Toughest ADR...

[Colleen27]

Every time I do this I seem to be surprised by one odd ADR that I thought would be relatively easy that ends up giving me trouble. I'm booking day by day, because I haven't booked our package yet, so I expected to have problems getting a PPO BOG, maybe Cali Grill brunch for the time I wanted, etc. Those were easy. Ohana was available and tempting me. But I couldn't get a good time at Rose & Crown for the life of me! Who'd have thought that - R&C for two people, late in the evening - would be the one thing that is unavailable at 180? Do that many people try to book it for fireworks viewing, even with so few tables with a view?

But the rest of the plans fell into place perfectly, so DS will just have to roll with his "date night" evening with his SO starting earlier than planned. I only hope FPs will go as well!

 

[LongTimeLurker]

Even though there are few tables with a view, last time I went there, they take you to a special area to see the fireworks, so yes, lots of people book it for that (I'm one of them!)
Also, I don't know your travel dates, but when we go in December, the last available time for booking was 7:55 pm, I assume because everybody stays for Illuminations. Other Epcot restaurants let you book until 9 or 9:30 pm.

 

[Colleen27]

Also, I don't know your travel dates, but when we go in December, the last available time for booking was 7:55 pm, I assume because everybody stays for Illuminations. Other Epcot restaurants let you book until 9 or 9:30 pm.

Interesting. I always figured the World Showcase restaurants kept more or less the same hours, but I went back to the restaurant page and sure enough, they list closing time as 8. My girls and I went back and forth between a few other Epcot restaurants before settling on Spice Road Table and all of them had ADRs available between 8 & 9, some all the way to 10.

I didn't realize fireworks there have become such a thing. I've only been at lunch, and I'm not sure whether or not DS & his SO will take the time to watch Illuminations (its an EMH night, pretty sure they'll be more interested in rides and shopping). But it is good to know that if they want to, they can. His SO has some mobility issues, so watching from the restaurant would definitely be easier than jostling for a good spot in the park.

 

[LongTimeLurker]

I didn't realize fireworks there have become such a thing. I've only been at lunch, and I'm not sure whether or not DS & his SO will take the time to watch Illuminations (its an EMH night, pretty sure they'll be more interested in rides and shopping). But it is good to know that if they want to, they can. His SO has some mobility issues, so watching from the restaurant would definitely be easier than jostling for a good spot in the park.

The evening we went there, while we were finishing our entrées, our waiter took the dessert order and asked if we wanted to see the fireworks. Since we told him yes, 10 minutes before Illuminations, he came to our section and guided everyone to a sector outside where we could stand and see the show (wonderful view!) When we came back to our table, he brought us our desserts immediately. It was great.
It doesn't take extra time, and it's a really good place to see it.