Rose & Crown & Illuminations & Timing

[divawife]

Hello everyone,

The best time I could get for Rose & Crown was 6:55 pm. Illuminations is at 9:00 pm. It will be February so I doubt they will have dinner outside (although would they? I guess it depends upon the weather that night). So if we finish dinner before 8:30 or so do we still get to see Illuminations at the Rose & Crown? How does it work? In the cold weather do they open up the deck or patio just to watch it? Can we wait someplace?

What do you all think?

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I wouldn't have even thought that they close the patio in the winter but you might be right about that!

As for your timing, February is a long way away so I would keep checking back occasionally to see if you could get a later time. We've done it twice at 7:30 and were lucky enough to be seated outside both times. But even then, we were really pushing it to make it to 9, although when they sat us, they said something along the lines of, "You'll have a great spot for the show," so they expected that we would hang around.

Hope that helps somewhat!

 

[DisneyAmyC]

When I went in '09 we had a 5:15 reservation. Our waitress told us to show up about 15 minutes before the show and mention her name. We were then able to watch the show from the patio. It was a PERFECT spot and it was so nice to be able to walk around the WS without having to worry about a spot early! The patio still gets a little crowded, but we went in April and still had front row on the patio arriving 15 minutes early. I would think in Feb you would have no problem getting a spot on the patio. If your waiter/waitress doesn't mention it, just ask if it's okay. Have a great time!

 

[figment_jii]

Interesting to know...I never thought that they'd close the patio to dining. Do they do this all the time or only when the weather is bad (cold, raining, etc.)?

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Interesting to know...I never thought that they'd close the patio to dining. Do they do this all the time or only when the weather is bad (cold, raining, etc.)?

We ate on the patio in July and it was POURING rain! They have a rolled up plastic enclosure (I guess you would call it) that comes down to almost make it keep out the rain. They came around and opened it up once Illuminations started. Not sure if they do the same thing when it's cold.

 

[mackait0307]

Just ate there a week ago. Reservation was a 7:45. Requested a patio table. Since we where on the deluxe dining plan, we just were getting our desert just in time for the fireworks to begin. The cast members went around an closed all open umbrellas so everyone had a great view of the show! I hope this helps!!!

 

[applelollipop]

We were just there last week. Our ressie was for 6:30 but our whole party was not there so did not sit until 7pm. When they sat us they said great seat for the show.....We took our time and they did not try to rush us. We loved the show.

 

[divawife]

I don't know for sure they close the patio in the winter or cold weather I just assumed. Does anyone know? Also, if we are not on the patio and eat inside can we go out to watch Illuminations?

 

[figment_jii]

In the past they have let people who are eating inside go out onto the patio to watch Illuminations.

 

[DonaldTDuck]

Thanks to pps for the info on ADRs after 7. The latest I could get was 7:15 but we have a party of seven so I had a little hope. Now I have lotso hope.

 

[NeedsNEscape]

I don't know for sure they close the patio in the winter or cold weather I just assumed. Does anyone know? Also, if we are not on the patio and eat inside can we go out to watch Illuminations?

We were there early January this year and they had big heaters on the first patio level. The second level was closed off. It was pretty cold this past January (like freezing!), but it was comfortable enough. We had resv at 7pm and had a leisurely dinner. A little after 8:30, we were shown how to get to the patio and find a spot. Illuminations was great even in the 30+ deg. weather. Needless to say, even with heaters, no one was having dinner on the patio.

 

[divawife]

thank you all for the information esp about the heaters. I am hoping that last year's cold weather in Orlando was a rare occurence! Anyway, I can't seem to get any later ADR that 6:55 pm, I will keep trying.

 

[LMO429]

In the past they have let people who are eating inside go out onto the patio to watch Illuminations.

yes and the past two times we dined there we had been seated inside our servers were excellent with timing our meals, and escorting us outside as well.

 

[NJDisney]

yes and the past two times we dined there we had been seated inside our servers were excellent with timing our meals, and escorting us outside as well.

Thanks. Another great tip that I will have to remember when I go next year.