Illuminations and the Rose and Crown

[Mumof2]

Hello

I tried to get a PS at the Mexican Resturaunt in EPCOT so that I could wait there and see illuminations afterwards. This was as advised in the Unofficial Guide. Anyway - the CM told me that there are no outside tables at that resturaunt?!?!? How could one of my bibles be wrong?

He then suggested the Rose and Crown. He said no outside tables could be guranteed (which I understand) and he said that 7pm would be an ok time and if I get outside I could sit and wait till Illuminations starts. A couple of questions: Has anyone done this? What are the chances of getting an outside table? How likely are the servers to let us sit outside until Illuminations starts after we have completed our meal?!

Thanks

 

[maleficent_man]

Hey

As for Mexico - from memory it is a counter service with some tables set out so it is a case of securing a table early enough - they aren't able to do PS reservations for this.

As for Rose and Crown - I've never done this but read plenty about it. I would have thought that unless you're a slow eater and are planning on a three course meal with coffee, 7 would be too early (Illuminations starts @ 9). Again, this might be all they have as it fills quickly or it might be that this is the time they advise. It is pot luck from my understanding as to whether you get a table outside - they'll know that 99% of folk there are there to see Illuminations. I am sure it is the case that those inside can come outside and stand and watch it while it is going on as long as they don't block the view of those sitting down. I'm sure that someone else who has been there/done it can advise better.

Another thing to consider is doing an Illuminations cruise - these are hard to get but you'll find people looking for families to fill up boats over on this board: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2

Hope this helps

Nick

 

[Rosie]

We did this in April during our first visit to Orlando. It was a fairly quiet time and Illuminations was at 9.00pm. Our PS was for 7.40pm but we didn't get seated until 8.15.

We got a table on the terrace with a great view and stayed there until a little after the park closed. The food was ok but not great, service was very good and Illuminations was spectacular.

I would think that once you've got your table, if it is within an hour of Illuminations you are going to be ok. Just be sure to politely request a table on the terrace when you check in for your PS.

Happy planning!
Regards
Rosie

 

[gilld]

The sit down table service restaurant in Mexico is inside but the Cantina counter service restaurant is next to the lake, with several tables and offers a fantastic view of Illuminations...we've sat there with our dinner many times.