Restaurants to watch the fireworks at MK and Epcot (more)

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I really don't like crowds. I don't mind walking around WDW when there are a lot of people there, but standing in a packed crowd to watch a parade or fireworks just isn't my thing. Which restaurants can I choose at M.K. and Epcot where I can watch the fireworks without the crowds? Last year we did California Grill and loved the whole experience. I'm wondering if we should just go back there or if the beach at the Poly or GF is almost as good? What about Illuminations? Are there restaurants where I can stay right in my seat and watch? Are there other possible viewing places?

Thanks!

 

[andriade]

Rose and crown Pub @ Epcot

 

[theprincess]

Rose and Crown.
We had a nice time eating our fish and chips and watching the show

 

[Terk-1]

At the Magic Kingdom, I'd do the California Grill for Wishes. You can view the fireworks from the beaches of the Polynesian, Contemporary or Grand Floridian, but it can be hard to hear the music. Another option is viewing Wishes from the 2nd floor balcony of the Main Street Train Station. You will need to get there early to get a seat (few of those) or to be able to stand at the railing, but it's a great location to view both Spectro & Wishes. Try to center yourself so that you are looking directly down Main Street and you will get a great view!

At EPCOT, definitely the Rose & Crown. This is a must dine for me on every trip. Great food & service!

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Tell me more about Rose and Crown? Can we watch right from our seats? If my goal is to eat dinner, watch Illuminations and then head back to the Swan how far in advance should I make the ADR. 1 hour? 2 hours?

Thanks!

 

[Terk-1]

I really enjoy the Rose & Crown. I would suggest an ADR approximately 1 1/2 hours prior to Illuminations. Get there early and request a patio table and let them know you don't mind waiting for one. The warm apple crisp is excellent.

 

[__disneygirl]

Sleepy Hollow @ MK

 

[byoung]

Ohonno's for Mk.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Just keep in mind that the Rose and Crown thing isn't much of a secret--those "view" tables go fast!! And once they have one, folks tend to linger.
2 hours would not be too early.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Thanks everyone!

I made a reservation for R and C for 7:30 (Illuminations is at 9). If I don't get a "view" table, can DS and I walk outside onto the patio to watch the show? If we do, is the patio limited to R and C patrons or will it be crowded. That might be better since then we'll get to eat in the airconditioning.

Also, after Illuminations how easy is it going to be to walk to the I.G. and then the Swan? I booked this for our first night, and I'm hoping to hit a park at opening the next day.

 

[suswa]

At Rose and Crown if you don't get one then tell your server you would like to see teh fireworks. They have a viewing area you can go out watch and come in to finish your meal.

 

[metsfan11]

Ohonno's for Mk.

Thats Ohana's at the Poly.

For MK fireworks I definetly recocomend California Grill! Great food and amazing view!

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

At Rose and Crown if you don't get one then tell your server you would like to see teh fireworks. They have a viewing area you can go out watch and come in to finish your meal.

What's the viewing area like? Is it close enough for my 7 year old to see (e.g. not a lot of people standing in front, blocking a child's view)?

Also, does it fill up early or can I wait until a few minutes before the show to go out?

Thanks!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

The concourse level viewing area at the CR - your outside and the music is piped in. We do this on our first night - dinner at Chef Mickey's then walk over to the 4th floor viewing area

 

[Barbers2005]

We had a great view of Wishes from 'Ohana at the Polynesian. We didn't really plan it that way, that was the only time they had reservations that night, and the show was starting just as we were being seated. It was a good view of the castle and they played the music for the show inside the restaurant. My only complaint was that there were 4 or 5 kids from other families glued to the window and we had a hard time getting them to move over so we could get to our seats. Oh, well...probably just excited, and not really a big deal. At Epcot, if you don't have your heart set on a TS restaurant you can eat at the Cantina in the Mexico pavillion. We got there about an hour and a half before the show and had some people stay at the table and eat while others rode El Rio del Tiempo. It worked really well and we had a waterside table...excellent view.