Best restaurant to view Illuminations at Epcot?

[suttonsammie]

Can anyone suggest the best place to dine and watch Illuminatons at Epcot? I cannot determine which restaurants have outdoor seating besides England. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Eileen

 

[fletcher21]

The Rose & Crown is the only full service restaurant with an outdoor dining area that offers a view of Illuminations.

 

[Jenn]

The counter service place in Mexico also has outdoor seating - but its first come first serve, so get there early and drag out your meal.

 

[Tigger7570]

Definitely, the Rose & Crown. We're dined there several times. We try to make a reservation for about 7:30 p.m. and request an outside table. We usually arrive about 7:00 and let them know we are there and willing to wait for the outside table. Usually get seated between 7:30-8:00. Then we have a leisurely meal and by the time we are almost through with dessert, it is time for Illuminations to start. We have never been disappointed in the food or the view.

 

[drusba]

And other than above there are no restaurants where you can eat and watch at the same time. There is outdoor seating at France where you could see Illuminations but for the fact that view in front of you fills up with people that block any view. There is also a porch area on second floor of the Japan pavilion just outside the bar but that is a small area and fills with people quickly.

 

[slp87]

There have been mixed reviews lately as to whether or not you can request the outside view at R & C. Last I heard you were given the next available table and if you did not take it, your name went to the bottom of the list. I think it depends on the host/hostess as to what happens.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Even if you can't get a patio seat at R&C ... the staff will let you out onto the patio to watch the fireworks. You might have to stand but its definetly not crowded ... I thought there was room for everyone

 

[katypop]

funny how the "rules" seem to change at R&C. our 1st trip we were lucky and got a patio seat, but they would not allow anyone inside to join us on the patio, they told them it would obstruct the view of those on the patio and they would be in the way of the servers. 2nd trip we had a ps for 2 different nights...both nights we arrived a few minutes early and asked politely for a patio seat.when we were called we were offered a seat inside and told we could not wait for a patio seating. we declined both times. the 2nd night we bought fish and chips from the cart and got an excellent seat right by the water in the little patio area to the left of R&C, which is not part of the restaurant. i would highly recomend this area to anyone who finds they can't get a seat at R&C patio.

katypop

 

[d'Isigny]

I also believe that Rose & Crown is the only place you can view Illuminations during a diner seating. This Jan, we made 7p PS's for 2 different families (9 adults - 5 children)...we checked in 15-20 minutes early and requested a patio table - as noted on our reservation. The host/hostess informed us..if we declined the next table...our names would be placed on stand-by - bottom of the list. The Host was almost 'snotty/threatening' in informing me this. I was almost 'floored'...but regrouped. Walked to the side of the podium so others around could not hear me and stated (firm - but polite), "If your Manager wants to forgo revenue of 14 persons for dinner, drinks and desert during a time when attendance is down (weekday with a threat of rain all day)...have him/her come speak with me...we would be happy to find another place to have dinner...we are willing to be patient, split up (if necessary) and wait for the next 2/3 available patio tables...please accommodate us...or summon your Manager."
We were all seated within 20 minutes...had a great dinner and wonderful patio view of the fireworks.
it is understood all have their own opinion - you are welcome to privately--publicly flame or agree with me. I have no problems with CM's that are required to enforce policy...this can be accomplished respectfully. In my case...it was not. This is my main reason for getting 'type A'.

 

[Madhatter266]

In November we had excellent luck with a table at the Cantina. Snack food and drinks, and we sat at a table right near the rail. We had to stake this out about 1 1/2 hours beforehand, though. The last time we tried to time the R&C, it didn't work!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hmm ... I didn't realize they might not let you out onto the patio. We're going to R&C this trip again too ... so I'll be sure to ask if we get seated inside. I would rather grab a quick bite somewhere else if this were the case.