What is the best dinner reservation time if we want to see Illuminations?

[melbiel]

That's my question! I'm thinking around 6:30? I feel like that should be enough time to sit, eat, and get out to find a place to stand for Illuminations. I am clueless bc we've never visited Epcot before. Any thoughts would be great! I have received so much wonderful information from this site. Thank you so much!

 

[figment_jii]

It largely depends on where you are going to eat and how fast you tend to eat. Do you order an appetizer, entree, and dessert? If you order all three, I'd allocate about 90 minutes to two hours for dinner.

However, if you're planning on eating at Biergarten (as indicated in your other post), if you get a 6:30 pm ADR, that should give you plenty of time to eat and then find a place to watch IllumiNations. I would guess that you could go as late as 7 and still have enough time, but better to have to much than not enough.

Unlike some shows, IllumiNations can be viewed from almost all around World Showcase Lagoon. Just make sure you can see the center of the lagoon from where you're standing and you should be fine.

 

[LBlovesM&WDW]

Just and FYI: Even though you have an ADR, sometimes you still have to wait for a table. I'd err on the side of caution and book well in advance. If you're out early, then you can mill around the WS and get a prime location for viewing.