What time to make ADRs before IllumiNations?

[gk90]

Hi everyone, I'll be a 1st timer at Epcot on Aug 19 and 20 and am really excited and into the planning! I've been finding lots of great info on these boards and based on recommendations we'll be going to Le Cellier and Marrakesh--DH ate at both of these back in 1985 and still remembers how good they were.

At first we were thinking of Rose and Crown so that we could see IllumiNations from the patio but then decided that food would be our priority (the menu at R&C looked OK but not as exciting as the other 2) and I figure that if we don't get a good view on the 1st night we'll have another chance the 2nd night anyway.

But I'm wondering, we usually have dinner at 7:30, but would that get us out too late to reserve a viewing spot for Illuminations? I hear that there can be a wait even with ADRs, so what would be a safe time to ask for?

TIA for any help !

 

[audisight]

I made an ADR for LeCellier at 6:30 just to make sure we had time to find a good seat for IllumiNations. I figured a 15-30 min wait and and hour to eat so hopefully we are done by 7:45 or 8. I think 7:30 may be little late if you want nice seat for the show. No matter what I know you will have tons of fun at EPCOT! Here's some pixie dust to help you with all your plans!

 

[rapisano]

We ate at the rose and crown onthe 4t of July on the patio at 8:30 res so we could see the fireworks from our table and it workd out so perfect!!! We had a great meal and sat and watched the fire workks finic=shed our dessert and had a coffe while the croud was rushing out like bulls we relaxed and enjoyed then we left when the park wasnt so nuts we loved this it was a great time!!!!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Rose & Crown seating is now entirely luck of the draw. Where until last year, Guests could check in and ask to wait for an outdoor table you now no longer have that option. You either take the first table offered to you, or you are apologetically and politely invited to dine elsewhere.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I think 730 will be pushing it, personally.

We had a 6:10 reservation at Coral Reef on a 9pm Wishes night - we made it out with 20 minutes to spare before Wishes. The restaurant was WAY backed up and we waited forever for a table. Then had a crummy slow waiter to boot.

Many many people missed IllumiNations that night. I'd just rather make it earlier and have time to shop/grab a spot prior than miss it all together.

 

[rapisano]

IF you book a late dining res you will get what u want we had a party of 9 at the 4th of july and we got what we asked for so dont settle and ask for what you want!!