View HEA or Illuminations from restaurant?

[Beth33]

We've seen both up close. Personally, we prefer HEA when viewing from a good location. Is one show considered better to view from a distance, though? If we can manage it, we'd like to watch the fireworks while at dinner one night. I know that we'll miss out on the finer points of the show regardless of which we pick. Just wondering if one is easier to see from restaurants.

 

[Nancyg56]

If you want to see one display from a distance, I would suggest HEA. I love the perspective from one of the monorail restaurants, and often schedule a meal at one for that view. I do not have a preference between Narcoossees or California Grill in terms of view. They are different, but both are spectacular, IMO. Between the two, we decide what we will want for a meal.

I have never seen Illuminations from a restaurant. That one I always want to see from outdoors.

 

[Hopefully]

We've seen both up close. Personally, we prefer HEA when viewing from a good location. Is one show considered better to view from a distance, though? If we can manage it, we'd like to watch the fireworks while at dinner one night. I know that we'll miss out on the finer points of the show regardless of which we pick. Just wondering if one is easier to see from restaurants.

There are no restaurants IN the MK that you can watch HEA from. If you you choose to go to a Monorail restaurant, which many love, You will miss all of the projections.
Rose & Crown in the UK has great patio views of Illumintions. But it is the luck of the draw if you can get a table on the patio. If you are seated inside, they do have a private viewing area they will escort you to stand and watch Illuminations from. La Hacienda has a few tables with a spectacular view. AGain it is the luck of the draw if you get one as everyone requests them. They also have some tables with NO view and no outdoor space to watch from.
Tokoyo Dining has some window tables with a partially obstructed view. Spice Road Table has both indoor and patio tables with a view, but again, tables with no view at all.

 

[Beth33]

If you you choose to go to a Monorail restaurant, which many love, You will miss all of the projections.

I know, which is a bummer. That's why I'm asking about which would be better to go see at a restaurant. It sounds like you think there's no clear winner?

 

[Hopefully]

I know, which is a bummer. That's why I'm asking about which would be better to go see at a restaurant. It sounds like you think there's no clear winner?

No Absolutely not.
I clearly think it is best to see HEA IN the MK. If you must go to a Monorail restaurant I would choose Narcoossee’s.
By far I believe Illuminations dinner at a restaurant is better than HEA - which was the question in your OP

 

[CraigInPA]

I know, which is a bummer. That's why I'm asking about which would be better to go see at a restaurant. It sounds like you think there's no clear winner?

The clear winner is to see illuminations from Rose and Crown, La Hacienda de San Angel, or Spice Road.

You will find no MK monorail resort restaurant to have a view of the projections. Inside MK, the Plaza has a view, but people will stand in front of the window, so the view will disappear before the show starts.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Personally I wasnt impressed with HEA (and formerly wishes) from any distance...and ive seen it from the TTC ferry dock, Cali Grill, etc. I just prefer seeing it up close...thats just me. Both TTC ferry dock and Gali Grill have the music piped in, which is nice. But nothing beats seeing it in the main hub in MK (because of the castle projections). Its so much better up close.

I agree that watching Illuminations at a restaurant is the better choice as there are no restaurants in MK where you can get a clear view of HEA. But between the two, I do prefer HEA. (from the main hub).

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would say HEA is easier to see from a restaurant simply because you can guarantee you'll have a view. Both Narcoosee's and California Grill have viewing areas. I prefer Cali Grill for the view - it's spectacular. Cali Grill also has another observation deck at the back from which you can see the DHS and EP fireworks.

Illuminations is a toss up. If you want to try it, I would go to Spice Road Table or Rose and Crown.

 

[Moliphino]

The clear winner is to see illuminations from Rose and Crown, La Hacienda de San Angel, or Spice Road.

You're only guaranteed to have a view of Illuminations at Rose and Crown. From the other two you might get a nice view and you might be seated somewhere with no view at all.

 

[Beth33]

I would say HEA is easier to see from a restaurant simply because you can guarantee you'll have a view. Both Narcoosee's and California Grill have viewing areas.

An interesting point.

By far I believe Illuminations dinner at a restaurant is better than HEA

Thanks for the clarification! I got a bit mixed up by the many-love-the-Monorail-restaurants part of the post. Now I understand what you mean. Thanks! That's really helpful advice.

Does anyone have any experience with Tokyo Dining? Disney Food Blogs recommends them for fireworks. It looks like the view might be partially obstructed, but I think DH would like their menu better than the Rose and Crown, La Hacienda, or Spice Road.

(Edited to correct spelling)

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Spice Road for sure. We ate there in August for Illuminations and it was a great view.

 

[Hopefully]

An interesting point.



Thanks for the clarification! I got a bit mixed up by the many-love-the-Monorail-restaurants part of the post. Now I understand what you mean. Thanks! That's really helpful advice.

Does anyone have any experience with Tokyo Dining? Disney Food Blogs recommends them for fireworks. It looks like the view might be partially obstructed, but I think DH would like their menu better than the Rose and Crown, La Hacienda, or Spice Road.

(Edited to correct spelling)

We had a window table at Tokyo Dining during Illuminations. The view was partially obstructed, both by the "Gate" and the heads of folks standing on the balcony outside of the restaurant

 

[gharter]

Illuminations from Spice Road is good. Have read good things about Rose and Crown, but have not done it.
The fireworks for HEA are nice to see, but so much of HEA is the castle projections and you can't see that from any of the restaurants.