Rose and Crown at Epcot - viewing Illuminations?

[polkadotladybug]

What are the best times for eating there and catching Illuminations? Do you have to request an outside table? ANy tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated! Also - any other restaurants in Epcot that have outdoor seating for this?

Thanks!

 

[estnh]

We haven't done it yet, but have reservations at R&C for our trip next week.
We made 7:30 reservation, based on what we've read on these boards.

You can't request an outside table until you check in at the restaurant. The advice I have been given is to check in early, then tell them you'll gladly wait as long as it takes to get an outside table.

Our reservation is for Friday, April 29--let you know how it works out when we get back.

 

[puffkin]

They cannot guarantee you an outside table, but it never hurts to ask at check in

7:30 is a pretty safe time to make a PS for. (A little earlier for larger parties works too). If you get a table inside, they allow you to go outside for the show.

 

[MinnieM3]

Ours is 7:30pm, too. Just hoping to get lucky!

 

[fwm]

The last two trips there we had an inside table, but they took us outside to a spot on the patio to watch the fireworks.

 

[Laura's Dad]

Is the view ok while standing? I don't care about eating outside (although it would be nice) as long as I get to see the fireworks. We have 7:50 P.S.'s and plan on checking in about 7:35.

 

[fwm]

The view outside is excellent, although small children would have difficulty seeing lower level fireworks, unless they were in front.

 

[jtjcwise]

7:30 is when I always make our PS for. We have eaten outside twice and inside once. Last time, we were outside on the upper posrtion and it was great for our kids because they could see over the shrubs. My son was so excited because they brought his dessert right when illuminations started and he got to eat his dessert and watch the show at the same time.

 

[aubriee]

You better book it at exactly 90 days out though if you want a 7:30pm PS. I had alot of PS to request so called 88 days out (so I could do several at once) and all the 7:30pm PS were already gone. I got 7:10pm and the CM suggested that if I was lucky enough to get a patio table to tip the waiter well before I even ordered for 'slow service' and then order each course seperately and eat very slowly. I called again yesterday to check for later times for Fantasmic, as well trying to get my R&C PS moved back to 7:30, but was unable to do so. That CM also suggested I just try for a patio table, eat slowly, and not move. He said alot of people do this, so they are used to it, but I would hate to tie up a table that long.