Illuminations in August

[DisneyLvr55]

We are going down 8/4 - 8/8 and spending the eveing of 8/5 & 8/6 in Epcot. The closing hours for those days are 9pm.

We have dining reservations at both Chefs de France and La Hacienda San Angel at 7:50 & 7:45. Its no guarentee, but I'm hoping for a window seat at at least one of the places. So my question is - What time should I expect Illuminations to start?

 

[LaurenT]

Illuminations starts at 9 pm. you will not see it from the window at Chefs de France. You'll just see the backs of peoples heads who are standing around the lagoon.

 

[disnut8]

We are going down 8/4 - 8/8 and spending the eveing of 8/5 & 8/6 in Epcot. The closing hours for those days are 9pm.

We have dining reservations at both Chefs de France and La Hacienda San Angel at 7:50 & 7:45. Its no guarentee, but I'm hoping for a window seat at at least one of the places. So my question is - What time should I expect Illuminations to start?

Illuminations will start at 9:00. As stated in a previous post, you will not be able to see most of llluminations from France but you can see from Mexico. No seat is guaranteed and your view might not be the best with others outside.

I love Illuminations and my choice is to have a nice dinner somewhere around the World Showcase and then leave the restaurant and pick a place along the railing and see the show. I find that to be much more relaxing but it's up to you.

 

[purple figment]

Chefs does not have a good view of IllumiNations - far too many trees and people standing outside that will be in your way. Even Monsieur Paul, on the second floor, doesn't have a good view at most of the tables.

La Hacienda has window tables with an excellent view, but there's no way of knowing if you'll be seated at one of them. Most posters have said the restaurant usually will not allow requests and you'll have to take the table offered to you. Also, not all window tables have a view - there are some in a side room that don't face the lagoon.

If you are choosing Chefs and La Hacienda because of the food and ambiance and you don't mind missing the show, they are both good choices. However, if seeing IllumiNations is important, I agree with disnut8 to have an earlier dinner, then find a place around the lagoon that has a clear view of the center of the lagoon without trees and islands in the way.