Illuminations Views From Restuarants

[HopperFan]

Our party of 5 has an 8pm reservation at Spice Road Table on a day with 9pm fireworks. Assuming we don't get a table with a view, is there somewhere the kids could stand and watch Illuminations without leaving the restaurant?

No. The patio is small and all "rail" areas are tables where folks would be. Tables are close and chairs practically back to back. Then there would be another row in from them with folks and anywhere you stand would block others. We have been there at night and if you are back past the first few tables you are blocked by roof.

But note the view isn't "great" as you have trees and an island blocking you from the globe and main view.

This is the whole length of the patio. If you look at bottom of photo I am outside the patio leaning on the rail.

 

[Rusty2rules]

My experience may be different than others but we had a terrible experience at Rose & Crown for Illuminations! Had ADRs so we could catch Illuminations. When the show was about to start we made our way to the viewing area...and saw nothing but pushing and shoving. We had our 10-year-old son. He had to be satisfied peeking between 2 people's hips because nobody would let him in front of them. I mean, really? Had a woman pushing another woman in a wheelchair practically run us and everybody else down. "Excuse us, excuse us, she's in a wheelchair, she has to be in front." I'll never, ever waste my time at Rose & Crown again.

On top of that, we didn't think the food was that good. And it was loud. We could barely carry on a conversation.

It was awful. The whole experience.

 

[Disneytam]

My experience may be different than others but we had a terrible experience at Rose & Crown for Illuminations! Had ADRs so we could catch Illuminations. When the show was about to start we made our way to the viewing area...and saw nothing but pushing and shoving. We had our 10-year-old son. He had to be satisfied peeking between 2 people's hips because nobody would let him in front of them. I mean, really? Had a woman pushing another woman in a wheelchair practically run us and everybody else down. "Excuse us, excuse us, she's in a wheelchair, she has to be in front." I'll never, ever waste my time at Rose & Crown again.

On top of that, we didn't think the food was that good. And it was loud. We could barely carry on a conversation.

It was awful. The whole experience.

Rose and Crown is one of those places that if the Gods are smiling down on you and you are lucky enough to get one of the water side tables than it just can't be beat for viewing Illuminations. That said the chances are so small that everything will work out perfect that you really should just expect to be seated inside.

I have been fortunate enough on our anniversary to be seated by the water and on many other occasions we have been seated inside or right behind the check in stand. The water table was perfect in every way but we love the Rose and Crown and eat at least one meal there every trip.

 

[Rusty2rules]

we love the Rose and Crown and eat at least one meal there every trip.

Like I said, my experience may be different. I've seen a lot of good reviews for Rose & Crown, I've seen some not so good. For me, we'll never go back. It was just such a bad experience.

 

[Beer Me]

Rose and Crown is one of those places that if the Gods are smiling down on you and you are lucky enough to get one of the water side tables than it just can't be beat for viewing Illuminations. That said the chances are so small that everything will work out perfect that you really should just expect to be seated inside.

I have been fortunate enough on our anniversary to be seated by the water and on many other occasions we have been seated inside or right behind the check in stand. The water table was perfect in every way but we love the Rose and Crown and eat at least one meal there every trip.

We have always just staked out a spot with the rest of the crowd an hour ahead of time but this year made a 7:15 at Rose and Crown. Hoping it works out!

 

[Johndubbya]

I have a 8:30 for La Hacienda... How is illuminations viewing there if we get there earlier enough to get a lake side table

 

[HopperFan]

I have a 8:30 for La Hacienda... How is illuminations viewing there if we get there earlier enough to get a lake side table

The problem is I would guess most with ADRs probably 7:30 on will plan on staying put in their seats to watch. The question is will you be happy eating without a window seat? as you won't have time to eat and get back outside for a spot.

 

[KathyTbell]

Amazing what some people choose to get so angry about!
Good thing to note @ the private party possibility. Thanks!

 

[Disneytam]

We have always just staked out a spot with the rest of the crowd an hour ahead of time but this year made a 7:15 at Rose and Crown. Hoping it works out!

The time that we had a water side table our ADR was at 7:15 and our waiter fully expected us to stay through Illuminations. We tipped him generously not only for his great service but because we "held up" his table for so long.

