Rose & Crown- Illuminations

[bramble4]

We've been to WDW several times but have learned about many 'new' things we can do through these boards. I read an older post about getting a late reservation at Rose & Crown and requesting to wait for the patio so you can watch Illuminations over dinner. We already have an earlier reservation for 5:30pm but have been searching for an opening later since seeing that post. I have a few questions if anyone has experience with this. First of all, is it really worth it? Also, do late reservations often pop up closer to time and how late should we try to get? Thank you for taking the time to help me out!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

First of all, is it really worth it?
. . . we are a bit different
. . . we really do not see the fascination of viewing Illuminations from a table
. . . others do, so I leave the answer to them

Also, do late reservations often pop up closer to time and how late should we try to get?
. . . sure, once in a while
. . . OK, so not so often, but it does happen
. . . the best time is 2-hrs prior to fireworks time
. . . you can stretch dinner and dessert until just in time for the show

 

[figment_jii]

We've been to WDW several times but have learned about many 'new' things we can do through these boards. I read an older post about getting a late reservation at Rose & Crown and requesting to wait for the patio so you can watch Illuminations over dinner. We already have an earlier reservation for 5:30pm but have been searching for an opening later since seeing that post. I have a few questions if anyone has experience with this. First of all, is it really worth it? Also, do late reservations often pop up closer to time and how late should we try to get? Thank you for taking the time to help me out!

If you are lucky enough to get a patio table with a view, I do think it's worth it. I've managed to be there once and it was fun being able to watch IllumiNations (without standing), while sipping my drink.

That being said, most reports indicate that they do not accept requests for patio tables. You can always request one, but be prepared to be told you must take the next available table or forfeit the ADR. If you end up a table without a view (whether inside or on the side of the patio), there is a reserved viewing area for R&C patrons. Ask your server and they'll take you you out it. It does have an excellent view (but so do a lot of places around WS).

In terms of the timing, that's a tough question. The common recommend is try for an ADR around 75 to 90 minutes before IllumiNations is slated to start. R&C does often run behind in the seating, but once seated, it's a pretty quick meal. I've found that you can normally have a three course meal in about an hour at R&C (whereas it takes my family closer to two hours at a Signature and 90 minutes at other venue). So, if get an ADR for around 7:30 pm, there is a chance that you'll have to drag out your meal. It's a popular place, so ADRs (especially the later ones) do tend to fill up quickly and ones do not always open up closer to the date.

 

[deakam]

We have eaten at Rose and Crown specifically for the Illuminations viewing the past 3 trips. The food is good. We always shoot for an 8pm or close to that reservation. We have asked for and gotten a patio table both times but only parties of 4 or less seem to get the tables with no obstructions. That being said, the private viewing area is a really god view and it has never been crowded. We usually end up having our server hold desert until after the show and then we leave the park well after the rush. Makes for a less crowded bus ride back to the resort.

As far as getting a later time close to the show---good luck. This is one of those reservations that people tend to keep with the hope of sitting through Illuminations. There really are not that many tables available with good viewing. And folks tend to sit and wait. Actually stalling. The reason Rose and Crown does not seat on time is because folks tend to eat and then sit at the tables and drink until the show especially during the food and wine festival.

Another little bit of info in case you did not know. If you want one of the drinks off the menu that comes in the souvenier cup-----all of them are good---it is considerably cheaper without the cup. They do not tell you that. We found out because we did not want to order another drink having no way to get the cups home in already packed luggage.

 

[disnut8]

I have to agree with Rusty Scupper on this one. If you think you have the perfect seat for a show, someone will come along and stand in front of you.

Quite honestly, for Illuminations, because every place along the World Showcase is going to be a good one, I'd eat my meal in peace and then go out and get a place along the walkway. We (my husband and I) will often eat at the Biergarten around 7:15-7:45 (depending on the band's schedule), have a nice meal and then stroll out and get a great spot in the back of World Showcase.

Think about what is most important to you - the most perfect spot for watching Illuminations from your seat, a nice dinner, just seeing Illuminations.

 

[disney meema]

We have reservations at 7:50 thinking we could eat dinner, watch the fireworks and then have dessert. A 5:30 dinner reservation would be a bit early before illuminations but keep trying to change it to later something,ya pop up. We also booked the illumination dessert party for another night since it's just my husband and I we went for it : )

 

[BigAlsGal]

We have made reservations for RnC twice specifically for illuminations and have been thrilled both times with our outcome. The first time we were a party of five and it was a cool night. We were sat on the very front patio by one of the heat lamps and we had a perfect view while we ate dessert. I'm wanting to say that reservation was at 7:20 but weren't say until 7:40.

