Yes- ANOTHER Rose & Crown with Illuminations question

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

So, from what I have gathered from you wonderful people, I should make my ADR for around 7:30 for a 9:00 Illuminations. I should get there a bit early and request a patio table (and that we will wait for one).

We are a party of five- I hear most of the patio tables are for 4. Do I even have a chance of a pation table?

Also, I want to celebrate my son's 10th birthday there. When we were at EPCOT last year for his 9th birthday, we called Coral Reef ahead of time and told them it was his birthday and ordered a cake. When we got there, I asked if we had a "tank level" table and she said they always put special occasion groups (birthdays, anniversaries, etc) by the tank if they are notified ahead of time. So, if I do the same at R&C, will we have a better chance of a patio table?

And, last question, if we do not get a patio table, we can still go out to the patio to watch the show, right? Is it really crowded out there?

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Paul in CT]

I can answer your last question. If you don't get an outside table you can go outside to watch IllumiNations. A table on the patio is far better if you can get it because you don't have to interrupt your meal. We managed to do so twice over many years. Good luck!

 

[canron]

we just get there a little early and wait for a table to open up on the lake edge and take it,,there are about 10 of them that arnt part of the rose and crown,,we do it every trip no trouble,,then just send 1 person to get food and sit relax and enjoy the fire works..

 

[bicker]

Please note that Rose and Crown no longer allows guests to wait for lagoonside tables. They stopped the practice several months ago. Recent guests have been consistently reporting a fair "take it or leave" policy (take the first table you're offered, or dine somewhere else) is in effect. Keep in mind that Rose and Crown has experienced a lot of problems over the years, with conflicts with guests desiring these tables. They seem to be holding very firm to this new policy, at least from what I've read.

 

[stephensmum]

Please note that Rose and Crown no longer allows guests to wait for lagoonside tables. They stopped the practice several months ago. Recent guests have been consistently reporting a fair "take it or leave" policy (take the first table you're offered, or dine somewhere else) is in effect. Keep in mind that Rose and Crown has experienced a lot of problems over the years, with conflicts with guests desiring these tables. They seem to be holding very firm to this new policy, at least from what I've read.

I think this is a fairer way. Nothing more annoying than to see someone getting their own way by being obnoxious. I'm also hoping for a patio seat, if not I understand the R&C have a private standing area.
Sharon

 

[bicker]

I can think of even fairer ways... I think they should charge a premium for the lagoon-side tables (paid in advance and refundable only if Illuminations is canceled). How much? Exactly as much as necessary so that at least a significant amount of the time (let's say 15% of the time) you can still get a lagoon-side table the day before. That way everyone has a chance, and making the premium high enough so that a significant amount of the time you can get the great view if you want it ensures that the scare opportunity goes primarily to the folks who are willing to pay the most for it.

This worked (somewhat) for the Illuminations cruises. I think it would be great if the Rose and Crown lagoon-side tables worked the same way. And I'd love to see Disney build more restaurants, or reconfigure existing restaurants, so that more of them have a view of Illuminations, and again, charge a premium for the show, so that the scare opportunity goes primarily to the folks who are willing to pay the most for it.

FWIW.

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

Well, Bicker, I love your idea. They have Fantasmic packages, why not Illuminations packages? When I went to DL last year, any one who took a tour (we took the 50th Anniversary Tour), got special parade and firework seating at the train station. It was worth it!

But that won't help me now. Poop. So I will take my chance.

Paul- if I don't get a seat outside and we go out to watch Illuminations, will it be really crowded out there?

Thanks all!

 

[Vemnox]

Disney Dining Reservations now specifically tells you when booking that special seating requests will not be honored.

 

[bicker]

And for Disney to use the word "not" in a sentence -- well that's saying something!

 

[whogirl'smom]

Please be aware that even some of the patio tables do not afford you a view of Illuminations. When we were there in Oct., we ended up with a patio table, but only because of the drunk, loud table of 14 beside of us scaring our DD5. The patio ,table was under the awning at the very corner (I actually loved this table b/c it was much quieter), but there was a row of tables in front of us at waterside, and the awning blocked any view of the sky. We did go to the viewing area after we finished eating, but it is small and very crowded. If you opt to stand here, I would advise a 7:00 ADR so you will have time to get a spot where you can see. We are short and it was hard to be behind even 2-3 people. We didn't get to the viewing area until about 8:50 p.m. b/c we had dessert, it was a busy night, F & W crowd etc. etc. so go early!

P.S. I really loved eating here and thought the food and sticky toffee pudding was fantastic!!!!

 

[Paul in CT]

I can't answer the question about how crowded it might be. The last time we dined there we had an inside table, the CM was not too enthusiastic about timing the diiner so that we could go outside to watch IllumiNations so we decided to leave after our drinks and appetizers and watch from our usual spot on the bridge between UK and France. It was extra magic hours so we were able to go toChefs de France afterward and had an excellent dinner there. It turned out that they were open until 10:00PM for seatings.