Illuminations from Cantina de San Angel?

[Bruce in PA]

The outdoor seating at the Cantina in Mexico has always seemed like an ideal spot from which to watch Illuminations. Can anyone confirm that from personal experience?

If so, I'm in the market for advice about when to arrive during a busy summer day. Since the Cantina is,IIRC, a counter service location rather than an ADR restaurant, I'm guessing it's first-come, first-served for the tables. If we arrived at around 7, would we be able to get a spot and hold it (via after-dinner Coronas, etc.) through the 9PM show?

Let me know if you've done this and how it worked...thanks!

 

[WDW_bn_dt_gb]

We have watched Illuminations a couple of times from the Cantina. I think going to the Cantina between 7:00 and 7:30 is plenty of time. Have 1 person hold the table while the rest of the family gets in line for your food. I suggest you get a table as close to the water as possible. If your seat is too close to the Cantina wall, it is hard to see the fireworks. Be prepared for people wanting to take your seat. Enjoy!

 

[Dodie]

Just know that this is a VERY POPULAR place to view Illuminations and that hundreds of people will have the same idea as you. I've seen people hog those tables by the water for HOURS on a busy day, even when there are people who have bought food and are looking for a place to sit and eat it.

 

[taximomfor4]

Just know that this is a VERY POPULAR place to view Illuminations and that hundreds of people will have the same idea as you. I've seen people hog those tables by the water for HOURS on a busy day, even when there are people who have bought food and are looking for a place to sit and eat it.

I am one of those people. My first time watching Illuminations in July 2001, my 8yo dd and me, we watched from there but by the building. We could see fine. We scoped that out at about 8pm. Well, as soon as the show started and everyone at the tables closer to the water (who had held the tables before us) stood up. And other people flocked in and stood between the tables. I felt so bad for dd, I had no idea what I was doing that trip. We tried to squeeze closer to the gate, me kneeling down and her standing, so she could see, but it was just impossible. This year, we are getting there around 7pm, eating dinner, and playing while we wait.

Beth

 

[radioclash]

IMO the cantina is the best place to see illuminations.
You need to get a table around 7:00 pm.
The down side is that people will come in a stand between your table and the iron fence completely blocking your view.

 

[ARCard]

I can't speak for the summer as far as the crowds, but during Christmas, they are about the same I would imagine and we usually go to the early show of CP and head over to the Cantina straight after for the 9pm Illuminations, and I would say that was probably around 7. We just do desert like churros,my DM gets some pastry things in Norway and coffee, so you don't have to eat there. Just be sure and one person stake out a table.

 

[dgaston]

Be sure to check the way the wind is blowing. If it's toward Mexico, then the Cantina is not a great place. There are good places in Norway, US, Italy too.

 

[civileng68]

I still, after seeing this show hundreds of times, think the best place is just as you enter World Showcase, to the left there is a store, go by it and stand on the railing on the far side of it, just beside the handicap access.

This is actually closer to the center point of the show and the heat from the pyro barge can even be felt. Also, due to the location and layout of this area, you can get A GREAT spot, not railing, but great spot, if you show up by 8:30 for the 9:00 show.