What Time for Spice Road Table/Rose & Crown Illuminations Dinner?

[Stefecatzz]

I have walked up to R&C a few years ago a couple times & been lucky enough to get a table inside to view the show from their viewing area (both times were during slower seasons). Always a great experience.

I am planning a trip for my b/f & I & the only ADRs I see for our week are for Spice Rd at 8:25 one night & R&C another night at 8:30. Does anyone have experience with how long the wait might be before we get seated at either with an ADR or if either of these times would be too late to be seated before the show?

Any info would be much appreciated!

 

[mckennarose]

We've eaten at both for Illuminations. R&C reservation was for 7:25 and we were seated about 20 minutes after our ADR time. Spice Road Table ressie was around 8:30 (it was last year and I don't remember exactly) but we arrived about 8:15 and they took us in. We ate dinner and Illuminations started before we ordered dessert.

 

[Stefecatzz]

We've eaten at both for Illuminations. R&C reservation was for 7:25 and we were seated about 20 minutes after our ADR time. Spice Road Table ressie was around 8:30 (it was last year and I don't remember exactly) but we arrived about 8:15 and they took us in. We ate dinner and Illuminations started before we ordered dessert.

Thanks! I'm thinking that for R&C (if seated inside), as long as we are seated before the show starts & our server is aware we want to see the show, we should be fine to put our order in right when we're seated, go see the show from the viewing area, then come back to the table to eat.

As far as Spice Rd goes, were you seated inside or on the patio? I've seen pictures of the fireworks from a table inside but would definitely want to be outside here for the show. My concern was that by 8:25, all the patio tables with good views would be taken & no one would be leaving.

 

[mckennarose]

When we did Spice Road Table, I requested an inside table by the window. I don't recall looking on the patio or noticing the seating there. I was hot and really wanted to be inside, lol! There were tables inside by the windows empty until right before 9, and I *think* one stayed empty. There wasn't a ton of people inside. The service was a lot faster than R&C.

 

[Stefecatzz]

Since our trip is in mid-September, I thought about us possibly wanting to sit inside to get out of the heat at that point as well.

How was your view of the show from inside?

 

[elvedon]

I'm hoping to watch Illuminations from Spice Road (8:15 res). I'm hoping that's early enough - it's a F&W weekend, so I'm hoping the restaurants in EPCOT won't be as packed and that we'll be able to get a table with a view. I'd love to hear people's experiences and whether that's a reasonable hope.

 

[mckennarose]

Since our trip is in mid-September, I thought about us possibly wanting to sit inside to get out of the heat at that point as well.

How was your view of the show from inside?

Well, its not as good as R&C, LOL! There is one island with trees that partially obstructs your view of the globe when it goes out on the water. Spice Road Table lowers the lights and pipes in the music, which is nice. The view of the fireworks is good because the windows are really high inside. The food is really good. (try the rack of lamb! Delicious!)

I asked my hubby and our kids (two are adults, one is a late teen) about watching the show from there again and they definitely would rather than watch it from somewhere around WS. (R&C is always our first choice, but we like the food better at Spice Road) There is a big difference for us sitting in a relaxing restaurant, eating and having a few drinks, watching without having to stake out a position an hour before and waiting, getting crowded out by people next to you, having dessert while the park empties and having a leisurely walk out without a huge crowd. I told them they're spoiled now! Of course we've see the show several times, so it may not be the best idea for a newbie, but for people like you who have seen it, it might be worth it for you.

 

[mckennarose]

I'm hoping to watch Illuminations from Spice Road (8:15 res). I'm hoping that's early enough - it's a F&W weekend, so I'm hoping the restaurants in EPCOT won't be as packed and that we'll be able to get a table with a view. I'd love to hear people's experiences and whether that's a reasonable hope.

Weekends are crowded during F&W; I'd definitely keep an eye on the crowds. If you need to, you might be able to show up earlier than your ressie time and see if they can take you. We did that and they were able to accommodate us, BUT we were in last May during F&G. I didn't take notice of the crowds at the restaurant the last time I was at F&W. ??

 

[Stefecatzz]

Well, its not as good as R&C, LOL! There is one island with trees that partially obstructs your view of the globe when it goes out on the water. Spice Road Table lowers the lights and pipes in the music, which is nice. The view of the fireworks is good because the windows are really high inside. The food is really good. (try the rack of lamb! Delicious!)

I asked my hubby and our kids (two are adults, one is a late teen) about watching the show from there again and they definitely would rather than watch it from somewhere around WS. (R&C is always our first choice, but we like the food better at Spice Road) There is a big difference for us sitting in a relaxing restaurant, eating and having a few drinks, watching without having to stake out a position an hour before and waiting, getting crowded out by people next to you, having dessert while the park empties and having a leisurely walk out without a huge crowd. I told them they're spoiled now! Of course we've see the show several times, so it may not be the best idea for a newbie, but for people like you who have seen it, it might be worth it for you.

I've never sat at an outdoor table to watch from R&C, only went to their viewing area which I love doing!

I didn't realize the island would block part of the globe from Spice Rd. But we both have seen the show plenty of times so not sure if that's much of a factor for us. I also thought the food would be better at Spice Rd. than R&C & more choices to have apps instead of a full meal since we'll be there for F&W.

And Yes, the best part is having more space to see the show rather than standing in the crowd & leaving the park with less crowds as well.

 

[Hopefully]

I'm hoping to watch Illuminations from Spice Road (8:15 res). I'm hoping that's early enough - it's a F&W weekend, so I'm hoping the restaurants in EPCOT won't be as packed and that we'll be able to get a table with a view. I'd love to hear people's experiences and whether that's a reasonable hope.

Food & Wine is very crowded and that does include the restaurants. We did a 7:45 ADR at Spice Road Table last year during F & W. We were seated on the patio in the third row of tables back from the balconey. No one closer left a table while we were there. We too have seen Illuminations many times and were okay with our view. But it certainly was NOT perfect. The food was delicious.
If a good view of Illuminations is a priority I would try to move this ADR or eat early and watch from around the lagoon.

 

[GaryDis]

Now I'm uncertain as to whether out 7:15 at R&C during F&W is too early. I was figuring there'd be a delay in seating, and such.

 

[elvedon]

Thank you for the advice. I moved the reservation to 6:50 and will hope for the best! I think by that point in our trip I'll really appreciate the chance to sit for a couple of hours in the evening.

 

[Stefecatzz]

Food & Wine is very crowded and that does include the restaurants. We did a 7:45 ADR at Spice Road Table last year during F & W. We were seated on the patio in the third row of tables back from the balconey. No one closer left a table while we were there. We too have seen Illuminations many times and were okay with our view. But it certainly was NOT perfect. The food was delicious.
If a good view of Illuminations is a priority I would try to move this ADR or eat early and watch from around the lagoon.

Ok, it sounds like I need to try for one more around 7:30 at the latest then for Spice Rd.? Not sure how much of a difference it makes but we are there mid-week, not on a weekend.

 

[MaleficentRN]

Would an hour and a half before Illuminations be to early? Made an ADR for 10:30 on New Year's Eve.