Which restaurants in Epcot can you see Illuminations?

[DisneyWorldWisher]

I need to know for ADRs.

 

[traviesojmt]

I know that the outside seating for the Rose and Crown is a great place. Unfortunately, they cannot guarantee seating. We have reservations for 7:30pm. We are going to get there really early and request an outside table. We may get one and we may not. If we do, then we will have a relaxing dinner and enjoy Illuminations from there.

 

[DisneyWorldWisher]

What about Le Cellier, can you see it from there?

 

[traviesojmt]

What about Le Cellier, can you see it from there?

No, I actually don't even remember windows at Le Cellier. It really is almost as if you are eating in a cellar. Although I love the food here, you would not be able to see Illuminations from there.

 

[schoen]

You can't see them from Nine Dragons (but you can hear them, which just makes you sad that you aren't watching them). I was at Rose and Crown seated inside. They let us get up from our tables and watch Illuminations from their deck area. When it was over we went inside and they served our desserts.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If you can get seated in the glassed area of Les Chefs de France, they'll turn down the lights - inside and out - and you can see Illuminations (especially if your table is against the window )

 

[FromVatoDisney]

I know that the outside seating for the Rose and Crown is a great place. Unfortunately, they cannot guarantee seating. We have reservations for 7:30pm. We are going to get there really early and request an outside table. We may get one and we may not. If we do, then we will have a relaxing dinner and enjoy Illuminations from there.

Have you been there before? I thought their CMs were the nicest in WDW. We were there mid-July last year and also had a 7:30 reservation. I very nicely told them how thrilled we would be with an outside table and they bent over backward to help me. Not only an outside table, but a table against the rail... we could not have asked for a better spot. I'm thinking good thoughts for you... I bet it is all going to work out.
*Sigh.* Loved that place, loved my steak and prawns and big, BIG beer. What wouldn't I give to be going again... maybe next year.

 

[traviesojmt]

Have you been there before? I thought their CMs were the nicest in WDW. We were there mid-July last year and also had a 7:30 reservation. I very nicely told them how thrilled we would be with an outside table and they bent over backward to help me. Not only an outside table, but a table against the rail... we could not have asked for a better spot. I'm thinking good thoughts for you... I bet it is all going to work out.
*Sigh.* Loved that place, loved my steak and prawns and big, BIG beer. What wouldn't I give to be going again... maybe next year.

Thanks for the good thoughts, they are appreciated. We have eaten there but it was around 5pm and inside. We really like it there. It rained while we were inside (we didn't even notice) and the CM outside covered our stroller with a bag to keep it dry. I agree that they were very nice. We really enjoyed eating there. My DH, kids and I have been many times, but his will be my parents first trip to DisneyWorld. We are really hoping to make it special for them.

 

[flynnmnstr]

I know that the outside seating for the Rose and Crown is a great place. Unfortunately, they cannot guarantee seating. We have reservations for 7:30pm. We are going to get there really early and request an outside table. We may get one and we may not. If we do, then we will have a relaxing dinner and enjoy Illuminations from there.

We just had a 7:40 ADR at Rose and Crown last week. Requested a patio table and they told us that they would try but if they couldn't accomodate we could watch the show from their VIP viewing area then finish our meal later, we ended up eating inside. We ordered dessert 5 minutes before Illuminations and then our waiter directed everyone to a great viewing area. It was perferct for us because my DS 4 does not like fireworks so I stayed inside with him and he would peak his head out the window when during the breaks in fireworks.

 

[Magic Carpet]

In mitsukoshi(japan), you can see illuminaitons upstairs in the dining room with table service on the right side when you walk in. (Not teppenyaki) hope this helps.

 

[Magic Carpet]

Also at the Mexico counter service there is outside patio seating where you can see illuminations.

 

[bicker]

... which you need to stake out two or three hours before the show.

 

[Antonia]

Amen to that. It is a madhouse when we have watched from there.

 

[madalex]

Everybody tries to get ADRs at a time that coincides with Illuminations. Better to eat dinner earlier and then find a place around the lagoon to watch the show. Except for a few exceptions (such as the Rose & Crown viewing area, if you are lucky enough to get it), the views are better around the lagoon than they are from inside the restaurants.

 

[Hopefully]

I agree with Madalex with the 2 exceptions mentioned: The Cantina in Mexico lagoonside which is a madhouse and needs to be staked out hours in advance, and the outside seating at the Rose & Crown which is not guaranteed. We have had about a 30% success rate eating outside for Illuminations over many trips. The balcony in Japan is a good spot, but it has become well known and crowded.
Best bet is to find a lagoonside spot after dinner.

 

[razamataz]

I agree with Madalex with the 2 exceptions mentioned: The Cantina in Mexico lagoonside which is a madhouse and needs to be staked out hours in advance, and the outside seating at the Rose & Crown which is not guaranteed. We have had about a 30% success rate eating outside for Illuminations over many trips. The balcony in Japan is a good spot, but it has become well known and crowded.
Best bet is to find a lagoonside spot after dinner.

We ate at the Cantina the last time we went to Disney World (April 2005). We got there an hour before Illuminations. We were able to get a good spot. However, it got crowded pretty quickly after that.

 

[Aimeedyan]

We have found it's not worth trying to get a dinner spot with a view. It's so limited at Epcot and EVERYONE wants that special seat that it's not worth the hassle. Instead we'd rather eat at our top pick of restaurant without worry of where we are seated and finish in time to get a good spot around the lagoon. View is better that way, anyways.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

If you want to watch from the Cantina make sure you get one of the tables that is right smack dab up against the railing. If there is as little as one inch people will squeeze in and stand in front of you right before Illuminations. Been there done that. NOT the getting in front. I would NEVER do that.

Slightly Goofy

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

If you want to watch from the Cantina make sure you get one of the tables that is right smack dab up against the railing. If there is as little as one inch people will squeeze in and stand in front of you right before Illuminations. Been there done that. NOT the getting in front. I would NEVER do that.

Slightly Goofy

HEHE, I know what you mean. It's like no sir, you can't fit into that millimeter between me and the rail, so don't try. Psssst. And yes that is why there is only a millimeter between me and the rail.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ever notice that those kinds of people never speak English?

Now I am not meaning that people who do not speak English are not nice people. Most are. However, the kind that would stand in front of others often 'conveniently' do not.

Guess it is easier to be rude if you are not forced to defend your actions.

I would do not so in any of the many countries that I do not speak the language in either.

Slightly Goofy (who just does not look mean enough to scare people)