Rose & Crown and Illuminations

[Duckiedee]

Hey there. I just scored a 7 p.m. ADR at R&C during Aug. Whew - it has been hard to get as our dates changed at the last minute due to DH's work.

Should I keep searching for a later time if we want to try and stay outside during Illuminations?

Thanks!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Should I keep searching for a later time if we want to try and stay outside during Illuminations?

Or, finish at R&C and go find a place near the lake. But if Illuminations is at 10, you will be seriously dragging your feet to still be there 2.5-3 hours later.

 

[Duckiedee]

Or, finish at R&C and go find a place near the lake. But if Illuminations is at 10, you will be seriously dragging your feet to still be there 2.5-3 hours later.

Illuninations is at 9 that night. So it would be two hours total.

I'm not sure what the regular service nights are like in Aug. When we went in October (during food and wine) with similar crowd-levels - R&C was about a 1/2 hour wait to get in, the longest we had. I think though, that we arrived at 7:30 (so 8 before we were seated). We had really good service, AMAZING SERVICE - our girly was asked to start Illuminations by the staff to help out Mickey! But it was a little slow due to their busy tempo.

Not sure if we are booked at 7 - if we should wait to be seated for 7:30 - which then - 9 isn't much of a stretch.

So, not sure - I feel like I want to keep looking for a 7:30 slot, but not sure it is necessary, maybe not even possible this late in the game - ressie is Aug 17.

 

[ggdvc]

Last year, we had a 6:50 ADR, but instead of trying to drag out the dinner until 9, after we were done, we went to the courtyard/patio right next to the restaurant, and got a 4-seat table across the aisle from the 2-tops against the wall (I think this was around 8:20 or so). These would have been awesome, except the couple by the wall decided to record the whole thing on their iPad. We actually could have grabbed that table, but since there were 4 of us, we didn't want to block the aisle.

 

[minnie mum]

If OP is going in August, Illuminations will be at 9:00. To me, 2 hours at R&C is falling into table hog territory. But it would be a fine time for just eating and then going onto the Promenade or over to R&C viewing area to watch the show. Otherwise, get something at or after 7:30. But they may not let you wait for an outside table with a view. If you have a 7:00 ADR, they aren't going to let you delay being seated for half an hour.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Play it by ear. If you find a later ADR great. Otherwise decide that night. You can start w a cocktail and or appetizer. Order slowly and space out the courses if you want.

Up to you, and Janet of course

 

[Duckiedee]

Last year, we had a 6:50 ADR, but instead of trying to drag out the dinner until 9, after we were done, we went to the courtyard/patio right next to the restaurant, and got a 4-seat table across the aisle from the 2-tops against the wall (I think this was around 8:20 or so). These would have been awesome, except the couple by the wall decided to record the whole thing on their iPad. We actually could have grabbed that table, but since there were 4 of us, we didn't want to block the aisle.

So there is an outside patio/courtyard viewing area not being served by R&C? That's pretty cool.

 

[Duckiedee]

If OP is going in August, Illuminations will be at 9:00. To me, 2 hours at R&C is falling into table hog territory. But it would be a fine time for just eating and then going onto the Promenade or over to R&C viewing area to watch the show. Otherwise, get something at or after 7:30. But they may not let you wait for an outside table with a view. If you have a 7:00 ADR, they aren't going to let you delay being seated for half an hour.

I agree, we are not trying to take over R&C. Although, having been in the service industry for years... 2 hours isn't really too bad for 'Table Hogging' however may me more so at such a popular restaurant before an event like this.

 

[Nancyg56]

Ducky- my family lasted over 2 hours at R&C for lunch.....but then I needed to go home for a nap!
Honesty, I would just play it by ear. If you are comfortable in yourr seat and can see, then order an after dinner cocktail or another glass of wine. If the view is obstructed, you can always leave and find a good spot out of the restaurant. I would not take a later ADR because if they run late you lose.

 

[Tigger's ally]

One thing to think of also, a lot of times at this restaurant you do not get seated at your exact ressie time. If you check in at a quarter till 7, and tell them you will wait for an outside table, you may not even be seated till 7:15 or 7:30 depending on just how busy they are. I agree about ordering drinks and apps first. But most importantly tip your server well if you drag it out. They understand.

 

[Duckiedee]

Ducky- my family lasted over 2 hours at R&C for lunch.....but then I needed to go home for a nap!
Honesty, I would just play it by ear. If you are comfortable in yourr seat and can see, then order an after dinner cocktail or another glass of wine. If the view is obstructed, you can always leave and find a good spot out of the restaurant. I would not take a later ADR because if they run late you lose.

That's a good point too. And I do love me some wine! I know we would be there 1 1/2 hours for certain without any stretching just for the sake of sitting there. Long day and relaxed meal.

 

[Duckiedee]

One thing to think of also, a lot of times at this restaurant you do not get seated at your exact ressie time. If you check in at a quarter till 7, and tell them you will wait for an outside table, you may not even be seated till 7:15 or 7:30 depending on just how busy they are. I agree about ordering drinks and apps first. But most importantly tip your server well if you drag it out. They understand.

I hear you. And we are always thoughtful tippers.

 

[Tigger's ally]

I hear you. And we are always thoughtful tippers.

Dinner here on our last night is a family tradition. Love taking it slow, sitting back after an exhausting vacation, enjoying the family, the food, the drink and then what we consider the best entertainment anywhere. It is what I long for and what brings me back. The perfect end for us on every visit to the world. There is just something neat about those flames and the announcement that it is coming in 30 minutes, in 15 minutes...And now.....

 

[TinkerTerry]

I also have a ressie for 7:45 in December with Illuminations at 9:30. Is it reasonable to ask to wait for an outside table? What are the odds of getting one? We are a party of 8.

 

[Nancyg56]

I also have a ressie for 7:45 in December with Illuminations at 9:30. Is it reasonable to ask to wait for an outside table? What are the odds of getting one? We are a party of 8.

You can ask. You cannot opt to wait. You need to accept the table offered or you will be passed over and your ADR is canceled. You pay the no show fee. If the restaurant allowed eveyone who wanted an outside table to wait, they would have a mess.