La Hacienda Illuminations?

[JMac29]

What is the best time to book a dinner ADR to be able to view Illuminations while dining? I timed it right from Rose & Crown a few years ago, but can't remember what time I booked. Does 8:30pm sound right?

 

[summerlady]

I just got an ADR for La Hacienda, 7:45 p.m. I always had that time for the R&C and it worked out perfectly for Illuminations.

 

[KungFoomF]

It all really depends on how long it takes your family to eat. Mine rarely takes more than an hour, so 8:45 would be perfect for us.

 

[JMac29]

I looked back through my notes, and I had R&C at 7:30 when Illuminations was at 9pm. It worked out well. This time Illuminations is set for 9:30 in December, so I went with a later time. I've since tried to get 8:15 or 8 but these ADR times are all gone. The only thing available is 7:45 so I'm thinking I should just stick with the 8:30pm. I'm worried about getting there too early and not being able to stay for fireworks because they need the table for someone else. Has anyone actually had this happen to them? The worst that can happen with the 8:30 ADR is that we don't get a table outside by the water, but you can still get up from your table and walk outside to see the fireworks, and that's really not so bad.

Any advice is appreciated. Should I switch to 7:45 or stick with 8:30? Or maybe obsessively check the dining website each day for my perfect time. .

 

[mrsxsparrow]

I looked back through my notes, and I had R&C at 7:30 when Illuminations was at 9pm. It worked out well. This time Illuminations is set for 9:30 in December, so I went with a later time. I've since tried to get 8:15 or 8 but these ADR times are all gone. The only thing available is 7:45 so I'm thinking I should just stick with the 8:30pm. I'm worried about getting there too early and not being able to stay for fireworks because they need the table for someone else. Has anyone actually had this happen to them? The worst that can happen with the 8:30 ADR is that we don't get a table outside by the water, but you can still get up from your table and walk outside to see the fireworks, and that's really not so bad.

Any advice is appreciated. Should I switch to 7:45 or stick with 8:30? Or maybe obsessively check the dining website each day for my perfect time. .

I can't help with the time issue, but from what I understand, the outside seating is only for the QS cantina section. All TS Hacienda tables are inside. However, the main dining area is built toward the large windows expressly with the thought of ALL diners being able to watch Illuminations. There is only one small room that has no view; otherwise, most of the tables should be able to see it.

 

[Cafeen]

I can't help with the time issue, but from what I understand, the outside seating is only for the QS cantina section. All TS Hacienda tables are inside. However, the main dining area is built toward the large windows expressly with the thought of ALL diners being able to watch Illuminations. There is only one small room that has no view; otherwise, most of the tables should be able to see it.

This is correct.

I'll have more pictures Thursday, but:

This is the view from inside the restaurant. Of course this was right next to the window, but the other seating was all set up to in accordance to these windows. (In fact, since we're going to Epcot tomorrow, I can probably drop by the dining room and take some pictures during lunch, since that same dining room is open as extra CS seating during that time).

 

[JMac29]

This is correct.

I'll have more pictures Thursday, but:

This is the view from inside the restaurant. Of course this was right next to the window, but the other seating was all set up to in accordance to these windows. (In fact, since we're going to Epcot tomorrow, I can probably drop by the dining room and take some pictures during lunch, since that same dining room is open as extra CS seating during that time).

Wow, thanks! I didn't realize all of the seating was indoors. I guess I was so excited about having another restaurant to view the fireworks from while dining that I just assumed there was outdoor seating too. I didn't have any luck with ADRs for R&C for this trip so I jumped on this when I saw it. I am excited to try a new restaurant though even if it is all indoors.

Pictures would be great if you have a chance! Hope you're having a wonderful time!