La Hacienda de San Angel and Luminous

[Daisy-Mary]

We are planning on booking a dinner reservation at La Hacienda de San Angel for our upcoming trip. If we want to be there to see Luminous, what time should be make the reservation for?

 

[NYCgrrl]

The show starts at 9:00 so I’d guess an ADR between 7:30 and 8:45 would work. This show is different than many others and can be seen throughout the entire WS.

 

[LoveDaisy]

The views of the fireworks from this restaurant are not good unless you get one of the few window seats, which I would not count on. I feel like there are 3-4 tables near the windows. The booths have no views. The last time I ate there it was one large group in those tables so I am trying to picture how many tables were pushed together

 

[CarolynFH]

I agree, the chances of having a view of Luminous from La Hacienda are minimal. I’d book my ADR for 7:30 or so and plan to walk out and find a place around the lagoon after eating. If that restaurant had good views, they’d sell a package like Rose & Crown and Spice Road Table do.

 

[SkyGuy]

The views of the fireworks from this restaurant are not good unless you get one of the few window seats, which I would not count on. I feel like there are 3-4 tables near the windows. The booths have no views. The last time I ate there it was one large group in those tables so I am trying to picture how many tables were pushed together

Yeah, we had a table next to the window and people thought it was a fine idea to send their kids over to stand next to us. That part didn’t bother me, but the kids who tried to move our table to squeeze in between it and the window or those who kept placing their hands on the table or on us were making me a bit testy.

Edit: I want to add that the seasonal salad at La Hacienda has always been amazing. I’ve never been disappointed. There was a watermelon feta salad with lime oregano vinaigrette that was outstanding. I asked for the recipe, and I make it regularly at home.

 

[han22735]

Nothing to add to your question but we walked into la hacienda this week for the first time and it was probably one of the best meals I've ever had at Disney.

 

[nikmasteed]

Following this thread because we are also considering a dinner at La Hacienda leading up to and/or during Luminous (this upcoming January)

So, noted, the views aren't ideal inside the dining area. We aren't expecting a perfect view-- I've tried to find some youtube vids that show it from inside, and I get it. For our family, we really just want to avoid battling crowds for a spot. And having a show, even if a compromised view, while sitting and relaxing is appealing. I'm certainly going to consider just watching it outside as suggested.

Given that
a) If having dinner at La Hacienda and leaving just before Luminous in order to watch outside, any suggested spots within 5 minute walk of the restaurant that will be less crowded up against the lagoon? Don't need a perfect/straight on view
b) If choosing to stay inside and watch there, is 90 minutes before show still a good time for an ADR if we were to arrive and ask the hostess politely if we could wait extra time for a window table? I know fully this is no guarantee-- I've done this at Rose & Crown successfully once and unsuccessfully one other time. But it never hurts to ask

When it comes down to it, I'm kinda thinking we might try for a window table and if it works out great, but if we don't get one then maybe we'll slip out of the restaurant just before the show starts

 

[Disnsyncey]

Following this thread because we are also considering a dinner at La Hacienda leading up to and/or during Luminous (this upcoming January)

So, noted, the views aren't ideal inside the dining area. We aren't expecting a perfect view-- I've tried to find some youtube vids that show it from inside, and I get it. For our family, we really just want to avoid battling crowds for a spot. And having a show, even if a compromised view, while sitting and relaxing is appealing. I'm certainly going to consider just watching it outside as suggested.

Given that
a) If having dinner at La Hacienda and leaving just before Luminous in order to watch outside, any suggested spots within 5 minute walk of the restaurant that will be less crowded up against the lagoon? Don't need a perfect/straight on view
b) If choosing to stay inside and watch there, is 90 minutes before show still a good time for an ADR if we were to arrive and ask the hostess politely if we could wait extra time for a window table? I know fully this is no guarantee-- I've done this at Rose & Crown successfully once and unsuccessfully one other time. But it never hurts to ask

When it comes down to it, I'm kinda thinking we might try for a window table and if it works out great, but if we don't get one then maybe we'll slip out of the restaurant just before the show starts

I used to always stand somewhere between Mexico and China, there are some great spots on either side of Norway, being OUTSIDE is way better than inside with a limited view because of a window.....it's not like MK where you have to stake out a spot hours in advance, you can get a decent spot 1 min before.....I was pondering, as long as there are no trees in front of you, even on the OUTSIDE of the ring of the walkway is good because less heads blocking your immediate vision

 

[purple figment]

So, noted, the views aren't ideal inside the dining area. We aren't expecting a perfect view--

La Hacienda has very few tables with a good view of Luminous. As others have said, only the tables right next to the windows would be ideal. Most have an obstructed, partial or no view at all.

Given that
a) If having dinner at La Hacienda and leaving just before Luminous in order to watch outside, any suggested spots within 5 minute walk of the restaurant that will be less crowded up against the lagoon? Don't need a perfect/straight on view

As far as a good view outside, head in the direction of China, Norway and beyond. We've found excellent viewing spots along that side of World Showcase. Just choose a spot where there are no trees that obscure the center of the lagoon.

Many people want to be near an easy exit point such as near the two stores at the entrance to World Showcase or along the Canada/UK/France area so those tend to be more crowded.

b) If choosing to stay inside and watch there, is 90 minutes before show still a good time for an ADR if we were to arrive and ask the hostess politely if we could wait extra time for a window table?

Most diners who are seated 90 minutes before the show and have a window table aren't going to leave before Luminous so that would likely be too late for an ADR.. Additionally, there have been occasions when the hosts/hostesses will not let you wait for a preferred table.

 

[Sweettears]

The views of the fireworks from this restaurant are not good unless you get one of the few window seats, which I would not count on. I feel like there are 3-4 tables near the windows. The booths have no views. The last time I ate there it was one large group in those tables so I am trying to picture how many tables were pushed together

I believe that there are four or five in a row. The ambience inside while the show is going on is pretty cool but you are correct in that it’s not the best view

 

[Sweettears]

Nothing to add to your question but we walked into la hacienda this week for the first time and it was probably one of the best meals I've ever had at Disney.

It generally is a must do for me on most trips however my last visit the meat in the tacos was pretty much inedible. I’ll chalk it up as a bad night

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Edit: I want to add that the seasonal salad at La Hacienda has always been amazing. I’ve never been disappointed. There was a watermelon feta salad with lime oregano vinaigrette that was outstanding. I asked for the recipe, and I make it regularly at home.

Sounds delicious. I'd love the recipe, if you are comfortable sharing.

 

[SkyGuy]

Sounds delicious. I'd love the recipe, if you are comfortable sharing.

Salad
Arugula, although I’ve used a variety of baby greens as well.
Pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds, toss in a skillet until toasted
Queso fresco, crumbled
Watermelon cut into cubes - I cut them no bigger than 2cm, but it it really doesn’t matter
I don’t use measurements, just kind of eyeball it.

Lime oregano vinaigrette
Zest and juice of one lime (s/b at least ¼ of juice)
Equal amount olive oil
1tsp dried oregano
Finely chopped shallot
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp pepper

Shake all together and dress salad. I only dress what I’ll eat and leave separate for storing. It’s so fresh and lovely, especially when you luck onto a really sweet watermelon.