Best view of Illuminations?

[DisneyHokie25]

I'm headed down to the World for my 25th birthday and plan to spend the day in Epcot! Which restaurant would you pick to view Illuminations? I can do Tokyo Dining at 8:00 or 8:20 or La Hacienda de San Angel at 8:30? Thanks!!

 

[Robo]

I'm headed down to the World for my 25th birthday and plan to spend the day in Epcot! Which restaurant would you pick to view Illuminations? I can do Tokyo Dining at 8:00 or 8:20 or La Hacienda de San Angel at 8:30? Thanks!!

Hacienda de San Angel

 

[hallen4]

I second Robo on the Hacienda recommendation. My family and I went to Epcot in October and got seated very close to the large windows and had the most amazing view of the fireworks. Just remember, there is no guarantee that you will get that seating.

 

[Duckiedee]

We had a great view and time at the Rose and Crown. My daughter was 5 and we even had some Disney Magic! AND it was all of our "First Day" in Disney!!!!

Shortly before Illuminations a cast member came over and very seriously said to our daughter... "Mickey just called us. He's stuck on the Monorail and won't be here in time to start the fireworks! Can you help us?!"

Picture her nodding in all seriousness...

"Great, thankfully Mickey left his magic wand here last night. You can use that."

Moments before Illuminations began, she was invited to stand near the edge of the dining area.

The wand was turned on and glowing, then as the music swelled, she had to blow out the lights. After that it was her job to start the fireworks by waving the wand until the fireworks began.

She was given a certificate and thank you signed by all the staff.

She's 10 now and still remembers it like it was yesterday...

The food was also excellent as was the remainder of the service.

 

[lustergirl]

I 3rd the Mexico location. Great view and you have margaritas

 

[Robo]

We had a great view and time at the Rose and Crown.

I agree, but AFAIK, the OP was asking specifically about ADRs at the other restaurant choices due to current availability if those two.

I can do Tokyo Dining at 8:00 or 8:20 or La Hacienda de San Angel at 8:30?

Don't know the timing situation, but it's possible that R&C might open up before the trip (although those tend to get seized ASAP.)

 

[Live4theMagic]

I was thinking about making an ADR for La Hacienda to view Illuminations, but was worried about other diners standing up and crowding around the windows... does this happen?

 

[Duckiedee]

My apologies, I didn't quite 'get' that... Maybe something will open up for RandC if interested.

 

[hallen4]

I was thinking about making an ADR for La Hacienda to view Illuminations, but was worried about other diners standing up and crowding around the windows... does this happen?

This did not happen at all when we were there. The windows are so large that everyone had a great view with no need to stand.

 

[WEDWDW]

Everybody just keep in mind,some tables at Hacienda have very limited RoL views and some have no view at all-YMMV.

 

[Robo]

Everybody just keep in mind,some tables at Hacienda have very limited RoL views and some have no view at all-YMMV.

In fact, the RoL views are SO very limited, that:
A. Nobody has EVER seen the RoL show from Hacienda.
B. Nobody WILL ever see the RoL show from Hacienda.

 

[WEDWDW]

This did not happen at all when we were there. The windows are so large that everyone had a great view with no need to stand.

Are they still "dimming" the lights exactly when the RoL narrator "blows out" the Torches?

That was really cool when I went!