La Hacienda reservation time for llluminations viewing?

[genie3000]

I am looking to make a reservation at La Hacienda in hopes of having the best shot at getting a window table. i don't mind waiting to be seated, but am trying to figure out what is the best reservation time. I fear that if I wait until 8:15, the earlier reservations will just drag out their time.

Thoughts on what reservation time is my best bet? 7:30, 7:45?

 

[marchingstar]

I'm guessing illuminations is at 9, in which case I'd say 7:30 is probably best. I think there are 2 important reasons:
first, like you say, it's possible that if you wait until after 8, people at the window seats will be waiting to see the show themselves.
second, although you can request a window table, there's no guarantee--you'll be offered whatever table opens up next. if you're offered a table that doesn't have a view and decide against it, you'll be charged the 10$/pp no show fee. so with a 7:30 reservation, if you can't get a window you'll still have time to eat (or even just have a drink), leave, and find a place around WS to catch the show.

 

[AlisaJ]

Hmmm I booked an 8:30pm adr by suggestion from others on here. Also was told to ask for a window seat and to tell them I would be willing to wait. Hope that will work for me

 

[marchingstar]

Hmmm I booked an 8:30pm adr by suggestion from others on here. Also was told to ask for a window seat and to tell them I would be willing to wait. Hope that will work for me

I hope it does too! my suggestions is based on other restaurants around WS--I tend to try for 90 minutes before illuminations, and I actually haven't tried to see the show at La Hacienda (felt like too much of a gamble for me). maybe a bit closer to showtime has worked for other dis-sers in the past, and hopefully it will for you too.

edited to say that you can request a window seat, but if there are none available you still have to take the table they offer, even if it has no view at all, or you'll be charged the no show fee.

 

[maxiesmom]

Hmmm I booked an 8:30pm adr by suggestion from others on here. Also was told to ask for a window seat and to tell them I would be willing to wait. Hope that will work for me

They no longer allow guests to wait for a different table. You have to take what they have ready for you. I'm guessing they had too many people waiting, and not enough people sitting. They probably couldn't accommodate everyone who wanted a table with a view, so they stopped taking that request.

 

[AlisaJ]

They no longer allow guests to wait for a different table. You have to take what they have ready for you. I'm guessing they had too many people waiting, and not enough people sitting. They probably couldn't accommodate everyone who wanted a table with a view, so they stopped taking that request.

So maybe I would be better off taking a 7:45 they have available now and see if I can wait a little bit since my 8:30 might be cutting it too close

 

[purple figment]

Choosing La Hacienda because you want a table with a good view is problematic because many make the same request. As a result, posters have said La Hacienda has stopped accepting requests even if you say you are willing to wait. You will have to take the first available table which could be in an area without any view of the lagoon or walk away and be charged the $10 per person fee. If seeing IllumiNations is important it is better to eat early enough to finish and find a spot around Showcase Lagoon. If you like the menu and are willing to accept any table, then go for it.

 

[figment_jii]

It's also worth noting that not all of the tables at La Hacienda have a good view of IllumiNations. There are a few tables with an excellent view, but most of the tables will have an obstructed/limited view. There are even window tables that face away from the lagoon offering no view at all. Guests are not encouraged to get to move to get a better view, so if you're at a table without a good view, you're out of luck. As purple figment said, if you like the menu and are willing to chance no view, then go for it. Otherwise, I would look into getting an ADR for well before IllumiNations starts so you can get a spot around WS to watch IllumiNations. The only TS location with a reserved viewing area for guests without a view of IllumiNations from their table is R&C.