La Hacienda&Illuminations or Yachstman Early

[akadada]

Hi All,

My wife and I have a date night scheduled for our March trip. We're planning on La Hacienda at 8:30 with hopes we can see Illuminations from the table.

I realize, from reviews and other posts, great seating views may not happen. Furthermore, the reviews seem majority like Hacienda, but of course some don't. That happens anywhere I suppose, though.

So here's the question:

Would you do this plan La Hacienda at 8:30 and hope for a good seat at Illuminations or would you do Yachstman (or another recommendation (we already have flying fish later in the week)) at 7:00 and then go to Illuminations after dinner?

I appreciate your feedback.

 

[jabead]

DH and I just dined at both of these restaurants on our Anniversary celebration trip last month. My dining report (Join us in celebrating our 25th Anniversary...Deluxe Style!) is not yet complete, but I have already reviewed our YSH dinner. The food at YSH is definitely better and the atmosphere was quieter. However, I would recommend an earlier ADR than 7:00 if Illuminations is scheduled at 9:00. Our three-course meal there took 2 hours and then you would need to add transportation or walking time to Epcot. My advice for La Hacienda would be the same...you need a much earlier ADR time to be seated near a window before Illuminations (again assuming Illuminations is at 9:00). Our ADR was at 7:30. At about 8:00 they were going to seat us at a table not close to the window. I asked if we could wait for a better table, as we weren't in a hurry and not starving yet. We waited about another 1/2 hour before being seated one table away from the window. The food was good, the service was very good, and the Illuminations view was great. I'll be posting pictures of the show along with food and margarita pics with my review. Unfortunately it was our last dinner of the trip, so it will be a few days yet before I get to this review.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

DH and I just dined at both of these restaurants on our Anniversary celebration trip last month. My dining report (Join us in celebrating our 25th Anniversary...Deluxe Style!) is not yet complete, but I have already reviewed our YSH dinner. The food at YSH is definitely better and the atmosphere was quieter. However, I would recommend an earlier ADR than 7:00 if Illuminations is scheduled at 9:00. Our three-course meal there took 2 hours and then you would need to add transportation or walking time to Epcot. My advice for La Hacienda would be the same...you need a much earlier ADR time to be seated near a window before Illuminations (again assuming Illuminations is at 9:00). Our ADR was at 7:30. At about 8:00 they were going to seat us at a table not close to the window. I asked if we could wait for a better table, as we weren't in a hurry and not starving yet. We waited about another 1/2 hour before being seated one table away from the window. The food was good, the service was very good, and the Illuminations view was great. I'll be posting pictures of the show along with food and margarita pics with my review. Unfortunately it was our last dinner of the trip, so it will be a few days yet before I get to this review.

Looking forward to your TR.

 

[akadada]

Earlier ADR at La Hacienda . . .good point. I didn't think of that.

Would we be better off just going to Rose and Crown and if we don't get a lagoon view, just step outside to watch the show in the private showing area?

It sounds like Yachtsman is a good pick, but probably not in our timeframe that night since we probably won't have the babysitter come by until 7:00 or later.

 

[Havana]

The view from La Hacienda is very unique and spectacular. We got a second row table from the window in the middle section. The view was still impressive. I'm very glad we had the chance to have a meal here for Illuminations.
I would have a little bit of anticipation stress in trying my luck again, knowing we could get placed in the back corner of the restaurant.
Like the above poster mentioned maybe let them know you would like a window seat when you check in and are willing to wait.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

go for yachtsman at 6:30.

because it's a signature, expect to be there for your most delicious meal for 2 hours.

when you leave you can watch from the beach, or creep on in to epcot and find a spot!

ask for oscar at yachtsman if you want great service!

 

[NonScents]

I was just there 12/04, and our rez for 9:05pm at La Hacienda turned out perfectly. We requested and got a table right at the window. What a view for Illuminations!
The food was very good; my friend had the Arrachera (flank steak) and I had Tacos de Camarones (shrimp tacos). If you prefer a pilsner beer vs. a Dos Equis lager, try the Sol, very drinkable!
The dessert of Empanada de Manzana (apple turnover) is served warm, with dulce de leche ice cream and caramel sauce. Excellent!
Had outstanding, attentive service from our waiter, Memo.
Ask for him when you go, you will be well taken care of!