Where to dine for Illuminations View?

[deevku]

Hello,

I'm wondering if anyone could help me decide where to dine before or during Illuminations? We're looking for something reasonably priced, and to possibly have an actual outdoor seat to view the show.

THanks in advance for any suggestions : )

 

[Crazy Kanga]

I think your only two outdoor dining choices for a view of Illuminations are Rose and Crown in the United Kingdom and Cantina de San Angel in Mexico (which is counter service). There might be others too, but these are the main ones I have noticed. I have also heard that Rose and Crown outdoor tables are hard to get because they are so popular. The cantina tables started filling up about an hour before Illuminations started when we were there last Oct. and it was even raining that night.
Good Luck!

 

[Terk-1]

The Rose & Crown is a great place to dine and view Illuminations. Make your PS for 1 to 1 1/2 hours prior to the show. Check in early and request a patio table. Tell them you do not mind waiting for one.

This way you can enjoy a good meal and then view Illuminations from the comfort of your table while having dessert.

 

[dbond]

Rose & Crown is a great location, but more times than not we have been down wind when viewing from there. Also, you really have to be strategic to get a table in a good spot.

Our most favorite plan is to grab a bite from Cantina de San Angel, at least 2 hours prior on a busy day, and then just continue to refill our margaritas until showtime. The kids get soda refills and nachos, churros, etc. until showtime. It's a more relaxed atmosphere to us than R&C. We got to where we felt like the staff at R&C were irritated that we stayed so long and took up a table. We always left them a larger than normal tip, but then after they give you a few looks, you get a little annoyed after awhile. Just our impression. I'm sure others have had very enjoyable experiences.

 

[Little MerGirl]

Can you see Illuminations from the restaurant in Japan (Tempura)? Do they have PS's?

 

[DepCor0311]

The Lounge in Japan is a great place to see illuminations, no PS required, but people start staking out tables pretty early...like 7:30 or so.

 

[Annette_VA]

Are the seagulls still really bad at Catina de San Angel? Our 1st trip, this is where we watched Illuminations, but on our 2nd, the seagulls drove us away. Those things are brutal!

We ended up watching from a spot in Canada, right near where Off Kilter plays.