Rose & Crown IllumiNations ADR time

[eastendlights]

I have ADR's for 7:10 and 7:30 on Feb. 28th. We have done an IllumiNations cruise for all of our other trips so this is the first time we will be trying to see the show without one. It takes quite a bit of time, coordinating dinner, plus leaving the park early so we thought we would try it this way for once. I know a patio table is not guaranteed and I read the other threads about this but I was just looking for some opinions. It is just me and my DD (19) so we can stretch out dinner if need be. We did the cruise last year on our annual mother/daughter trip and it was kind of silly having just the two of us on the boat. Actually, one year she and my DH left WDW a few days before me and my DS so my DS and I invited total strangers-a family of 4 with younger kids-to come with us on the cruise because we felt it was such a waste of money just for the two of us-LOL.

 

[marchingstar]

do you have a question? i think we're missing some info here

 

[eastendlights]

Yes, sorry if I was not clear. Which time would have a better chance at a patio table for the fireworks, the 7:10 or the 7:30?

 

[marchingstar]

ah. is illuminations at 9? I would say 90 minutes before is usually ideal, which would mean 7:30. but of course, neither way you're guaranteed a patio table. make sure to request it when you check in, and hope you get lucky. but if you eat inside you'll still have plenty of time to finish your meal and get a standing spot in the restaurants reserved area.

 

[strmtroopr96]

We had a 7:25 ADR for Rose & Crown and ended up with the perfect table on the patio with a great Illuminations view. We did wait a little bit for our table. My youngest was even picked to "start" the show. By the time we finished eating and watching Illuminations, it was after 9 pm.

 

[marchingstar]

We had a 7:25 ADR for Rose & Crown and ended up with the perfect table on the patio with a great Illuminations view. We did wait a little bit for our table. My youngest was even picked to "start" the show. By the time we finished eating and watching Illuminations, it was after 9 pm.

I completely forgot about this part, but getting a small to "start" the show is one of the best parts of dinner on the R&C patio. we were an adult only party and the kids at the table next to ours started it. it was adorable, and even made our night (plus, with the parents permission, we got some cute photos!). those kids were certain they did a big favour for Mickey.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

For the best chance at a viewing seat/table, make ressies 1-3/4 to 2 hours before event

 

[Tigger's ally]

For the best chance at a viewing seat/table, make ressies 1-3/4 to 2 hours before event

How many half and half's do you recommend in that timeframe? Remember, Disney transports me. Oh, and add one for the actual time of the show. And count the one that the waiter brings with the check after the show. Do they have to go cups?

 

[GPC0321]

For the best chance at a viewing seat/table, make ressies 1-3/4 to 2 hours before event

So the 7:20pm I booked today should give me a decent chance? It's not the end of the world if we don't get a table with a view, but it sure would be cool!

 

[figment_jii]

So the 7:20pm I booked today should give me a decent chance? It's not the end of the world if we don't get a table with a view, but it sure would be cool!

I would say that it gives you "best" chance of getting a patio table, but nothing really gives you a "decent" chance. You can request a patio table at check-in, but depending on crowds, how busy they, how behind schedule they are, what the current policies are, etc., they may not be able to honor/accept the request. I largely think it's one of those catch-22 type of things, you want to make a reservation early enough that other guests aren't likely to be lingering at their tables, but R&C is one of the faster service places (on average it takes my family of three adults about an hour to finish a three course meal at R&C and we aren't fast eaters).

Do they have to go cups?

I'm not sure if you're asking this in jest or seriousness, but I think they do have to-go cups but you cannot take the beverage outside of the park. Security will make you finish the drink (or dispose of it) before you exit Epcot.

 

[GPC0321]

I would say that it gives you "best" chance of getting a patio table, but nothing really gives you a "decent" chance. You can request a patio table at check-in, but depending on crowds, how busy they, how behind schedule they are, what the current policies are, etc., they may not be able to honor/accept the request. I largely think it's one of those catch-22 type of things, you want to make a reservation early enough that other guests aren't likely to be lingering at their tables, but R&C is one of the faster service places (on average it takes my family of three adults about an hour to finish a three course meal at R&C and we aren't fast eaters).

Yeah, I wondered about being done before IllumiNations started. I guess we can hope there's a bit of a wait for the table, then try to take our time eating. If the timing doesn't work out, we'll head out and try to get the best spot we can find to watch.

 

[cmarsh31]

We had a 7:25 or 7:35 last Oct (during F&W) - I can't remember which - and it was absolutely perfect. We requested a patio table at check-in and actually didn't get seated until almost 8:30 (it was just DH & I - kids had a special grandma night so we didn't have to worry about timing and had a great time.

 

[Disneytam]

This really seems to be hit or miss for us. I have heard that you are not allowed to request a waterside table anymore but I think it depends on the CM at the check in desk. Last Sept. we had a 7:30 time slot and when we checked in I asked if we could wait for a waterside table, The CM told me she couldn't promise anything but she would try. About 15 minutes later we were given a perfect waterside table. Fast forward to Feb. with about the same time slot I asked if we could wait for a waterside table to a not very pleasant CM. After a very long wait we were seated at the table right behind the check in stand, one of the worst seats in the restaurant. It was close to 8:30 by now and we got the feeling we were given this table because we asked for a waterside table. Our family loves to start vacation with a first night dinner at the R&C so we will try again on our next trip in Feb.

 

[ZoZo]

And be aware that even if you're seated on the patio, your table might not have a good view. We were once seated on the patio, but not waterside - we were seated right next to the building. Because of a big awning that was over our table, we couldn't see the fireworks at all while seated (the overhead awning blocked our view). We had to get up and go over to the "standing" area of the patio to watch the fireworks.

It was fine, but not the same as sitting and watching them while enjoying our meal/beverages.

 

[figment_jii]

I also forgot to mention, but it's worth checking to see which way the wind is blowing on the night you're having dinner at R&C. If it's blowing towards the patio, having a patio table to watch IllumiNations and dine, might not be wonderful because the smoke will be coming towards you...