I've been to R & C four times for dinner and each time I've gotten the patio. I made an ADR for 7:30 but arrived about 7:10 and told them I'd really like a patio table and I was willing to wait. It's certainly not a guarantee by any means, but I lucked out and it worked for me. I don't think we ever had to wait long, I think the trick is probably in being early, so as to be among the first 7:30 people to check in, but not too early that they won't seat you. This was a few years ago, I think 2/03 was the last time I ate there, so perhaps now they don't take requests even at the podium. I hope you get it, the view of Illuminations from there is spectacular!