Is it worth eating at Rose & Crown just for Illuminations view??

[Treacle44]

I have to say the R&C menu doesn't appeal to me much and being from the UK anyway, I can eat Englishfood anytime! lol

But is it worth a ressie just for the view of Illuminations? Already have an ADR but thinking of changing it to Captains Grille instead.

Thanks

x

 

[Tara]

If you won't like the food, I wouldn't eat there just for the view because it's unlikely you'll get a patio table, and if you don't, the view from the side viewing area isn't all that great. Are you willing to hold down a spot for more than 30 minutes to get a good view of the show around the lagoon? If so, then eat at CG and then head over for the show. In fact, there's often good viewing to be had between UK and France around the bridge, but not right up front along the bridge. However, if you don't want to spend time sitting on the ground doing nothing but waiting and you won't mind the food at R&C (which isn't bad, just not great), then it isn't a bad idea.

How was that for a perfectly wishy-washy answer?

 

[catne]

I agree with PP -- if you're not interested in the food there, skip it. There are not that many tables in the viewing area, and it's just luck to get sat out there, anyway (they won't let you wait to get one of those tables -- you have to take what's available when it's available.) I'd switch to Captain's Grill.

 

[summerlady]

I agree with the PP, if the food isn't what you'd care to have for dinner, you'll be better off eating somewhere else and finding a good viewing area in advance for Illuminations. We enjoy the food at the Rose & Crown so have an ADR booked for 7:45 in November, we loved having dessert on the patio with a front row seat for the show in 2008.

 

[MSLRAC]

I'd say no if you aren't interested in the food. We enjoyed the food but it's was something different for us. But there are far better places to eat in EPCOT and many grat spots for prime viewing of Illuminations.

 

[Treacle44]

Thanks for the replies, thats really helpful. Looks like we're going to ditch it!

x

 

[CanadianPaco]

Funny to see your question ... I made an ADR at the Rose and Crown for 7:00 on our upcoming trip. I couldn't get anything later. Then I looked over the menu ... next to nothing appealled to any of us. So I decided to cancel it and made an ADR at Tokyo dining for 5:30pm. Lots of time for dinner and to scope out a spot for Illuminations~

 

[Joshua_me]

I wouldn't know, we never make it past the pub !

Seriously though, the food has taken a real nose dive recently (yet another victim of the curse of the DDP). But, the cast members there are some of the friendliest in all of "the world".

If you're counting on an outside table, as the others have said it's not a safe bet. But then again, you never know unless you try...

Even if you change plans, try to stop in the pub for a drink. It really is a very fun part of Epcot.

 

[VickiVM]

That's too bad about the food. One of our best meal experiences was on Christmas Eve eating there after Candlelight Procession a few years ago. The staff made us feel so cozy and we really enjoyed the meal. Several of the waitstaff were even teary-eyed when they realized that the 'time' back home was already Christmas Day.

 

[walkdmc]

That's where we ate for Illuminations last year and loved it. Our kids were right up in the front row viewing the show. It was fantastic. As we looked around the crowds were rows upon rows deep trying to catch a glimpse at Illuminations. We never had one issue with seeing anything in the show. Loved it. So I vote, Yes, it's worth it.

 

[walkdmc]

BTW, we didn't eat outside. Our server guided us to the R&C special roped off viewing area after our meal. You'll have to book a late night meal and mention your desire to see Illuminations to your server.

 

[Joshua_me]

Several of the waitstaff were even teary-eyed when they realized that the 'time' back home was already Christmas Day.

Awww...

They are SO darned friendly there.... That's a sweet story.

 

[tammyroo]

Noooooo!!!! Don't do it. JK. Seriously, we ate there last month because friends wanted to try it and it was some of the worst food I've had on property. Our "view" was of the umbrellas on the patio (the staff closed them but they were still a distraction). The server was really sweet but very new and terrible. I won't go back.

 

[madalex]

IBut is it worth a ressie just for the view of Illuminations? Already have an ADR but thinking of changing it to Captains Grille instead.

No. The view is good, but it is no better than lots of other places around WS (basically any spot where your view is not blocked by a tree or a structure is as good as any other spot). Make an ADR for where you want to eat and then show up at the WS lagoon a little before the show (many good spots are still available as little as 15 minutes prior to the show) to find a spot to watch the fireworks from.

 

[beroh2253]

I wouldn't know, we never make it past the pub !

Seriously though, the food has taken a real nose dive recently (yet another victim of the curse of the DDP). But, the cast members there are some of the friendliest in all of "the world".

If you're counting on an outside table, as the others have said it's not a safe bet. But then again, you never know unless you try...

Even if you change plans, try to stop in the pub for a drink. It really is a very fun part of Epcot.

I agree, best staff and great beer, but food not as good as the other EPCOT restaurants. Grab a beer about an hour or more before and sit at the outdoor CS area and watch Illuminations. I may grab a beer several hours before then several more till Illuminations starts. Note that Germany has a great viewing area and also great beer.