to start time and found an available table with no problem.

 

[Miffy2003]

We got a table easily at B&C when it opened for the day

It can be busy at all other times of day though.

 

[Rella Bella]

The best place to dine and view is at Rose and Crown and then only if you are given an outdoor table that faces the water.

There is the counterservice in Mexico. You'd have to get there very early and hold the table though. And be prepared for incredibly rude people who will try to squeeze their children between the railing and your table.

We've done both of these and they are pretty good locations. You definitely want to see Illuminations as close to the water as possible. You will miss a good deal of the show if you are back from the edge.

At Rose & Crown (the better of the two) you have to time your reservation right... the tables outside are first come first serve and since everyone wants to see Illuminations from there they can take a very long time to finish... I would think to be safe you'd need your ADR for 7:15 to 7:30. They will however let you go outside to watch if you are seated inside, just tell your server so they know your not leaving.

There is also standing room in a courtyard to the right behind the counter service fish and chips shoppe next door to the Rose & Crown. It's one of our favorite places. We get some F&C and go back and claim a bit of wall to lean on, and eat while we wait. Not as upscale as inside but still a good view.

The counter service in Mexico is pretty good, but the tables aren't really close enough to the edge to keep people from trying to stand in front of you, as DVC~OKW~96 mentioned you have to fight for your place all night.

Just be sure you have a spot claimed by 8:30 at the latest, if not you'll be standing in the crush looking between heads.