Timing of Tokyo Dining with IllumiNations

[ThreeBoyMama]

Any thoughts? There are lots of time slots available leading up to/after 9:00 the night we will be at Epcot for EMH. Better to book the ADR first and hope we can see from our table (which I know we cannot count on at all), or book it just after the fireworks end and watch from the deck outside the restaurant before checking in for our ADR? Would it be rude to check in for say an 8:50 ADR then go outside to watch the fireworks and then come back in for dinner? I'd actually prefer to watch IllumiNations from outside--we currently have a 9:30 ADR but would love to make it a little earlier. Curious to know how others have timed this and how it worked out.

 

[minnie mum]

Since there is no guarantee that you'll get a table with a view (partially obscured) or be allowed to wait for one, either keep the ADR you have now or get one for around 7-7:30. The earlier time will allow a leisurely dinner before you go out to the promenade for the show.

If you were to make the 8:50 ADR, they would not take kindly to you walking out of the restaurant to watch the show, and would likely assume you weren't coming back.