Rose & Crown/Illuminations

[blu3d3vil]

Whats the best time to make a ressie for Rose & Crown in order to get a good/any seat on the patio to see illuminations?

Thanks

 

[The Mayor]

I'm 3 for 3 for patio seats when making a reservation for 7:45 - 8:00...I also recommend stopping by the kiosk during the day and mentioning that you have a ADR for that night and would really appreciate a patio table.

 

[blu3d3vil]

Awesome, thanks for the info.

 

[sabrecmc]

I usually make ours for 7-7:30 and arrive early enough to tell them that I really want a patio table and don't mind waiting for one to become available. So far, we're 3 of 4 with an outside table. When we sat inside, my daughter and I went down to the special viewing area to watch the show, which was nice, but not the same as sitting at our table sipping wine and enjoying the show!

 

[disadventurer]

We went last year in April and had an 8:00ish reservation. We were seated inside and I thought all was lost. To our surprise, our waitress, Sophie, asked us if we would like to sit outside for dessert to catch the show as we were celebrating two birthdays. Of course, we pounced at that opportunity. In addition, she had everyone who was seated outside sing Happy Birthday to our two children, and just like that, the fireworks went off. Now if that isn't a little Disney magic, nothing is. Thanks again Sophie, wherever you are.

Enjoy your vacation.

 

[RMulieri]

The last 2 times I was there Sept 08, Dec 09 they were NOT allowing people to wait for patio tables.They DO let the inside patrons step outside to see Illuminations when it starts though

 

[AxlRose330]

I booked us for around 8:15-ish(maybe. May have been sooner.) this past August. I didnt request anything when we checked in. It started pouring right before we got there so they were packed. We waited in the pub for like 30 min maybe waiting to be seated. But when we got seated we were seated on the patio. And I was stuffed(on the DDP, towards the end of the trip, Im kind of a light eater as it is; cause Im a little guy) and due to how busy it was there was a big enough gap between our meal ending and the dessert coming. So we were eating dessert as the fireworks went on. It was a pretty cool expirience(sp?). Didnt have to wrestle for a spot(figuratively not literally).

 

[sabrecmc]

The last 2 times I was there Sept 08, Dec 09 they were NOT allowing people to wait for patio tables.They DO let the inside patrons step outside to see Illuminations when it starts though

Interesting. We were there in Dec. 09 and Jan. '10 and both times were able to request an outside table with no problem. Of course, it is only a request. As I said, one time we did end up inside and it was fine. But they had no problem accepting the request and were very gracious about trying to accommodate us. In Dec., we waited for about half an hour for our table. In January, it was ready in about 2 minutes. Maybe it depends on how busy they are. I'm sure if they already know they are full outside, they would not want to get your hopes up.

 

[Brandis]

For our next trip in May, the only ADR time I got for Rose & Crown was 7:10 PM.

I'm afraid that we will be done quite some time before Illumination starts but at the same time too late to find a good spot somewhere else.

Do you think I should cancel the ADR at Rose & Crown and try to get something else earlier in order to finish the meal in time to find a good viewing spot? Or would they even allow us back into the R&C viewing area if we are done with our meals earlier?

I assume they will be glad to have our table available for someone else after us and it would be rude to just extend the meal until the fireworks start.

Usually, I wouldn't stress too much about seeing Illuminations from a specific spot, I have seen it many times. But on this visit I bring 2 friends who have never been at Disney and would love to get them the best experience possible.

 

[topsy]

We went last year in April and had an 8:00ish reservation. We were seated inside and I thought all was lost. To our surprise, our waitress, Sophie, asked us if we would like to sit outside for dessert to catch the show as we were celebrating two birthdays. Of course, we pounced at that opportunity. In addition, she had everyone who was seated outside sing Happy Birthday to our two children, and just like that, the fireworks went off. Now if that isn't a little Disney magic, nothing is. Thanks again Sophie, wherever you are.

Enjoy your vacation.

Hi, I worked with Sophie last year at the R&C, I've told her to look at this thread because it's so sweet of you to mention her. We really do appreciate knowing that you enjoyed our company!

