Counter Service and Illuminations

[Applemomma]

If you were going to do counter service take-out in the World Showcase and sit and eat outside while holding your spot in a good viewing area for Illuminations, where would you go to get food and where would you sit?

The two places don't necessarily have to be in the same spot. I'm anticipating my mom and two dd's relaxing in the Illuminatins spot, people watching, while I run for the dinner so I don't mind if I have to hoof it across the park or back into Future World for food for our picnic.

Suggestions? Experiences?

Thanks!

 

[bitohoney]

Last April we ate at the CS in Mexico and got a great table spot but I think it's closed now.

 

[chartle]

If you were going to do counter service take-out in the World Showcase and sit and eat outside while holding your spot in a good viewing area for Illuminations, where would you go to get food and where would you sit?

The two places don't necessarily have to be in the same spot. I'm anticipating my mom and two dd's relaxing in the Illuminatins spot, people watching, while I run for the dinner so I don't mind if I have to hoof it across the park or back into Future World for food for our picnic.

Suggestions? Experiences?

Thanks!

There was a thread a few weeks back about getting "Take Out" at the CS places. The general response was that they don't always have real takeout containers and things like bags or cup holders.

So you may have a problem getting food back to the spot if you juggling drinks and plates. Just something to think about.

Oddly enough the CS (currently closed) at Mexico only used take out containers for all their food.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Most viewing areas that I can think of are standing room only. Not really any place to sit and eat other than the ground And if it si a prime spot or busy season, you may be 3 people deep - not exactly the scenario in your head i bet

Once Mexico is reopened, that will be THE spot. I bet it wil be crazy

If it were me, I would eat dinner, then go find my spot. You are going in November? It may be cold and unpleasant to eat outside too

You can always have dessert while waiting

 

[2Tiggies]

You can always have dessert while waiting

I was going to suggest that too. It is a whole lot easier than trying to balance a meal in a crowd We tried what the OP is hoping to do last April: absolute disaster! Liberty Inn, not very busy = 45 minute wait for awful food, no lids to cover it and besides, Illuminations started by the time we got out of there. We were fortunate enough to still have several more evenings at Epcot that trip but really not worth the hassle.

What you could do if you are up to it is to take your own sealable containers and a plastic bag or two. That will solve the carrying problem, but still, the practicalities of actually trying to eat could pose a challenge.

 

[Crystal824]

Norway has great sandwiches, but I would probably eat and then get a spot for Illuminations because it is hard to balance the food while standing. You could sit on the ground, but unlike parades, etc. most people stand during Illuminations.

 

[madalex]

If you were going to do counter service take-out in the World Showcase and sit and eat outside while holding your spot in a good viewing area for Illuminations, where would you go to get food and where would you sit?

The two places don't necessarily have to be in the same spot. I'm anticipating my mom and two dd's relaxing in the Illuminatins spot, people watching, while I run for the dinner so I don't mind if I have to hoof it across the park or back into Future World for food for our picnic.

Unlike many other parades and shows at WDW, it is not necessary to line up hours in advance to get a good spot for Illuminations. Any spot where your view is not blocked by a tree or a structure is as good as anywhere else. Many such spots are available as little as 15 minutes before the show. Thus, staking out a spot well in advance and having people hold it while you head off to get dinner realliy is not required.

 

[WVParkfan]

If you like Bratwursts and pretzels, then Somerfest at the Germany Pavilion is a great place (the beer is good, too). We usually make a quick stop at Somerfest for a brat and a beer and take them out to the lagoon for Illuminations.

 

[Simba's Mom]

We often get CS at Tangerine Cafe, then sit in the covered area on the side nearer the restrooms to watch Illuminations. It's probably not the best view, but for us, being able to sit takes presidence.

 

[Applemomma]

Thank you all for the dose of "reality check"! I'm thinking now we'll just hit some place like France and have our dessert for our supper and go with the flow.....

That being said...where's your favorite spot to watch Illuminations from and why?