Fastpasses for Nighttime Entertainment?

[BaseballMoM2007]

What are you opinions on Fastpasses for Nighttime Entertainment?
Specifically I have 1 Full day and 2 half days (evening only) planned for Epcot so I could do a Test Track Fp one day, a Soarin FP one day, and an Illuminations FP one day. But unsure how my DS 7 and DS 13 will feel about skipping a headliner one day. Would I be better off to try for a dinner at 8pm at Rose and Crown one night and be able to ride headliners all 3 days.

Then we have 1 Full day and one 2pm to close day planned for MK. The Full day is a MNSSHP night that we are not attending. If we used a FP for Wishes the other day we wouldn't be able to book 4th, 5th, etc FP on the go. This day per easywdw is a 1 on the crowd calendar. Would we be okay to tie up our fast passes and still get to ride plenty of rides that day with waits of less than 30 mins ( I there will be some like 7dmt that will still be higher wait times)

 

[winthropf]

I wouln't use a FP for Illuminations. There are too many good places to watch around the lagoon. Just remember to be upwind from the center of the lake or you will get all the fireworks smoke in your face.

 

[BaseballMoM2007]

I am think Dinner at Rose and Crown may be my best bet for Illuminations. But am interested in the Magic Kingdom the most. Because the crowds for Wishes at MK is almost unbearable. If we weren't going to have our DN with us who has never saw wishes we would just watch it from somewhere else in the park and not worry about being able to see the castle show and parade but I want her to be able to experience the whole thing.

 

[Robo]

I am think Dinner at Rose and Crown may be my best bet for Illuminations.

It might be fine, if you can get a reservation.
That's a very popular evening location due directly to very reason you want it.

 

[Alesia]

I wouln't use a FP for Illuminations. There are too many good places to watch around the lagoon. Just remember to be upwind from the center of the lake or you will get all the fireworks smoke in your face.

I'll second this. An IllumiNations fastpass is a complete waste. I wouldn't bother with an ADR at Rose and Crown, either, unless you just really want to eat there.

 

[katallo]

There are so many places to watch Illuminations. From personal experience, we had dinner at Rose and Crown twice. First time had an outside table, but they let people fill the patio and stand in front of us. The second time was inside. They let everyone go outside but we felt like sardines. Since the food is so-so, would not do it again.