Rose & Crown vs Spice Road Table for Illuminations

[Lauren Giddins]

We are having difficulty selecting between Rose & Crown (UK) and Spice Road Table (Morocco) for dinner while watching Illuminations. It’s my DM’s 65th Birthday. Which one would you choose and why? Assuming we can get ADRs, how early should we plan to get to the restaurant to request a patio table that has a good view of Illuminations?

 

[KenHutch]

We have not done Spice Road before but we have done Rose & Crown for Illuminations 3 times. We always checked in 30 minutes early and requested outside seating. We keep going there because its a great view and everytime I have asked for outside seating (the 1st time because of this board) they have cheerfully helped us out.

 

[AnneK]

We did not have a good experience trying to get outside table at Rose and Crown. We had a 7:30 reservation for a 9:30 show, and everyone at the outside tables had already said they weren't leaving before the show. So we had to sit inside where it was super crowded. Never again.

 

[Airship Ariadne]

If you are seated inside at Rose and Crown, they have a reserved viewing area for you to get up and enjoy the show then return to your table. Spice Road has larger windows for the inside view, but the location is not a great one, even the best tables have an obstructed view of the show. If seeing Illuminations is important with the meal, go for Rose and Crown. Just don't get your hopes up on a patio table.

 

[Hopefully]

Obviously we would choose the restaurant where the menu appeals to us. They are very different. Neither guarantees you an Illuminations View. Our success at R&C is about 30% and I think that is good. We sat on the patio at Spice Road and the ceiling overhang blocked the high fireworks and the islands block much of the lagoon.
Your best view is definitely outside standing along the lagoon

 

[Tomh]

We typically try for a 7:30 reservation at Rose and Crown, arrive 20 minutes early as suggested, and politely mention to the hostess when checking in that we would love an outside seat if at all possible. It doesn't always work out, and sometimes even if you get an outside seat, it is on the side of the building where you can't really see much, but more often than not, we get a good view, and are treated to Illuminations from the comfort of our table, with desert, and a cold drink. I can't readily think of a better way to end a day at Epcot!

 

[AngiTN]

We've done both several times, though not just to see Illuminations
Rose and Crown, if your purpose is to see Illuminations. If you don't have a seat where you can see they have a place where you can watch.
Spice Road Table does not offer this. Their seats with a view are much more limited, we've never gotten a seat with a view of the lagoon yet. And there is no viewing area, if you can't see, you can't see, you miss it.