R&C for Illuminations

[LadyOfDunBroch]

Hey Dis!

So I have a 7:15 ressie for 4/22 (which is a Friday) and we are trying to get a patio table for Illuminations... my question is this: should I keep trying to get something later since that will be 1hr 45 minutes before it starts? Or should I keep the time and see if we can drag our meal out for that long? (we have a 7 and 4 y/o so this option makes me a little nervous ) Also, has anyone ever tried to hold out for the right table? Could we show at 7:15 and tell them we will wait for a patio table? This is the first time I've tried booking a restaurant for fireworks views so any tips at all would be much appreciated! TIA!!

 

[figment_jii]

You can try requesting an IllumiNations viewing table when you check in, but R&C does not generally honor table requests. Sometimes they'll let you wait for a patio table, but more often you'll be told you have to take the next available table for you party size or forfeit the reservation (and pay the no show fee). They do have a reserved viewing area if you're seated at a table without a good view. Your ADR is probably for about the right time to maximize your chances of getting lucky and getting a patio table. If you wait until closer to the start of the show time, it's highly unlikely that the patio tables will turn over until after IllumiNations. The general recommendation is to get an ADR for somewhere between two hours and 90 minutes below IllumiNations is slated to start. That being said, I've found that R&C tends to be one of the faster TS locations...the average three course meal for my family of three adults takes about 60 minutes. So, while I do think it's possible to drag out your meal, you will need to do so deliberately. Personally, I don't know that I'd try to hold a 4 year old (at least the ones I know would get pretty bored and kind of antsy) for an almost two hour meal.

 

[LadyOfDunBroch]

Thanks Figment! I'm hoping if DH takes her for a walk in the middle it may help... worst case scenario I'll key up Netflix on my phone. Whatever means necessary for a patio table!

 

[minnie mum]

Don't get your heart set on a patio table. Odds are probably less than 50/50. If you're seated inside ( or at a patio table without a view - yes, those exist), then just don't drag out your meal. R&C has a smallish viewing area where you could view Illuminations after your meal.

 

[jlh512]

We do a R&C late dinner to see IllumiNations every year. We have had an 8pm ressie for a 10pm show. We just tell the server we are in no hurry and want to stay for IllumiNations. They have never minded. I think at R&C they are use to that with the late ressies. The restaurant is usually empty by the time the show starts anyway. We just order slow and order several drinks. I also tip them on the higher side that night. Last year we asked for a patio table and they said it would be a bit longer to wait and we didn't mind. If you are also concerned about sitting for too long then show up for your ressie at 7;15. This might delay you being seated by a few minutes.

 

[Julylady]

In the past we have had some amazing tables on the patio with great views of Illuminations at Rose and Crown. Our last two attempts were not so. For the first one our reservation was at 7:45 and we checked in at 7:30 saying we were hoping for a patio table and were willing to wait. No can do. We were seated right at 7:45 inside right next to the bar. Our order was taken quickly and our food was served almost immediately. We were told we could stay and watch the fireworks from the viewing spot though. It was very crowded and not a great view since we are a vertically challenged party. On our last trip it was raining and almost a repeat of the previous trip. That time we were also given an indoor seat and it was very loud. It was raining so hard before Illuminations started that we just decided to skip it and go back to the hotel.

We have decided not to try it again. I don't enjoy the menu or the indoor seating experience enough to risk it.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Could we show at 7:15 and tell them we will wait for a patio table?

1) No.
2) You have to take the table offered.
3) Too many people can't get a patio table and walk off when their name is called.
4) So, they ask you at check-in if you will take the first table offered.
5) If you say no, they can cancel the ADR and charge the $10/person no-show fee.
6) It is only fair to the restaurant and the other guests.

 

[jlh512]

You can always show up at 7:15 and ask for a patio table. It never hurts to ask. What's the worse they are going to say? No. Then you just take the inside table and you can view IllumiNations from their private viewing area.

 

[LadyOfDunBroch]

You can always show up at 7:15 and ask for a patio table. It never hurts to ask. What's the worse they are going to say? No. Then you just take the inside table and you can view IllumiNations from their private viewing area.

My parents and I have been to WDW many times and done R&C for Illuminations on most of these trips. I asked my mom last night what the trick was and she said they show up right on time for the ressie and just ask for a patio table. she said they are rarely told no, and thinks its because they turn tables so fast that it's just a wait of a few minutes normally before one was available. Now if they had just seated the majority of the patio and it would be awhile before a table would be available I would completely understand being told we couldn't wait. This seems like one of those thinks I can try to plan to death but it either will or it won't happen... I think I'll need to just go with the flow with this! Either way, I'll still be getting their fish and chips so it will be a good night....

Thanks guys!!