Illuminations and restaurant

[Bertie131]

I am planning for a Fall 2009 visit. I was recently at WDW, but was unable to see Illuminations. I don't want to miss it next time. I have been reading that you should stake out a spot a couple hours ahead to get a good seat. My question is: Are there any restaurants that I could make ressies for that I could see Illuminations from our table, or is that not possible? Thanks!!

 

[madalex]

You can see Illuminations from certain tables at Rose & Crown, but you are not guaranteed an Illuminations view.

There are many, many great spots around the lagoon to watch Illuminations. Basically, any spot that is not actively blocked by a tree or a structure is as good as any other. Thus, unlike many other shows and parades at WDW, it is not necessary to find a spot hours ahead of time (I'm not sure where you have been reading that it is necessary to stake out a spot a couple hours ahead of time; that is just wrong!). Good spots can still be found as little as 20 - 30 minutes before the show. As a result, instead of focusing your efforts on eating at R&C and hoping to get an outside spot (which may not come through), plan to eat somewhere you really want, but be done so that you can be in Epcot by around 8:30 in order to find your spot for Illuminations. I have used this strategy dozens of times and it has never failed me.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Are there any restaurants that I could make ressies for that I could see Illuminations from our table, or is that not possible? Thanks!!

. . . Rose & Crown
. . . Bistro de Paris
. . . Tokyo Dining (not Teppan Edo)
. . . Cafe de Sand Angel

 

[GoodFairies]

If you really don't want to miss Illuminations you should make sure you have staked out an area around the lagoon. That is the least obstructed view and the best way to watch the show.

 

[madalex]

If you really don't want to miss Illuminations you should make sure you have staked out an area around the lagoon. That is the least obstructed view and the best way to watch the show.

"Around the lagoon" is an awful big area and there are lots and lots of unobstructed views "around the lagoon". Was there somewhere in particular you would recommend?

 

[ExtinctDino]

I think the best viewing area is in front of Germany. But anywhere in World Showcase where your view won't be blocked by trees or other obstructions is good.

If you're eating inside at Rose and Crown, they'll let you in a reserved outdoor viewing area a few minutes before Illuminations.

Depending on the season, you might need to find a viewing spot an hour or more before the show, IF you don't want to be looking over anyone's shoulder, or IF you want to sit on one of the few available benches. If you're going in the fall, there's a good chance you can wait until a few minutes before it starts to find a spot, and still have no one standing in front of you.

A lot of the advice you see about getting to shows hours early, or arriving before park opening if you hope to ride many rides, is mostly for peak-season guests (middle of summer, holidays like Easter, Christmas and Thanksgiving).