tips for outside tables at Rose&Crown?

[challada]

What are your tips for getting an outside table at Rose & Crown to get to watch Illuminations? We have Priority for our night we wanted and for 8 pm (Illuminations is at 9),but our party of 8 needed to be split to two tables of 4 (that's fine, girls and boys tables)...now how do we get two outside seatings so we can watch the show from here (it's also a saturday night)?

 

[Lives4Disney]

I would show up at the Rose & Crown plenty early for your ADR. Politely request it at the podium and let them know you are willing to wait for those tables.

We have done it. It is a lovely view.

Good luck

Lives4Disney

 

[challada]

Can I just stop at the podium as soon as the World Pavillions open (ie 11 am) and ask them (politely) to note that we want outside for our two tables at 8 pm or will they just say "no way"?

 

[Hopefully]

I agree with the above response. All you really can do is ask nicely and be prepared to wait if necessary. They do try to meet this request when they can. Last week we were able to get an outside table. Our ADR was at 7:40 and we waited about 40 minutes. It was also noted on our ADR that this was our 36th Wedding Anniversary and that may have helped - I don't know.
In the past I have also eaten here where the request could not be met.
So it is really just the "Luck of the Draw", I believe.
Good Luck, I think you will enjoy the restaurant, where ever you sit.

 

[aubriee]

If I were you I'd call back and try to get an ADR for between 7:00pm and 7:30pm. I'd be very surprised if you were able to get a patio table with an 8:00pm ADR. When I was there solo in May (Illuminations also at 9:00pm), I had a 7:10pm ADR. When I checked in, I asked very nicely for a patio table and told the CM I would gladly wait for it. The CM said she would see what she could do, but that anyone with an PS of 7:00pm or later was going to be waiting to see Illuminations. Luckily I was able to get one on the second tier, right next to the steps. The entire time I was there, only one table got up and left. Everyone else out there was there before I arrived, many obviously through eating, but no one was giving those tables up. The waiters know you are there to view Illuminations and purposely serve you very slowly. Even if I hadn't planned to stay there to view Illuminations, I would have had no choice because my dessert didn't arrive until just as Illuminations was starting. I had been seated about 7:40pm, by the way. I would think that the chances of getting two tables out there would be even slimmer, but good luck.

We'll be there in Dec when Illuminations start at 9:30pm (because of the Candlelight Processional) and have an ADR for 7:50pm. I intend to try for a patio table again, but who knows if we'll get it. After Illuminations starts some people come from inside to view it. When I was there in May a guy came out and tried to stand on the steps to take pictures, but the CMs told him he had to move, he stepped back for a few moments, then went forward again to sit on the steps (again taking pictures). The CMs got him again. About this time, someone at the table next to me asked me something. I couldn't hear her, so moved over to the other side of the table. After we finished talking, I turned to move back to my seat and the guy had sat himself down in my seat. I said 'Excuse me, but I was sitting there and would like to finish my dessert if you don't mind'. He gave me a dirty look then grabbed my plate and handed it to me. I couldn't believe his gall. Granted I was sitting alone and wouldn't have minded sharing the table with him if he had asked, but he didn't ask and seemed annoyed when I said something. My waitress was standing just behind us leaning against the wall, saw what was happening, and came forward to ask him to move again. Which he finally did.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Can I just stop at the podium as soon as the World Pavillions open (ie 11 am) and ask them (politely) to note that we want outside for our two tables at 8 pm or will they just say "no way"?

They better not!!! They are suppoosed to be polite Disney CMs!! You never know though - depends who you get to speak to!

You could try it, but I bet they wouldn't actually really care until you show up for your reserved time. There are a lot of no shows, so they would probably put more into it if you are there when you are supposed to be. They have little note cards and they can make a note of it on your reservation card. They say to be there 15 minutes ahead of time, but I would try 1/2 hour or more if you can stand it.

Good luck!!

Hopefully you aren't going during a really busy time.

Lives4Disney

 

[BCV23]

We've been lucky enough to be seated outside for Illuminations several times. I usually have tried for a 7:30 AR. Asking politely is the most important thing IMHO. Some people are amazingly demanding.

When we have been told our party would be split, we've actually always been seated together. For your large party that would preclude the tiered part of the teerrace. But there are some tables on the terrace near the podium that can handle larger groups.

 

[Lives4Disney]

If I were you I'd call back and try to get an ADR for between 7:00pm and 7:30pm. I'd be very surprised if you were able to get a patio table with an 8:00pm ADR. When I was there solo in May (Illuminations also at 9:00pm), I had a 7:10pm ADR. When I checked in, I asked very nicely for a patio table and told the CM I would gladly wait for it. The CM said she would see what she could do, but that anyone with an PS of 7:00pm or later was going to be waiting to see Illuminations.

GOOD point!!

Lives4Disney

 

[jeanie]

Aubriee,

Do they allow people who are seated inside to go out on the terrace during Illuminations as long as they are not in the way? I am not sure what the seating area looks like but I was just wondering if it was still possible to view the show from R&C if you don't get the outdoor seating.

I have ADRs for 7:10 so I am hoping I will get an outdoor table! I am going during Easter Week so I was iffy about the 7:10 timing and being able to get to a location to see Illuminations


Thanks!

 

[shellybaxter]

We had a party of 11 that had to be split and a 7:20ADR. We arrived at 6:45 and asked for outside seating and said we would wait. We were seated at 8:45 at two tables inside. They said they really tried but couldn't get us seated outside. They said we could go out to a side patio and watch Illuminations, which we did and it was a pretty good view. I think larger parties are really tough to seat outside

 

[KPtoys]

In January is it cold to sit outside on the patio and eat?

 

[MrsToad]

I know it is probably a standard line, but the very nice CM who took my ADRs today noted when I booked Tony's and Rose & Crown that due to the frequency of special requests (Tony's for the parade and R&C for Illuminations), they could no longer take them. I wasn't even reserving for the parade or Illuminations times but apparently she had to provide that info. I guess it will depend on the check-in CM.

 

[wscato]

If you are seated inside, there is an area outside where you can go stand (It's beside the outside seating, to the left, you walk down the patch between the beer stand and the check in podium). Your server will let you know when to walk outside and will even take you out to the area. They will let you go outside and watch, and then return to your table to finish eating.

HTH,
Ginger

 

[BCV23]

In January is it cold to sit outside on the patio and eat?

Yes, it can be cold. At the very least it will be cool in the evening in our experiences in January. They do have heaters which help some.

 

[challada]

Thanks for the info...we are going in April and fear we will hit other spring breakers (first week of April)...we have birthday boys but will hold off on special requests for THAT for now....I will see if we can't move it up a bit.
THANKS
Chris