Brandis - you will be fine with a 7.10pm reservation. Working at the R&C you know to expect any guest seated with you after 7.00pm is likely to be staying for Illuminations. If anything it's better because you can take your time and enjoy a round of drinks at the table first and then have coffee after whilst you are waiting.

As for seating, it really is first come first serve. There are only 15 tables on the lower deck area and 5 of those accomodate parties of 5 or 6. The upper deck has a view but it is not as good. If you are not given an outside table it really isn't because the cast members are mean, I promise! As you can imagine everyone requests the outside seating. If we can accomodate it we do, if not we do tell you about being able to go outside to watch, you can always come back in for desert afterwards.

If you can make the podium aware (patiently) that you are willing to wait longer or split into 2 tables etc it can be easier to seat you on the lower deck, but as I said, we can take requests but not guarantee it.

Hope that helps!

 

[TDC Nala]

No guarantees for the patio table. Requesting ahead of time might help or it might not.

 

[Brandis]

Thanks a lot, this makes me feel better!

Sitting inside would be fine as well, as long as we can go outside for the show.

Another question, if sitting inside, would we be able to hear / see Carol playing the piano or is the bar separate from the dining area? Only peeked into the bar once, can't remember the layout. When sitting outside, is the piano music also piped out through loudspeakers?

Loved Carol's perfomances at the Comedy Warehouse, so glad she still works for Disney!

 

[topsy]

You can most certainly hear Carol performing if you are inside. The best tables to eat at are by the bar partition (known to the CMs as the Dart Room in case you want to request it!). It is noisy here though as the noise you are right next to the bar and having the chatter in the background. Saying that, it is the perfect place to get a taste of a proper pub with all it's hustle and bustle, music and watching the bartenders pour all the drinks. It might be worth popping into the bar one day when it's quieter and checking when Carol will be in as she doesn't play every night.

 

[Brandis]

I'll just take which ever table they assign I've been to real english pubs before so I know it can be hectic.

Do they still publish Carol's perfomances in the Epcot Entertainment Planner?

 

[topsy]

I think so, I know they publish it in the Cast one which all Epcot cast should have. She is known as "The Hat Lady" so just ask a CM to check for you!

 

[Dizzyworld]

Sitting inside would be fine as well, as long as we can go outside for the show.

Fine with me too, especially if it is August and hot and humid. I just don't want to have to stand around outside hours before guarding a spot.

I wish Disney would trim back some of the trees to make better sight lines from more areas to watch the fireworks.

 

[Brandis]

Last october we were really lucky. We decided to watch from Morocco next to the boat dock. Nearby, an area was roped off for a private party with food and drinks, the CMs were busy setting it up. I was speaking german with my friend and the manager who supervised the party area came over and greeted us in german as well. He asked us how we liked Epcot and which was our favorite pavillion. We said Japan and Morocco, as they give you the feeling of really being there. And that we made sure to see Illuminations on every visit.

He then excused himself for a moment and talked to a CM with a radio who was guarding the entrance to the party area.

When he came back he said that he had informed a CM over at the UK pavillion to put our names on a list for a roped off viewing area next to the Rose&Crown terrace and that we should be there about 20 min. before the show started.

That was very nice! Unfortunately, I didn't note his name, but I think he said that he was responsible for Japan, Morocco and France.

The entrance to this area was just to the right of the Fish&Chips ODV cart and was inbetween the R&C terrace and another party area with food and drinks. The view was quite good from there and it was even better that we didn't have to stake it out a long time before.

 

[MKEMSE]

Do the patio tables allow smoking? We are planning a trip for Dec. and my mom is really sensitive to smoke.

 

[Brandis]

Smoking is no longer allowed at any WDW park, restaurant or hotel, not even inside rooms. There are dedicated smoking spots, but they are usually a bit secluded. There is a sticky here on the forum with maps where the smoking spots are.

 

[belleatheart]

We have been allowed to just request and everytime we get a patio table, so just ask nicely, which i have wanted to sit inside too, we always go there for illuminations though!