Via Napoli @ 7:45 & Illuminations @ 9:00?

[stephmarty]

Any chance we will miss 9:00 Illuminations with a 7:45 ADR at Via Napoli? I know anything is possible, but has anyone done this and care to speculate on the odds?

 

[Mick@Tink]

We had a lovely meal at Via Napoli during a visit last December and it is now on our "must do list" each trip. That being said, and keeping with the real Italian tradition, the meal was served at a much slower pace than other WDW restaurants. Our server was extremely personable and laid back. He encouraged us on more than one occasion to slow down, enjoy our entrees, and make the whole meal a relaxing experience. What an pleasant and unexpected change to the normal "rush you out" mentality to turn over tables we normally experience at WDW. We were so pleased with the overall experience at Via Napoli, we made sure to seek out and notify a manager of our satisfaction.

To try to answer your question, it is quite possible to still see the beginning of Illuminations at 9:00p. I would highly suggest you arrive earlier than normal in an effort to gain seating prior to 7:45p.

 

[LiveToTravelNicely]

First, I highly recommend Via Napoli. It was one of my favorite meals at Disney last year!! We had a 7:00pm reservation, seated at 7:15pm, ate until 8:35pm, and found a very nice spot in UK area for Illuminations at 9:00pm. So, based on our experience in busy July, I would back the time on the 7:45pm reservation. However, if you are going during a less busy time of year or are willing to watch Illuminations from Italy, your reservation at 7:45pm may be sufficient, especially if you aren't one to worry about being late/missing the Illuminations on that particular evening. Have a great trip!

Added: I just saw that you are probably inquiring for your spring break trip. If I were going on spring break, I'd probably make the reservation for 7:15 or 7:30 since it is a busy time for Disney World.

 

[stephmarty]

Thanks for your replies. Yes, it will be a very busy week during spring break. I was happy to catch a cancellation for VN, but I'll keep watching for an earlier one.

 

[LiveToTravelNicely]

If I were in your position, I would do what previous post said and just get to the restaurant early. This way, hopefully you'll be seated about on time and then get to see Illuminations! Have a great trip to WDW!!!!

 

[stephmarty]

An early arrival it is!

 

[stephmarty]

Just picked up a 6:20 ADR at Via Napoli and cancelled my 7:45. Perfect! Thanks for the advice, and keep checking for those cancellations. They do happen as the date gets nearer.