 

[KathyTbell]

Thanks for all of the input and further questions. It's all very helpful. We had an ADR at La Hacienda so we could watch Illuminations, but chose to cancel that to do a dinner at Tusker House on another night. That's why I was wondering about other spots where we could just catch a drink/apps and illuminations. It sounds like it might be iffy. If we were to watch it somewhere around the lagoon, where are some good/less crowded spots? Thanks all!

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks for all of the input and further questions. It's all very helpful. We had an ADR at La Hacienda so we could watch Illuminations, but chose to cancel that to do a dinner at Tusker House on another night. That's why I was wondering about other spots where we could just catch a drink/apps and illuminations. It sounds like it might be iffy. If we were to watch it somewhere around the lagoon, where are some good/less crowded spots? Thanks all!

I like the view from Mexico, but it can be crowded. The views are generally nice no matter where you are if you make sure that the breeze is not in your face.

I like to time one of my meals to Wishes, but never bother with Illuminations. I have walked out of Via Napoli and enjoyed the show from Italy.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

My experience may be different than others but we had a terrible experience at Rose & Crown for Illuminations!

Yep. We have been 3 for 3 for great experiences. Sorry you didn't have a great experience also.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

The time that we had a water side table our ADR was at 7:15 and our waiter fully expected us to stay through Illuminations. We tipped him generously not only for his great service but because we "held up" his table for so long.

It was very generous of you to tip generously. The server expected you to stay for illuminations because that is what they expect all guests to do. And that is why the last adr is at 8:00. By the time you finished, there was no one waiting for your table anyway.

 

[wilkeliza]

Thanks for all of the input and further questions. It's all very helpful. We had an ADR at La Hacienda so we could watch Illuminations, but chose to cancel that to do a dinner at Tusker House on another night. That's why I was wondering about other spots where we could just catch a drink/apps and illuminations. It sounds like it might be iffy. If we were to watch it somewhere around the lagoon, where are some good/less crowded spots? Thanks all!

It isn't going to be empty any more since I keep giving it away but the 2nd story of Japan where Tokyo Dinning and Teppan Edo are. The balcony there is usually free (unless of course a party has booked it) and has pretty good views.

 

[Dakota731]

FP for Illuminations

What is that and how does it work?

 

[Stefecatzz]

What is that and how does it work?

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but last I checked, the FP area for Illuminations is between the two gift shops at the entrance of WS. The one downside is unless you are lucky and end up getting this FP as your 4th for the day (really not sure what the odds are of that..), this is considered a Tier 1 FP for Epcot so it would have to be in place of other Tier 1 attractions such as Soarin, TT or FEA.

 

[ahutton]

I have a 8:30 for La Hacienda... How is illuminations viewing there if we get there earlier enough to get a lake side table

FYI - we went for my daughter's 16th and the very sweet host said when checking in as for a table with a view. It might not be (and in our case was not) right at the window, but we saw the show perfectly and had a magical night.

 

[maxiesmom]

My experience may be different than others but we had a terrible experience at Rose & Crown for Illuminations! Had ADRs so we could catch Illuminations. When the show was about to start we made our way to the viewing area...and saw nothing but pushing and shoving. We had our 10-year-old son. He had to be satisfied peeking between 2 people's hips because nobody would let him in front of them. I mean, really? Had a woman pushing another woman in a wheelchair practically run us and everybody else down. "Excuse us, excuse us, she's in a wheelchair, she has to be in front." I'll never, ever waste my time at Rose & Crown again.

On top of that, we didn't think the food was that good. And it was loud. We could barely carry on a conversation.

It was awful. The whole experience.

The problem many of us have run into is that if you let a child in front of you the whole family takes it as a cue that they can all stand in front of you. If you need to have a front row view, then you need to spend time saving that spot.

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your dining experience. The Rose and Crown is one of my favorites.

 

[Dakota731]

What's FEA? Haven't been to Disney for seven years and I can't keep up with all the abbreviations!

 

[wilkeliza]

What's FEA? Haven't been to Disney for seven years and I can't keep up with all the abbreviations!

Frozen Ever After. It is the ride that replaced Maelstrom in Norway.