Rose and Crown for Illuminations?

[Lisa Francis]

Has anyone any experience of the Rose and Crown during the Illuminations show...I have read its a good place to watch from as they have a seated patio area. My concern however is that we have young children and when the show starts people will just come out to watch and stand up obscuring our view. We would be sat down as we would pre book a meal there. Many thanks.

 

[LindseyUK]

Hi Lisa,
Sorry I can't help but just to let you know I was about to post a similar question! I am thinking of doing the same thing and have the same concerns.

Last visit, I stood in the crowds trying to get a decent view and am hoping not to have to do it again! I also remember that when Illuminations was finished, there was a massive scramble for the Exit and it took ages to get out! Do you know if you can stay in the Rose and Crown till the rush is over or does it close when the show ends?

thanks

 

[Hilary]

My concern however is that we have young children and when the show starts people will just come out to watch and stand up obscuring our view

This shouldn't happen. The R&C patio area is accessible through the R&C and the servers keep an eye on things during Illuminations to make sure no-one is inconvenienced by non-diners standing in the way of those at the tables. I think sometimes diners from inside the restaurant may make their way outside for the show, but will be asked to stand away from diners' tables.

Do you know if you can stay in the Rose and Crown till the rush is over or does it close when the show ends?

R&C will remain open for a while (I would guess at least an hour) after the park closes - you won't be herded out as soon as the last firework explodes!

 

[SammieG]

we eat here and watch Illuminations every trip.

You are all seated quite close together.. there is absolutely no way anyone could obscure your view without them just standing in front of you which the cast members would not allow.

the patio is completely seperate from the restaurant bit.

Remember that when you book you are not guaranteed an outside table... although those inside do get to go to the patio bit i think...

however we have always been lucky and had fantastic fireworks viewing spots.

A great tip is that if you have a child (youngish - under 8 maybe... ) dont forget to mention that if Mickey is looking for someone to help start the fireworks.. you might know someone who would be interested. We have mentioned this on 2 occasions before, and they have always used us!

(there is a cute little firework starting ceremony.. and your child holds a light sabre thing that "starts" the fireworks!)

Very very cute..

 

[Ware Bears]

We were unable to get a PS at the Rose and Crown and when we tried on the day itself they could only have seated us at separate tables. However, quite by chance, we found there is a little seating area down the path to the right of the Rose and Crown, you are sat the other side of the patio railings! There are some benches there and we bought some chips from Harry Ramsdens which we ate and felt very British!!! We had a fantastic view of Illuminations and no problems with anyone trying to push in front therefore spoiling our view. We shared our bench with a lovely American gentleman, it was really nice chatting to him.

So if you can't get a booking at the Rose and Crown, you could always try this area.

Elaine

 

[slinky101]

Hi, whats the food like in the rose and crown, i think I read in the brits guide it was overpriced?
Sammie G.....I Got a bit lost on the post about starting the fireworks, do you mean mention it on the phone when you do the PS or when you arrive at the R &C, will be my DD's 9th birthday and would be fab.!!!!!!

 

[slinky101]

Also, forgot to ask, what would be the best time to try to get a PS for, is service fast or slow? Wouldn't want to have finished eating, and feel pressured to leave before the fireworks.

Thanks

 

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
We were very disappointed with the food and service at the Rose + Crown we ate there on NYE. Cost $75 in total and the food was less than average and the service was worse. A servers assistant brought our main course to us just after we got our starters and we had to ask her to take them away. She returned about 5 minutes later with the same food before clearing our starter dishes and of course it was cold. Pointed out the problems to our server but she made very little of it and reluctantly took the main course back to the kirchen were it stayed for about 15 minutes. First time I have eaten in the USA and refused to leave a tip. Possibly they are just trying to make it a more realistic UK dining experience..!

Mick.

 

[Miffy2003]

Mick, that's awful. I would have been very cross! We were also in the UK (in Epcot!) on NYE so we may have seen each other without knowing it!

We had a very different experience to Mick however; we were very susprised by the quality of the food (we had herad it was quite average) and the service was fine - though not as effusive as you normally experience in America.

See my trip report for a review of our lunch at the Rose and Crown last month.

 

[KayleeUK]

We tried to get a outside seat but couldn't So we scoffed our food quickly and went off to find somewhere else to watch from

 

[LondonMom]

We got quite a good table but then some people did obscure our view when the fireworks started and I think they were people from inside the restaurant. Also the food was poor and the service was even worse, really did feel like being back in England! Ive read somewhere that a good viewing point is from Mexico, Im gonna try there next time, I would suggest you do the same. Jo

 

[slinky101]

Thanks for the tips, am hoping to get illuminations cruise but, know they are like gold dust so, looking at other options for plan B!

 

[SammieG]

Yes, when you get there mention your sons birthday..
ACtually, mention birthday on phone and when checking in.. also make a request for an outside table.

Then starting the fireworks.. mention it to your server at your table - we have been lucky.

We have eated at the Rose and Crown at least 10x... we have never been seated inside (and if you are, you dont have to accept the table, but you need to go to the back of the queue again if you want a different table).

The vast majority of tables are outside.

We have never had bad service or bad food (although I would say the food is not authenitic british food!) I enjoy the food better from other restaurants in Epcot.. however, its so wonderful sitting and watching the fireworks..
(take your mosi spray though.. i got eaten alive for the first and only time last trip!)

Lots of people have had bad experiences apparently at the R & C - but we have always found it to be great!

 

[k-herm]

Is it so important to look for a particular vantage point for Illuminations?
I would have thought that one would get to the see most of it from anywhere on site.

Of course there will be better places than others, but does it make a big difference?

 

[tony64]

1 thing nobody has mentioned is to check which way the wind is blowing.
the last thing you want is your view to be blocked by the smoke

 

[Hilary]

Is it so important to look for a particular vantage point for Illuminations?
I would have thought that one would get to the see most of it from anywhere on site.

Of course there will be better places than others, but does it make a big difference?

You will always be able to find a viewing spot for Illuminations somewhere around World Showcase. If you leave it until Illuminations starts before you take your place you will probably have several lines of guests between you and the lake which can make it difficult to see the lights on the water (especially for shorties and children!). You should have no trouble viewing the high fireworks and lights (unless you're behind a tree!). To find a place right on the railings, except at very quiet times, you may have to stake out your spot an hour or so in advance. Sitting at a table in R&C eating is a good way to pass the time and get a good view!

We've never had too much trouble finding somewhere to get a fairly decent view about 15 minutes before Illuminations, and would rather trade off some extra time doing other things against getting the front-line place. How long you're prepared to wait depends on how important it is to your family to be right at the front of things