Requesting seating preferences

[emelee1053]

Disney dining is not inexpensive. In the nicer restaurants in other places, I have no difficulty requesting a seating preference. Can this be done at Disney? We will be having a first-timer as our guest and I made an ADR for Rose and Crown with the hopes of being able to watch Illuminations. I made the ADR for 7:30, and I don't mind waiting a bit for a window table, but I wondered what problems I might encounter. Does anyone have an approach or plan that makes it work? Do I do it when I check in? Can it be included in the ADR itself? Thanks!

 

[ErinsMommy]

We were in the same boat and were told we couldn't make specific requests -- however, we asked what time IllumiNations was scheduled for and we booked our dinner for an hour - hour/15 prior to when the fireworks were scheduled to start. We also got to the restaurant 1/2 hr before our reservation time so we can request the view. Not sure if it was luck, but we got the view we wanted. =)

 

[TDC Nala]

You cannot request a view table at Rose & Crown until you arrive at the restaurant, and even then you may not get it. Sorry, the request cannot be included in the ADR. Whether you get it or not will depend on how busy they are when you show up.

 

[fredtom]

Table and seating preferences are not made with the ADR, but when you check in at the restaurant. Ask if you can have a patio table if one becomes available. If you are seated inside, let your server know you want to see Illuminations. They will help you time your meal around the show and escort you to their private viewing area when it's time.

 

[LilyWDW]

You cannot request a view table at Rose & Crown until you arrive at the restaurant, and even then you may not get it. Sorry, the request cannot be included in the ADR. Whether you get it or not will depend on how busy they are when you show up.

Also to expand on this... in the past we had many reports where people asked about waiting for a patio table and were told that they do not allow it, you get the table assigned to you, or you forfeit your reservation. I think it was due to SO many people asking to wait and being upset if the request could not then be met (there are only so many patio tables). So they decided (at least at some point) that it will 100% be luck of the draw.

Not sure if this is still happening or not, but it has in the past.

 

[aubriee]

Also to expand on this... in the past we had many reports where people asked about waiting for a patio table and were told that they do not allow it, you get the table assigned to you, or you forfeit your reservation. I think it was due to SO many people asking to wait and being upset if the request could not then be met (there are only so many patio tables). So they decided (at least at some point) that it will 100% be luck of the draw.

Not sure if this is still happening or not, but it has in the past.

It was still happening this past Sept. We requested an outside table, telling them we had no problem waiting for one to become available, and was told they would put the request in, but we would have to take the first available table for our party size as they no longer allowed guests to wait for an outside table. We had to sit inside, but our waitress offered to take us outside to the viewing area. I always ask for an outside table and get one about 50% of the time. I go to WDW 4-6 times a year and love Rose & Crown, so usually eat there most trips. I usually make ADRs for around 7:30pm.

 

[ErinsMommy]

if you have your heart set on a restaurant with a view, one of the mexican restaurants at Epcot (can't remember which one though) gave us a FABULOUS view!!

 

[purple figment]

if you have your heart set on a restaurant with a view, one of the mexican restaurants at Epcot (can't remember which one though) gave us a FABULOUS view!!

The restaurant is La Hacienda de San Angel, but just like Rose & Crown, not all tables have a good view of the lagoon/IllumiNations and there's no guarantee you'll get one with a view.

 

[emelee1053]

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. You guys /gals are the best!