Is there a secret to getting outdoor seating at Rose and Crown to see Illuminations?

[ms_missy66]

We've got a 7:15 ADR at Rose and Crown during an upcoming trip and I really, really, really want outdoor seating (weather permitting). We'll be dining with friends from Australia we haven't seen in a few years and I fully intend to get drinks, appetizers, entrees and desserts. I think our actual eating time will take us to Illuminations time. But that only works well if we're outside. So what's the secret? There will be six of us...four adults, two kids. Any advice you have is great appreciated!

 

[bunkkinsmom]

Go 30 minutes early, say you will wait for outside, enjoy dinner, and pray the breeze doesn't head your way!!

 

[JDUCKY]

Ask at check-in. You might have to wait a bit longer but we didn't have any issues when we were there. Was a bit chilly that night, though.

 

[summerlady]

We showed up a little early, ADR was for 7:30, and just asked at the podium, waited less than half an hour and had a patio table. It was well worth the wait.

 

[Pinocchio #1 Fan]

My anniversary is on September 22, and I'd really like to dine at the Rose and Crown so my wife and I can get an outdoor table and enjoy the Illuminations show. We don't mind getting there early and/or waiting for an outdoor table. Anyone know what time I should try and make the reservation to make this happen?

 

[Tara]

I didn't think they'd let you wait for an outside table?

OP - there's a patio from which restaurant guests can view Illuminations - they're very good about timing your meal so that you can go out to watch the show. So even if you can't get an outdoor table, you can still see the show without having to hold down a spot for an hour.

 

[LoveKermit]

We had this subject as a conversation last night. DH didn't figure any of you would give up your secrets! Thank you for doing so!

I didn't realize it worked like Cali Grill with the private viewing patio and dinner/dessert timed around it.

That's probably the best info so far....

 

[TDC Nala]

Sometimes they will let you wait and sometimes they won't. That early, you may be able to wait. They might also tell you that you must take the next available table, wherever it is.

 

[pooch]

being, friendly, polite and low-key with our request. Got an outside table every time

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

Just have my kind of luck and go when it's raining outside, then you should have no problem getting an outside table.

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

I think 15 minutes early is good if the park isn't packed to capacity. If it is really crowded, then 1/2 hr early.

Either way, they're going to tell you that they will seat you when a table comes available and can't guarantee outside. That's when you you need to be sweet as honey about it and thank them for giving it their best shot. ANd that you'll be enjoying the bar inside with your friends that traveled all the way from Australia & crossing your fingers for good luck while they do their "magic". If at all possible, they're going to try to accomodate you.

Just keep in mind everyone else showing up between 7-7:30 probably has the same hope. If you don't get a patio seat, don't let it ruin your evening. You're still going to have a great meal and be able to view the show on their patio without being elbowed & having your personal space invaded.

Have a great time - especially sharing with your friends from down under

 

[Dizzyworld]

What happen if it is raining? Where do they seat all the guests on the ADR list?

 

[nicki.momof3]

We are going to WDW at Christmas (never been in Dec.). Anyone know if teh patio is open in Dec. and is it to cold?

We usually go in April and the weather is lovely - Dec. is a new time of year for us.

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

What happen if it is raining? Where do they seat all the guests on the ADR list?

Have not had this happen to us personally, but I think they have canopies over the outside dining area they can roll out - don't know if that would be sufficient or acceptable to a guest or not. But unfortunately if it's raining too hard the show could be canceled.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey]

What happen if it is raining? Where do they seat all the guests on the ADR list?

When we were there in December, it had been raining all day and was still raining. We were seated on the second level up (still outside). They did have canopies down to protect the guests. Just before the show started, they unzipped the canopies and rolled them up and put down the umbrellas and enjoyed the show! Luckily, there weren't very many people as dumb as us out there watching with the wind blowing and the rain hitting us, but all in all it was still a great time.

 

[sdwrdt]

We are going to WDW at Christmas (never been in Dec.). Anyone know if teh patio is open in Dec. and is it to cold?

We usually go in April and the weather is lovely - Dec. is a new time of year for us.

When we were last there (January 2005, I know, can't get hubby to go more often), they had heaters at every table.

 

[aubriee]

We are going to WDW at Christmas (never been in Dec.). Anyone know if teh patio is open in Dec. and is it to cold?

We usually go in April and the weather is lovely - Dec. is a new time of year for us.

We were there this past Dec 12th-20th and ate lunch on the patio. It was warm that week though. We were in shorts.

 

[RMulieri]

Whether or not they will grant the request or allow you to wait for it, dpends on the CM ,how busy it is, and how big your party is.We tried in both Sept and Dec 09 for a party of 3 and were told they no longer allow people to wait for patio seating and we had to take the next available table.They DID let us all come outside onto the patio during illuminations to watch