CP dinner package question

[wahoo1]

We plan to attend the Candlelight Processional on our 15th wedding anniversary, Dec. 16. I had originally booked an early meal at Rose & Crown for the 8:15 CP. But then I got to thinking that it would be better to see the 6:45 CP and eat later at Rose & Crown so we could see Illuninations, but alas, they had no availability. I booked a 6:45 CP followed by an 8:20 PS at Chef de France. Do we have any chance of seeing Illuninations from this restaurant? I don't mind changing our package again if I could get a nice romantic restaurant where we could view Illuminations. Here's the package list of places to eat

Tier 1
Adults - $28.99 / Child (3-11) - $11.99
The Garden Grill Restaurant - The Land
Biergarten - Germany
Restaurant Akershus - Norway

Tier 2
Adults - $37.99 / Child (3-11) - $11.99
San Angel Inn - Mexico
Restaurant Marrakesh - Morocco
Nine Dragons - China
Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room - United Kingdom

Tier 3
Adults - $44.99 / Child (3-11) - $11.99
Chefs de France - France
Coral Reef - Living Seas
L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante - Italy
Le Cellier Steakhouse - Canada
Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Dining Room - Japan

Is there one here I should try for? How much time do I allow for the show (ie. what would be a good time to book a meal after the 6:45 CP)? I know Le Cellier also has no openings. Any help planning our anniversary dinner would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks so much,
Beth

 

[Scottwdw]

Le Cellier has windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon but the view would not be very good because of the distance and crowd. Now, Bistro de Paris which is a PS restaurant above Chefs de France does afford a nice view but there's only a few tables that do so.

 

[princssdisnygina]

It is very hard to guarantee any sort of view from any of the restaurants as there are many many people trying to do the same. My advice....change your package back to do the 8:15 CP and eat before. After the CP you can find yourself a spot for Illuminations. I would hate for you to plan on seeing Illuminations and don't get to. Plus, I like to watch the later CP because it is completely dark and I think more dramatic with the candles and such. Just a thought.

Gina

 

[wahoo1]

Thanks Gina and Scottwdw,
If we would keep the 6:45 show, what would be the earliest we could book a dinner -- would 8:00 work? Would we be done by Illuminations at 9:30?

Beth

 

[princssdisnygina]

You may be done by 9:30 however you are going to cause yourself trouble finding a seat if you wait until 9 or so to find a good viewing seat for Illuminations. You would probably be done at 9 if you got in right at 8. I think you will be pushing it. NOW...you could take a chance, make a PS for one of the restaurants that have a view, request a view and if you get it, then drag out dinner until Illuminations start, if not.....hurry through dinner and find a seat afterwords, or you may be in standing room only, but you would get to see it! I guess it depends on how chancy you want to be!! It is up to you!!

Gina

 

[okapi]

As someone before said, views from the restaurants at Epcot are sketchy.

I'd keep PS Chefs de France. It's very good.
1: I might consider eating earlier before the CP.
2: If you are catching Illuminations on other evenings, then ask for a window table to catch a glimpse of illuminations (let them know it's your anniversary, it can't hurt).
3. See when the last dining PS is permitted - If it's at 9:30p, check-in shortly before that, let them know you want to see Illuminations ask if that's o.k., walk back out, watch it from the bridge or nearby, then stroll back in for dinner.
4. If you keep the 8:20p PS it might be tight for dinner - then I would check in right after the CP and if they get you in by 8p, you might be able to finish up in time for Illuminations.
(I wouldn't do leCellier - when we were there in May, their food had turned down a notch and we were very disappointed).