My family loves the Rose & Crown and we've eaten there alot. At one time, you could request patio seating and you could also tell them at the hostess kiosk, that you would be willing to wait for a patio table. I don't think any of those things work anymore. Now it's pretty much, you have to take the table that's available when your name comes up in the ADR queue, although you can definitely ask if they have an outdoor table available. The secret is out. Pretty much, anyone who has an ADR for 7pm or later, is looking to sit on the patio. There are maybe a dozen tables that offer a completely unobstructed view. There are more patio tables, but many are under the awning, which means you won't see any of the aerial fireworks. Scary thing I saw one time, was a group of 4 that seated themselves. They were walked inside by the hostess and I guess noticed the table for 4 outside next to us that was being cleared. They walked out with their menus and seated themselves. The hostess was not happy, but aside from making a scene, I guess there wasn't much she could do about it.
The Rose & Crown does offer a separate standing room area for viewing Illuminations, for those guests seated inside or under the awning. It's really just luck of the draw if you get one of the few perfect patio tables.
and what a great place to watch the show. But we always go at the slower times of the year and it might just be easier at a slower time but if you make ARD's just ask when you check in at the restaurant.
