Rose & Crown dinner & Illuminations Viewing

[disneygrandma]

We have an ADR for 7:25. Illuminations are at 9:00. We were hoping to have our dinner, and then be able to view Illuminations from somewhere at Rose & Crown. I think that I previously read that there is an area that we can move to & watch the fireworks. Is this correct?

We've never eaten dinner here before, so not really sure how all of this will work. I would appreciate hearing from others who have had experience with this. I'm starting to have 2nd thoughts about this idea.

Thanks so much.

 

[Robo]

We have an ADR for 7:25. Illuminations are at 9:00. We were hoping to have our dinner, and then be able to view Illuminations from somewhere at Rose & Crown.


I think that I previously read that there is an area that we can move to & watch the fireworks.

1. Is this correct?

We've never eaten dinner here before, so not really sure how all of this will work. I would appreciate hearing from others who have had experience with this.

2. I'm starting to have 2nd thoughts about this idea.

Thanks so much.

1. Yes. The outdoor patio (along with A LOT of other guests attempting to do the same thing.)

2. If for some particular reason you just want to eat there due to the food, then go for it.
But, if its just to have a spot to see IllumiNations, I'd reconsider.

There are many, many other great places to enjoy IllumiNations.

There are so many places
that are wonderful in their own way that its futile to try to list them... so I will.



• Bridge between UK and France

• Norway area

• Upper level (outside front terrace) of the Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan

• Italy, near the Gondolas

• Mexico, at the new Cantina

• Mexico, bridge to the right of the Cantina (as you face the lagoon.)

• UK, just to the left of the Rose & Crown (as you face the lagoon.)

• Many, many more great spots.



Be sure to avoid any tree branches that block your overhead view,

and watch out for any "islands" in the water

that block your view of the "center" of the lagoon.



Best Tip:

Don't stand down-wind of the fireworks.

Their SMOKE will ruin the show.

So, If the wind is blowing into your face as you look towards the Lagoon, you are in the wrong spot.



-----------------------

 

[sharonabe]

We did this once many years ago. It doesn't matter where you sit in the restaurant. When it's time for Illuminations, they'll let those inside go to a private viewing area to see the show. It's not very big, but our boys were little and could still see well enough. With a 7:25, you'll probably be finished eating (you may need to slow things down a bit to make it to 9:00), but if you're not, they still let you go out to watch and then come back in to finish.

 

[preemiemama]

We have done this on our past 3 trips (for viewing and we do enjoy the food!). We arrived about 10-15 minutes early to check in and requested patio seats. We told them that we did not mind waiting a little longer for one. It is not a guarantee, but we have not had a problem getting a seat on the patio for the 3 of us. If you don’t, as PP said, you can go and stand on the patio to watch and come back in to finish dinner/dessert. Have a great time!

 

[SFMommy]

We have done this on our past 3 trips (for viewing and we do enjoy the food!). We arrived about 10-15 minutes early to check in and requested patio seats. We told them that we did not mind waiting a little longer for one. It is not a guarantee, but we have not had a problem getting a seat on the patio for the 3 of us. If you don’t, as PP said, you can go and stand on the patio to watch and come back in to finish dinner/dessert. Have a great time!

What time reservation do you usually have?

 

[preemiemama]

What time reservation do you usually have?

Around 7:30, so your 7:25 reservation is perfect. We usually don't get dessert until right around the time Illuminations begins- last year it was even after!

 

[DWillowBay]

Just did this night before last. I had a 7:50 resize, ordered, ate and then moved to the outside area. I was surprised but only one couple joined me in the area to watch Illuminations. It was fine. Robo's right though, there are MANY good viewing areas.

 

[disneygrandma]

So the outdoor patio to watch from, is it strictly for diners at R&C, or do others show up there?

 

[purple figment]

The viewing area, which is adjacent to the patio is only for those dining at R&C.

When you check in at the podium you can request a table on the patio, but it is only a request and not guaranteed. It will depend on how busy the restaurant is, how many have already made the request and are waiting and there will be times when they aren't taking requests and you will be seated at the next available table for your party size.

Your reservation at 7:25 is perfect. If you have a table on the patio you can relax and enjoy your dinner. If you are seated inside you'll probably be finished by 9:00. Your server can show you where to go and there is a CM outside by the entrance to the viewing area. It is not very large and it is standing only, but it has an excellent view of IllumiNations.

 

[figment_jii]

The reserved viewing area for R&C guests that do have a good view from their table is located to the left of the resturant (when looking at the lagoon). Your server (or another cast member) will escort you down to the viewing area. The view is very good, but it is similiar to the view from many spots around WS. This is the view:

 

[nkereina]

We did this about two years ago, also with a 7:25 ADR. R&C was extremely busy during this time - took a good 15 minutes in line just to check into our ADR, and then we waited to be seated for quite a while. Finally was seated around 8:10 and got an outdoor table on the upper patio. Illuminations was starting as we were just getting our dessert. Our waiter invited us to move to the viewing area since our view was obstructed, but we decided not to since we were still eating. If I really want to see Illuminations, I wouldn't do this meal again. If I'm ok with casually seeing it, I'd do it.