Chances of getting patio seat at Rose & Crown?

[3floridarays]

We have never been to Rose & Crown and thought we'd give it a try on our next trip. We have an ADR at 6:55pm on Saturday, May 22nd and we'd like to finish dinner with Illuminations (we eat slow ).

Any odds on how hard it will be to get a patio table so we can enjoy our after-dinner coffee (okay, beer) while watching the fireworks??

 

[KatMark]

We have never been to Rose & Crown and thought we'd give it a try on our next trip. We have an ADR at 6:55pm on Saturday, May 22nd and we'd like to finish dinner with Illuminations (we eat slow ).

Any odds on how hard it will be to get a patio table so we can enjoy our after-dinner coffee (okay, beer) while watching the fireworks??

You can request it. However, be aware that if you ask for a "patio table" you will be advised that a promise cannot be made. You cannot volunteer to wait for one as they will not allow it. If you get an inside table, there is an area near the patio of the restauant where you can go to see Illuminations.

 

[jdisnut]

It's impossible to gauge your chances of securing a patio table. You can request one at the podium, but it doesn't guarantee anything. A lot depends upon how crowded the restaurant is on that given day. Like the previous poster said, the host will not allow you to wait longer for a patio table, so you just have to hope! Either way, there is patio space for all diners to watch IllumiNations.

 

[3floridarays]

Thanks for the info! Had no idea about the "no waiting" policy, so I guess we'll just take our chances. Good to know there's room for us to watch the show, tho!

 

[ChrisandMeghann]

Is that a new policy through out disney or just there. I know my wife and I waited over an hour for Magic Kindom window seats at California Grill. That was almost 3 years ago so it could have changed.

 

[stackyallred]

Just a tip if you are flexible and are not able to get a patio table at Rose and Crown...

DH and I have many times just snagged a table NEXT to Rose and Crown at about 7:15 pm (its a small area with maybe 12 tables overlooking the water). We just sit and take a rest and then about 7:45 or so DH goes and orders Fish and Chips and drinks at the stand next to Rose and Crown. We eat slowly and enjoy a less rushed evening and then have a great spot for Illuminations. The area will really start to get crowded around 8:30 but it is still a nice, seated place to view the fireworks. We have occasionally been sitting at a table for 4 and had other last minute viewers ask if they could join us and how can we not agree - maybe not the most romantic thing, but still a good view with seats!

 

[Brandis]

I know which area you mean, but often, it is used for private parties and then you won't be able to go there.

I won't mind sitting inside, as we still will be able to go outside to see the firework from the dedicated terrace space for Rose & Crown.

 

[rgf207]

17.63% chance

 

[RMulieri]

Is that a new policy through out disney or just there. I know my wife and I waited over an hour for Magic Kindom window seats at California Grill. That was almost 3 years ago so it could have changed.

It isn't that new.We were not allowed in Sept 2008 or Dec 2009 to wait for a patio table, but I truly think it depends on how busy it is and who the Cm is.Some have reported being able to wait as recently as a Jan 2010, but like I said we were told "No waiting anymore" in both Sept and Dec

 

[TheRustyScupper]

17.63% chance

1) Nice try.
2) Next time, let's be more accurate.
3) No rounding-off.
4) The percentage is actually 17.63429480338%

 

[Disney71]

1) Nice try.
2) Next time, let's be more accurate.
3) No rounding-off.
4) The percentage is actually 17.63429480338%

Okay.. now that I have stopped laughing I will share our experience with you.

We had a 7pm ADR last year at Rose and Crown and we too were hoping for patio seating. We were sat inside - but our server was fabulous!! We told him we were hoping to see illuminations, and he timed putting in our order/etc so we were done with our dinner very shortly before illuminations. He then walked us out to a roped off area (reserved for Rose and Crown patrons) and we had the best spot right at the wall.... was perfect!! I have seen illuminations from the patio in prior years - and I think I prefer the spot we had at the wall area - nothing blocking our view. So, personally I wouldn't stress out over it.

 

[3floridarays]

Okay.. now that I have stopped laughing I will share our experience with you.

We had a 7pm ADR last year at Rose and Crown and we too were hoping for patio seating. We were sat inside - but our server was fabulous!! We told him we were hoping to see illuminations, and he timed putting in our order/etc so we were done with our dinner very shortly before illuminations. He then walked us out to a roped off area (reserved for Rose and Crown patrons) and we had the best spot right at the wall.... was perfect!! I have seen illuminations from the patio in prior years - and I think I prefer the spot we had at the wall area - nothing blocking our view. So, personally I wouldn't stress out over it.

Thanks! That makes me feel a lot better. I'm really looking forward to soaking up some Brit beer (um, I mean atmosphere).

 

[Twitterpated!]

We did a 7:15 reservation at Rose & Crown three years ago. We were seated inside, but they were great about timing our dinner so we could see Illuminations outside. If I remember correctly, they even took our dessert orders just before the fireworks and had them ready for us when Illuminations was over.

Personally I prefer eating inside, because the atmosphere there is so great! Really relaxed and friendly. The perfect place to unwind after a long day in the park!

 

[ChrisandMeghann]

I think we will be doing the rose and crown next time we go down never eaten there before.

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

We've had good luck with a 7:20 reservation showing up about 20 minutes early and very nicely asking if they could try to put us on the patio so we could see Illuminations. We've gotten it about 72.6834% of the time but they won't guarantee it.

If you are seated as early as 7pm, chances are they won't be expecting you to finish & give up your table before the show, but just to slow things down & be sure, order beverages before your meal, then place an appetiser order when the drinks are served & then wait to order food when the appetisers arrive.

One thing about the patio though, depending upon where you are seated, part of your view can be obstructed by either bushes looking down towards the water seeing the "earth" or the canopy looking up towards the fireworks. But not enough to ruin the show. And if you are seated inside, from what the OP said, they have an area just for restaurant patrons where you can have an unobstructed view of the show. Either way you're going to enjoy yourself. Have fun

 

[CanadianPaco]

And if you are seated inside, from what the OP said, they have an area just for restaurant patrons where you can have an unobstructed view of the show.

Is this area you described standing room only?

 

[Disney71]

Is this area you described standing room only?

When we were there is was standing room only. I would say there were about 30 people it that area when we were watching Illuminations.

 

[CindyandBrice]

I just made a ADR for 7:20 pm at Rose&Crown. There are just 2 of us and we will eat slow and order an appatizer first. Is it best to arrive early and ask for a patio preference or just show up a few minutes before our ADR and ask?

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

I would show up at 7pm, nicely ask them for a patio table if at all possible because you are hoping to watch Illuminations & then go enjoy a beverage at their beautiful bar. Your ressie being for 7:20 there is always the possiblity it can happen. I do think your chances are improved if you show up early and are pleasant with the host or hostess.

It is one of the smaller world showcase restaurants so if it doesn't work out as you like, all is not lost so don't be too unhappy. As the OP said, diners are invited to go out to the patio to view the show. Yes you most likely will be standing but only diners are permitted in that area & you can take a drink with you. AFter the show, you can go back to your table for dessert or another beverage.

The only time we felt crowded in the standing area it was the 4th of July, but what would you expect on the 4th of July