Dining + Illuminations

[michygoomy]

DH actually gave me some input on our trip last night (what is he thinking--this is MY vacation ). Anyway, his one question was is there anywhere we can eat and see the fireworks?

I told him for MK, our options were Poly-O'hana or CR-California Grill, and we'll be across the bay from them. He didn't like that idea because he likes to be right in the action.

For MGM, I told him I planned the Fantasmic Dinner Package and explained what that was. He liked that idea. Which restaurant do you recommend that is only 1 TS? It's me, DH, DS12, DD10, DD1.

Now Illuminations. I hadn't really planned any TS to go with the fireworks. I know I've read where we can do that, but I'm drawing a blank. I think I've researched *too* much at this point, and I'm forgetting the big stuff.

So, forgive me for asking what has been asked a million times---where can we have TS and see Illuminations? Is it worth it--what is the view like? Does the experience differ based on the table you get? I was just thinking we'd line up along the lake like always.

 

[Hopefully]

It is possible to eat at a table on the outdoor patio at Rose and Crown in the UK and see Illuminations. It is a great experience. The view is good, but not perfect, depending on the table you get. You would make an ADR for about 7:40 or so and ask for a table outside at the podium when you check in. You can not request it when you make your ADR and even if you ask for it at the podium and are willing to wait for one, there are no guarantees. It has become very popular to do this, so most folks do ask to sit outside. We enjoy the food and atmosphere at the R & C, so we make ADR's here each trip. We always ask for a table outside. In 6 trips we have been able to sit outside 3 times, and I think our percentage of success is actually higher than most folks have experienced.
If you are seated at a table inside the restaurant, there is a spot on the patio where you can walk outside to watch Illumination from. The CM's will show you where to go. In summary, it is possible to get a table on the patio, but not guaranteed. It will be the "Luck of the Draw" the night you are there.
Enjoy!

 

[the Fidge]

I was iniformed and maybe we shall hear differntly form those who have done this but I was told that Narccoossee's is a great place to view the fireworks.

I hope to hear some feedback about this as well!

Sorry just noticed you stated (1) ts and that one is (2) sorry.

 

[DLBDS]

According to the Unofficial Guide the best place to view Illuminations is "in a seat on the lakeside veranda of the Cantina de San Angel in Mexico. Come early (at least 90 minutes before Illuminations) and relax with a cold drink or snack while you wait for the show." The Rose and Crown Pub in the UK also has lagoon-side seating. "Because of a small wall, however, the view isn't quite as good as from the Cantina. If you want to combine dinner on the Rose and Crown's veranda with Illuminations, make a dinner reservation for about 1 hour and 15 minutes before show time." Arrive a few minutes before your seating time and request a table outside where you can view the show.

I don't know how many credits these 2 places are. I'm not familiar with the DDP credit system.

Hope this helped.

In case you're interested, they do offer Illuminations cruises with optional food/beverages available on board.

 

[skiingwife]

Michygoomy: For the Fantasmic package, we ate at Hollywood & Vine in December. I primarily chose it because it was the lowest price. My kids were 13, 11 and 7 and they really liked it. They like buffets and this one had a lot of choices. There is a really good turkey pot roast, fettucini alfredo, peel & eat shrimp, prime rib, some kind of chicken on skewers, and lots of other choices. We would definitely go back again. I didn't think the other two Fantasmic choices had much that my kids would like.

 

[Kaycee]

Like skiingwife, we chose H&V for the FDP primarily because it had the lowest price. We had a very good experience there. We have a couple of picky eaters in our family but everyone was able to find plenty to eat on the buffet. The restaurant gets mixed reviews here on the boards, but the night we went both the food and the service were very good. If we decide to do the FDP again, we'll go back to H&V.

 

[bicker]

We've been lucky enough to be seated on the terrace at Rose and Crown a few times for Illuminations -- about 1/3 of our visits. We always make reservations 75-90 minutes prior; we always arrive at least 20 minutes prior to that; and we always are extremely polite to the CM when asking for a terrace table. Good luck!