The second time we were a party of 7. I said I wouldn't mind waiting for a view of the fireworks. It was a VERY chilly night. We ended up getting sat on the higher level just above the lower patio. They had big canvas curtains with windows in them for us to see out of and there were open umbrellas on the lower deck blocking our view. "Oh well" I thought. "Can't win em all". I took comfort in seeing all the freezing people on the lower patio...why they didn't have the heaters on I'll never know.

Low and behold as illuminations was about to start they began cranking up all the canvas walls and putting down the umbrellas revealing the most awesome viewing spot. We were warm and toasty and again enjoying our RnC dessert. I'm pretty sure that was a 7:30ish reservation.

I know you may not have the same experience. I considered myself lucky.

 

[bramble4]

Thank you all so much for the input! I appreciate the advice and the info from past experiences. I will keep an eye out for openings around that time- won't get my hopes up though! Thanks again.

 

[jk and ek]

on our 2011 trip we had a table booked at R&C for 8:25 with the hopes we'd have a good seat to view illuminations at 9:30. we were seated outside on the patio and it was a PERFECT view. we arrived a few minutes before our reservation time, explained we had a birthday in our group (which was true!) and also that we did not mind waiting extra time for a good table. we kept our tone very light/friendly with the CM who was at the podium and also said we completely understood if our request could not be accommodated. they said they would see what they could do and in around 10 minutes we were seated. if everything works in your favor, i highly recommend it! i honestly think a genuine/pleasant disposition with the staff goes a long way. we had great luck that trip for restaurant seating. got window seats for wishes viewing at narcoosees and a window table at la hacienda san angel for another viewing of illuminations (also recommended!).

 

[Sadie22]

We have made reservations for RnC twice specifically for illuminations and have been thrilled both times with our outcome. The first time we were a party of five and it was a cool night. We were sat on the very front patio by one of the heat lamps and we had a perfect view while we ate dessert. I'm wanting to say that reservation was at 7:20 but weren't say until 7:40.

The second time we were a party of 7. I said I wouldn't mind waiting for a view of the fireworks. It was a VERY chilly night. We ended up getting sat on the higher level just above the lower patio. They had big canvas curtains with windows in them for us to see out of and there were open umbrellas on the lower deck blocking our view. "Oh well" I thought. "Can't win em all". I took comfort in seeing all the freezing people on the lower patio...why they didn't have the heaters on I'll never know.

Low and behold as illuminations was about to start they began cranking up all the canvas walls and putting down the umbrellas revealing the most awesome viewing spot. We were warm and toasty and again enjoying our RnC dessert. I'm pretty sure that was a 7:30ish reservation.

I know you may not have the same experience. I considered myself lucky.

We had a 7:30-ish reservation in late July-early August. About 8:00 a thunderstorm rolled in and the curtains went down. It rained and stormed for a good long time, but the curtains went up before 9:00. Many people had left already. The patio down below was never opened, but we had a good view from the covered porch and enjoyed dessert as the show went on as usual.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Thank you, OP, I had similar questions so this thread is helpful! We currently have a 7:00 ADR (Illuminations is at 9:00.) We cannot seem to get anything later...trust me, I've been checking incessantly! Is it "rude" to sit at our table for 2 hours. I feel like that would be so rude. We are also not drinkers, so I can't even fathom how we'd realistically drag our meal out for 2 hours. Here's hoping something later opens up, or maybe we'll just decide to stand elsewhere. My mom really wants to try to watch from our table, so we're going to try to make it happen, but Illuminations has so many great viewing areas I think we'll be fine if we can't.

 

[nicki.momof3]

We eat at R&C every trip and always request outdoor seating. We have been lucky and been seated on the lower patio (party of 5 - three of them are smaller children) every time (6 times). Once when we were a party of 9 we were seated on the upper outdoor seating. The view from the lower is wonderful and we love it. The view from the upper is OK - would not do again.

Happy dining. Luckily - you can see illuminations from anywhere in WS. The entire lagoon offers a great view.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I generally don't recommend you plan on that. Only about 25% of the seats have a view. I've found the earlier reservations DO tend to stick around for a couple of hours if they have a good view, so the later reservations DO NOT generally get a good view.

If you stand by the podium I think about 90% of the people ask for patio. Like most thing in Disney, low season you are more likely to get a seat. I distinctly remember a woman several years ago (pre-online reservations) SCREAMING "They promised me on the phone a patio seat!!" Which I know they would never do.

I eaten there many times and love the food and drink, which is why we go. We've watched Illuminations from there both in the viewing area and the good seats. Personally, there are sooooo many good spots to watch Illuminations even if you are three rows back, it is still a good view.