Illuminations and Timing for Dinner

[Mickey28]

I have an 8:00pm ADR for the Rose and Crown restaurant and am hoping for a terrace table to watch Illuminations while we sit at our table. Has anyone been able to do this and does my seating time seem like it will work out for a 9:30 showtime? Do I request the terrace table when I check in and say I am willing to wait?

 

[DelitefulDory]

The only problem with your plan is that about 50 other families have the exact same plan.
Yes, you can always request a seat on the terrace, but a warning, people seem to start growing roots at about that time because they want the same view you do.
Good luck....who knows? You may just get it. Doesn't hurt to try.

 

[whogirl'smom]

We had a 7:50pm ressie at Rose and Crown and BARELY got finished eating before the first fireworks started. We actually got seated on time inside (and you may go outside to the standing area to watch Illuminations from the terrace), but within 2 minutes a very rowdy party of 12 drunk 30 somethings were seated next to us. It was so loud that DD5 was holding her ears and DH asked one of the CMs if we could possibly be seated outside -- they were very gracious and we waited probably another 15 minutes at the bad table till one opened up outside. All three waitresses that helped us (one from Scotland, one England, and one Ireland) was fantastic and very sympathetic.

So, to answer your question, you will probably have time to finish eating and get a good place to stand, but may or may not get an outside table. We originally requested one when we got there, and they told us they had to seat people as the tables opened up and couldn't let us "wait" on one outside. It was very nice eating outside (we were at the far right on the corner in kind of an alcove space) but we couldn't have seen the fireworks from there because of the awning. We loved the food and service and think it's a great place to eat even if you're not going there for the Illuminations spot. Next time we'll eat earlier and go to the front of the standing area. We were in the back of it behind lots of taller people this time.

Eat some Sticky Toffee Pudding for me!

 

[coolspot]

Another good spot is down the alley way behind the Fish and Chips store beside the Rose and Crown. Down the alleyway is an area right by the lake with a bunch of park benches.

You'll have to arrive ~30 - 40 minutes before the show as they seem to close this section during the fireworks display (they won't move people already sitting here).

Only thing about this section is that bits and pieces of fireworks cartridges rain down on you. If you don't mind that - you have a great view