Illuminations and Tokyo Dining

[Nami]

I got reservations for Tokyo Dining at 8:50pm on Sat 9/24 and from what I can gather, the Illuminations show will be at 10pm. I plan on showing up super early to request a window seat (but it doesn't totally matter.)

Will they let us stay in the restaurant through the show if it starts an hour after we sit down?

Sorry for the newbie question. This is our first time doing WDW or ADRs.

Thanks

 

[minnie mum]

You're planning an Epcot visit on a Saturday during F&W? Youre a braver man than I am Gungah Din.

They may or may not allow you to wait for a window table. They may or may not even allow you to check in early at the podium. It depends on the CM and how busy they are that night.

And even if you get a window table, you may have your view blocked by people standing and watching Illuminations from the balcony outside.

In any event, since most TS meals can easily take 60-90 minutes, and a delay in being seated is not uncommon, I'm sure you won't have a problem still being in the restaurant while Illuminations is going on.

Just out of curiosity, since you're a WDW newbie, have you looked at any crowd calendars or park recommendations on websites like easywdw.com or touringplans?

 

[Nami]

HAHAHAHA... I don't know if we are brave or dumb...

So, we are going for our 15 year wedding anniversary and this specific day is actually a second day in Epcot for us so we will not be there the entire time. That is why this is the one late night we are planning. Probably relax for the morning and head over later. I'm not super super worried about the show but since we had already planned to eat at Tokyo Dining that night, I decided to take a chance and see if we can see it. I won't get my hoped up but I will think positive!

I work in restaurant management so my ability to take time off of work is somewhat restricted by the vacations of others. (Booooooo....) Also, I like to go on our actual anniversary. We don't drink so I'm not extremely thrilled to be there during that specific event but I can pick up some LE pins and that will make me happy.

 

[WEDWDW]

It can't hurt to mention your Anniversary on your ADR and at check-in.