Rose and Crown closing time

[Jimsig]

When we originally made our 745p ADR Epcot was scheduled to have Illuminations and close at 9p so we figured our timing was perfect to watch it from there. Illuminations and closing is now at 10p. I'm still searching for a later ADR but noticed it says that R&C closes at 9p that night. Other places are listed as either 930p or 10p closings that night. If we can't get a later ADR can we still stay to watch Illuminations? Or do they clear the restaurant as quick as they can after 9p?
Last time we had a 715p ADR with Illuminations at 9 and we thought that we would be sitting there for a while waiting, but the timing was perfect.

 

[Colleen27]

Rose & Crown regularly closes an hour before Illuminations, on the apparent assumption that their last group of diners will stay to watch the show. But with Illuminations at 10, your ADR is too early to stay IMO. They likely added another hour's worth of ADRs when they pushed the closing time back, and if people with those 7:30 - 8pm ADRs that would have been perfect for a 9pm show try to stay, the restaurant is going to end up really backed up at the end of the night and people who have the 8:30 - 9pm times are going to be frustrated and disappointed with their wait/experience.

 

[preemiemama]

Rose & Crown regularly closes an hour before Illuminations, on the apparent assumption that their last group of diners will stay to watch the show. But with Illuminations at 10, your ADR is too early to stay IMO. They likely added another hour's worth of ADRs when they pushed the closing time back, and if people with those 7:30 - 8pm ADRs that would have been perfect for a 9pm show try to stay, the restaurant is going to end up really backed up at the end of the night and people who have the 8:30 - 9pm times are going to be frustrated and disappointed with their wait/experience.

I'm not sure this is true. R&C is never what I would classify as speedy service. They know that diners will stay for Illuminations and plan service accordingly. We go for dinner on every trip (almost annually). We have always made reservations for between 7-7:30 and have never finished our meal before Illuminations- in fact half the time we don't get our dessert before it begins. This past summer were ate there on July 4th. The manager told me that people had been sitting on the patio since 4:30- and had not given up their spots- and it was "expected" that day. If 4:30 diners can linger until 9:00, a 7:45 ADR will be just fine for a 10:00 show.

 

[Jimsig]

Thanks for the replies. Last time I was surprised at how long service took, not a complaint as it was nice and relaxing. We had actually said before that if we wee done we would not stay for Illuminations as we were tired. But with how long it took we did stay.

We planned this out for Illumnations as we ended up buying 7 day Park Hoppers as they were cheaper then 6 day regular tickets. That Friday is a pool day but with the extra day of tickets we figured we would hit Epcot later in the afternoon and ride Soarin on a FP and a couple others then have dinner and watch the show. Wish they could/would have sent out a little thing in advance saying that park hours were extending so I could have changed it to a later time. They know that people make ADR's and other plans to accommodate Illuminations so it's lousy they don't give a warning when extending time. Going off the last time we ate there it still took 2 hours from the time we were seated until we were done.

 

[preemiemama]

Thanks for the replies. Last time I was surprised at how long service took, not a complaint as it was nice and relaxing. We had actually said before that if we wee done we would not stay for Illuminations as we were tired. But with how long it took we did stay.

We planned this out for Illumnations as we ended up buying 7 day Park Hoppers as they were cheaper then 6 day regular tickets. That Friday is a pool day but with the extra day of tickets we figured we would hit Epcot later in the afternoon and ride Soarin on a FP and a couple others then have dinner and watch the show. Wish they could/would have sent out a little thing in advance saying that park hours were extending so I could have changed it to a later time. They know that people make ADR's and other plans to accommodate Illuminations so it's lousy they don't give a warning when extending time. Going off the last time we ate there it still took 2 hours from the time we were seated until we were done.

Exactly. 7:45 plus 2 hours puts you there with enough time to stay put and watch the show at 10.

 

[sdomino11]

Lots of good info on this post so far. Can anyone answer the likelihood of actually getting a table with a view of illuminations? Do the majority of tables have views? More? Less? And if you don't get a view, is the area they provide for you to go outside and watch any good? Standing only? Or could we sit? Thanks!

 

[preemiemama]

Lots of good info on this post so far. Can anyone answer the likelihood of actually getting a table with a view of illuminations? Do the majority of tables have views? More? Less? And if you don't get a view, is the area they provide for you to go outside and watch any good? Standing only? Or could we sit? Thanks!

We have typically gotten a seat outside, so I have never seen the area where you watch if you are seated inside. I just know it exists in case we need it. I also know that the patio is not guaranteed, but it doesn't hurt to ask politely. Check in early and let them know you are willing to wait if that is necessary. Always be nice, don't demand a seat. There is only so much they can do with the seats and reservations they have.

 

[Jimsig]

I also know that the patio is not guaranteed, but it doesn't hurt to ask politely. Check in early and let them know you are willing to wait if that is necessary. Always be nice, don't demand a seat. There is only so much they can do with the seats and reservations they have.

This.

 

[Jimsig]

So in the end I was able to snag an 8p reservation so I modified it from my original 745p slot. I can't remember if it was day of or the day before. At check in we requested an outside table and said we didn't mind waiting a bit and was of course told those were not guaranteed as they said people do tend to stay a bit longer around that time. When we were seated around 810-815p we were given an outside table as there were still a few available. When out waitress came to greet us and take our drink order she commented on how we would have a good view of Illuminations. They filled all but one of the remaining tables outside. Dinner was great as it was last time. We started by splitting the cheese platter and we were glad we did, as it was so good. My mom and I both got the combo NY Strip and fish, DW got the fish and chips, and DD got pasta and meatballs off the kids menu. For dessert we all got the sticky toffee pudding except for DD who got the English trifle.

 

[preemiemama]

Glad it worked out for you!

 

[cruisin5]

If you are seated inside is there a patio that you can go to mid-meal to watch the fireworks then return to your table?

 

[preemiemama]

Yes there is.