Which time is better for Illuminations meal?

[ajgardner]

I currently have reservations at Rose and Crown for 7:50 but there is a 7:15 available also. Was hoping to watch from the restaurant, which time would be better? I feel like one is a little to early and the other a little late.

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[PictureJumpr]

I'd take the earlier one.
Then check in for it at 7, and tell the hostess that I wanted to wait for a table on the patio (since your intention is to see Illuminations). This may take some extra time beyond what you might normally wait to be seated. You might not be seated before 7:30 or 7:45. Which would be just about right...

 

[figment_jii]

I would probably opt for the later ADR, because most reports indicate that R&C does not accept table requests. You are welcome to make the request, but be prepared to be told you have to take the next available table (regardless of location) or you forfeit your ADR.

In general R&C is a pretty fast meal. It takes my family about an hour to have a three course meal there (whereas most other TS locations takes 75-90 minutes). As the PP said, wait times can be inconsistent. I've waited almost an hour to be seated (with an ADR) and I've been seated within 5 minutes. There hasn't been any consistency when I've gone. Assuming they're not running really behind schedule, I think the 7:50 pm ADR would be better timed in terms of the meal. You'll probably be between entree and dessert when it's time to go out to watch the show from the viewing area (if you don't get a patio table). On the other hand, I do think there is very little chance of getting a prime patio table at that point in the night.

So if you want to chance being able to request a patio table, I would go with the 7:15 pm ADR, but know that you're going to have to drag out your meal to make it last long enough.

 

[ajgardner]

If we were to finish eating early do they have a viewing area that we could go to or do we have to leave and find a place elsewhere to watch?

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[maxiesmom]

I'd take the earlier one.
Then check in for it at 7, and tell the hostess that I wanted to wait for a table on the patio (since your intention is to see Illuminations). This may take some extra time beyond what you might normally wait to be seated. You might not be seated before 7:30 or 7:45. Which would be just about right...

They no longer allow you to wait for a table with an Illuminations view. You have to take the one they have ready for you. La Hacienda has the same policy too.

OP--I would definitely take the later time. The earliest Illuminations is shown is 9 pm. Sometimes it is as late as 10 pm. The 7:15 time is much too early.

 

[tink too]

The last time we dined at Rose & Crown we had an ADR for around 7.45pm and we were seated inside with a view into the pub. As we were finishing up dinner just before Illuminations was due to begin, our server asked if we'd like to go out to the patio area (separate from the diners) to view the show.

However, I almost fell out of my seat when my DH said "No thanks - we've seen it before!" and told DD and I to hurry up so we could get back to the bus stop before the masses.

 

[bobbywiseman]

If you are hoping to watch from restaurant go with 7:50.