Rose and Crown for Illuminations???

[jdk5672]

Hello!

We are visiting Florida and WDW for our first time in June. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on trying to plan our trip. (I'm a bit hyper organized )

I've read in a couple of books that the Rose and Crown is a great location for viewing Illuminations. I liked the idea of being able to sit and enjoy a meal while waiting for the show rather than staking out a piece of sidewalk to hold for two hour before the show. I tried to make PS arrangements for Rose and Crown yesterday.

The last seating they have available is 7:20 which seems a bit early for 9PM Illuminations, but with a bit of delay in seating and maybe a dessert, it should work out okay. The problem is that the CM advised that outdoor seating may not be available. So, we might wind up not being able to see the show at all??? Also, the R&C menu doesn't really thrill anyone in my family. English food just isn't our favorite. We could manage with the fish and chips, but it's not something we'd go for except for the Illuminations seating.

So, Disney experts, what would you do? I know you have illuminations strategies that work well for you. Would you mind sharing? Do you think I should keep the PS? How likely is it that we won't be able to see? I thought the R&C had all outdoor seating, but apparently it's indoor/outdoor.

Thank you so much! I've learn a lot from reading this board.

dl

 

[sjw4870]

It is definitely hit or miss as to whether you will be able to be seated outdoors. I tried this one time with a 7:45 PS and was seated indoors. This was a few years back, but if I recall, the way my table was set up, there wasn't really even a clear view out a window.

In my opinion, so much of Illuminations takes place high up(fireworks, the buildings lighting up) that it is not as critical to get a good viewing place as it is at other shows.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

The cm can't guarntee that you will get outdoor seating, you can request it at the time you check in, but SJW4870, Illuminations takes place all around the lake, so it's best to see it where you're outdoors, and standing, in my opinion.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

We've gone to R&C a couple of times around the time of Illuminations. Some people stay at their tables for hours waiting for Illuminations. We've sat out there once and the table beside us had finished their meal (it was around 7) and informed their waitress that they were staying for Illuminations at 9. So people stake out tables as well as curbs Oh and I agree about not being able to find a bad spot for Illuminations. It's always been amazzing everywhere I've seen it from, sometimes just stopping as it begins!

 

[Stitchfans]

We just got back from our trip and ate at the Rose and Crown. Excellent food. Very good service. Granted, that would be a perfect spot to watch the fireworks, but we sat by the bridge by France and that was real good spot too! Lower level is the best, but filled up real fast. Still had a great spot.

 

[Disney Gator]

The bridge between France and UK is a great spot. Our favorite though is at Canada on top of that first flight of stairs and over to the side where there is a little rock wall. This is a great place because it is back away from the walkway and it is elevated. It doesn't fill up as fast as spots on the walkway either so you don't have to claim it as far in advance. Even on a busy day you could get there around 8 or 8:15 and stake out a spot.