Restaurants with viewing areas?

[bntlyclg89]

Is the Rose and Crown the only restaurant in Epcot that has its own viewing area for Illuminations? I thought I read somewhere that Mexico's restaurant had its own viewing area but I can't find anything that confirms that...

We are making our plans for October and want to make sure to see Illuminations. In 2004 we did go to the R&C and were very pleased with the view (the food wasn't our favorite though).

TIA!

 

[Thierry444]

I've been told that you could see IllumiNations from window tables at Bistro de France...

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The Cantina, which is the Mexican fast food eatery, has outdoor seating, but people start claiming the seats about 5:00 and linger over beers and/or Margaritas for hours until IllumiNations.

You can also get a fairly decent view from the Matsunoma Lounge in Japan.

 

[bicker]

Keep in mind, there are only a handful of tables at Bistro de Paris that have a view of the windows.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

There are also a few tables next to Rose and Crown that are used by the Yorkshire County Fish and Chips Counter Service place.

I wonder why more places don't have little areas where you can view IllumiNations?

I've got an ADR for R and C in August, but I'm not holding my breath for seating. I figure I can walk outside to the patio to see them.

 

[kenmacdonald]

Hey, for the record, the lounge in the Japanese restaurant is close for good. It's now part of the restaurtant.

The Cantina, which is the Mexican fast food eatery, has outdoor seating, but people start claiming the seats about 5:00 and linger over beers and/or Margaritas for hours until IllumiNations.

You can also get a fairly decent view from the Matsunoma Lounge in Japan.

 

[gatour]

It is a shame that there is not more air conditioned spaces directly overlooking the lake and I am not talking about for viewing the fireworks. Long ago I discovered Matsunoma Lounge as great place to take a break at about 2 or 3pm. Now that it is part of Tempura Kiku, you can't just drop in.

Maybe they should build an African themed lounge that serves small plates of food where the African pavilion was slated to go. It would have a view of the lake. During the day it would serve the aforementioned drinks and food, first come/first served. Then at a certain hour clear the room and let in pre-reserved fireworks viewers.

I was first thinking a Spanish themed tapa place, but that would cause problems in attempting to attract a full-fledge mediterrian countries pavilion. Since WDW has the AK and AKL, the odds of an African country (besides Morocco) going into EPCOT Center is close to nil.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

It is a shame that there is not more air conditioned spaces directly overlooking the lake and I am not talking about for viewing the fireworks. Long ago I discovered Matsunoma Lounge as great place to take a break at about 2 or 3pm. Now that it is part of Tempura Kiku, you can't just drop in.

Maybe they should build an African themed lounge that serves small plates of food where the African pavilion was slated to go. It would have a view of the lake. During the day it would serve the aforementioned drinks and food, first come/first served. Then at a certain hour clear the room and let in pre-reserved fireworks viewers.

I was first thinking a Spanish themed tapa place, but that would cause problems in attempting to attract a full-fledge mediterrian countries pavilion. Since WDW has the AK and AKL, the odds of an African country (besides Morocco) going into EPCOT Center is close to nil.

I think that's actually a good idea. Spain is European, not African. My vote is for Spanish, Portuguese or Indian.

 

[bicker]

where the African pavilion was slated to go

That's one of the most obstructed views of Illuminations.