Can you eat in EPCOT and see Illuminations

[preschoolmom]

from anywhere?

I had thought Mexico - but I was not sure. I'd love to be able to eat and see Illuminations from the restaurant...

 

[CoolDisneyKitten]

The Mexican counter service has great views of Illuminations, assuming someone doesn't insert him/herself between your table and the fence. Another place is the terrace at Rose and Crown (UK), but those tables can be quite hard to get. They require an ADR at R&C, of course, and then a lot of good table pixie dust.

 

[TDC Nala]

If you are talking about table service restaurants, the only ones with any kind of view available would be Rose & Crown, Chefs de France or Bistro de Paris (probably somewhat limited view), or Tokyo Dining.

Only the CS in Mexico has a view. The table service restaurant at Mexico is completely indoors. People start holding tables at the CS quite early, sometimes a couple of hours ahead of the show. As was mentioned, people will slide up to the fence and block your view if you are seated.

 

[preschoolmom]

I guess we'll just plan to stake out a spot without combining dinner...

 

[thestevied]

so is it possible to book a table at, for example, the rose and crown, and request a table where you'll be able to see the fireworks?

 

[Amy&Dan]

You can certainly request it, whether or not you'll actually get it is another issue!

Tokyo Dining has some nice views if you are right at the window. Even being one row back (still very near) the window, we couldn't see a lot of the high up fireworks due to the roof overhang. They do pipe in the music. If you are right at the window you have a very nice view. Although due to the reflection of the window, its not perfect.

I love Illuminations and given the large area of the World Showcase never feel like I have to stake out a spot too far in advance to get a good view.

My favorite spots, that are easiest to get are between America and Morocco. You can see very well from the stairs that lead up to Tokyo Dining and can generally just walk right up there as the show begins. You aren't waterside but the view is very good. There is also an outdoor balocny in front of Tokyo Dining but I find the view on the side to be better. The waterside areas in the countries that you hit first (Mexico, Norway, Canada) all fill up first. People walk in and drop to the first spot they can. Keep walking further in and you'll find a better spot.

 

[madalex]

I love Illuminations and given the large area of the World Showcase never feel like I have to stake out a spot too far in advance to get a good view.

I agree with this 100%. There are so many great areas to watch Illuminations from that it is far, far easier to eat in advance and then go watch the show than it is to try to get a spot at one of the restaurants that you can see the fireworks from and then perfectly time your dinner so you actually then get to see the show.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I will also add that if you are up on the balcony by Tokyo Dining (and this is fine for anyone, the balcony is a bit lower than the restaurant so you aren't blocking anyone's view and you don't have to eat there to go on the balcony) you can see Wishes off in the distance if it happens to be going at the same time as Illuminations. I love that (has to be on a night when Wishes is going at 9:00 obviously).

 

[tiggersmyguy]

so is it possible to book a table at, for example, the rose and crown, and request a table where you'll be able to see the fireworks?

We booked an ADR at Rose and Crown for 7:30 June 07. We were seated in the dining room but informed our waitress that we would like to be able to see Illuminations. When we finished our meal at about 8:45, she took us out to the patio area of the restaurant. There had been a very bad storm earlier and most of the tables were still covered with water. She asked if we would mind standing to which we said not at all. She then took us to a roped off area next to the restaurant. Awesome view! We felt like we were right in the fireworks and in our own private area. Needless to say, we gave her a very good tip.

 

[nhpgator]

we ate otside at amorocco and really enjoyed illuminations - some views bloceked but nice relaxing and good food!