Reservations for 15 people at La Hacienda in order to see Illuminations -worth it?

[OhanaMomma]

Hello,
We have ADR's for La Hacienda for 15 people in November at 7:45pm bc I read that we can eat and watch Illuminations at the same time. We are going during Food & Wine. Is the experience truly worth it? I've already seen Illuminations, but we are traveling with extended family. We all have Park Hopper tix, and dinner reservations will force us to be in a certain park at a certain time. I am responsible for making all the reservations and I'm wondering if it's better to sit outside and watch, or do the dinner and show thing. I am wondering how good the view is from La Hacienda. I really want my extended family to love the Disney thing as much as me, my hubby and 2 girls do!

 

[Pumbaa_]

the view inside can be great or meh not so good, depending on where you are seated. Hopefully the menu appeals to your party!

 

[tinka-belle]

Most tables do not have a great view, some have none at all. With a large party you will not be right next to the windows where the best view is, mostly 2 top and 4 top tables by the windows, though you might be just one row back. Hard to say at this one, we find the food is good but the view can greatly vary.

 

[Nancyg56]

I have not had dinner art La Hacianda so I cannot of comment about the view, but I have traveled as part of a large group. For Illuminations, I would plan dinner earlier so that dinner would be complete, and then find a great spot along the lake to see the show. The problem with trying to time dinner and then all see the fireworks display together is that they is no gaurantee this plan will work. You may or may not be seated together, you may or may not have your meals served at the same time if you are at separate tables, and there in a big chance you will not even be at a table with a view. This holds true at every restaurant that has a view for fireworks. You can request it, but that's all.

I would plan dinner a tittle earlier, and then you could have your own little dessert party while waiting forr ther display to begin. There are plenty of kiosks to choose a beverage and dessert to enjoy while waiting.

Last December my DDIL, a friend, and I were by Mexico just behind a huge group of people who were waiting to see Illuminations. They had a few little blankets for the kids to sit on, and the adults were going back and forth between the individual families. They were having a lovely time, so the wait must have flown by. We enjoyed sitting next to them as well, it's easy to be happy when you are in the middle of a group of happy people!

 

[preemiemama]

I agree with the PPs assessments that the view varies. We have eaten there the past few trips and never had any sort of view- but we always go for the food. We know that it is not likely to have a table where you are able to see much, if anything. With a party as large as yours, it is also likely that even if some of you have a view, part of your group will not.

If you really want a view, try Rose and Crown. Even if you are seated inside, they have a patio area where diners can go and watch Illuminations. we have eaten there on our past few trip as well, and we enjoy both the food and the view!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Yeah. You won't get a table for 15 seated together on the windows, and if they split you into multiple tables, it is unlikely all of you will be at tables with a view. Nature of how people get seated.

I don't think a dining view of illuminations is possible with a party of 15 seated together; with the party split, you're likely to have some members of your party with a poor/no view. If an Illuminations view is really critical for everyone, you're better off with something like a dessert party, rather than a TS meal.

 

[OhanaMomma]

Thanks to all for the honest opinions. It kind of confirms what I feel in my gut. I think we are gong to cancel the reservation...thanks again!!!

 

[Nancyg56]

Thanks to all for the honest opinions. It kind of confirms what I feel in my gut. I think we are gong to cancel the reservation...thanks again!!!

If your can make it earlier that would be good.