[CleveRocks]

Even though we've taken the kids to WDW twice, we've never stepped foot into World Showcase with them (last time my wife and I were in World Showcase was 1990).

It would be great if we could eat at a table-service restaurant AND watch IllumiNations at/near the end of our meal.

I know all about how/why to make ADRs. But my questions are:

• Where can I eat a TS meal and have a chance of viewing IllumiNations from our table? I know there is no way to guarantee a table with a view (I know the best you can do is ask at the podium just before you're seated). But I imagine there are some or many TS restaurants in World Showcase that offer NO VIEW of IllumiNations ... I'm just looking to find out where it's even possible to view IllumiNations from, limiting this to table-service only.

• For WHEN should I try to time the ADR? I know IllumiNations starts nightly at 9:00 p.m. Do I want the latest possible ADR? or do I want one around 7:15 or 7:30 or 7:40 or 7:50 and then linger? Or will all the "good" tables be taken by that late a time? I hope y'all understand what I'm asking with this second question ... what time should I make my ADR for to help give me the best possible chance of seeing IllumiNations while still at my table?

Thank you for your answers!!!

[Dopey]

I know that you can watch Illuminations from the Rose and Crown patio.
I also think that it can be viewed from the Tokyo restaurant.
I would make the ADR for 45 minutes before the show begins, that should be pretty save.

So now we're waiting for soundgod to tell us both that I am wrong, heehee

[SheGoofy]

We had 7:30 ADR's at the Rose and Crown in January. We tried for an outdoor table but were not fortunate to get one. Our server did let us know that the lower patio would be available for viewing of Illuminations. She even let us order dessert and brought it out to us to enjoy while watching the show.
Good Luck with the ADR's.

[cinderbella]

Rose and Crown..if Illuminations is at 9 try and get an ADR as close to 8 as possible. If you get seated inside or with a bad view you can walk to the viewing area to see the show. We have eaten there over ten times and never been seated inside or without a view. And we have never asked to be seated outside either at the podium. I don't know if one has to do with the other but it's just always worked out that way.

[ddoll]

You didn't mention when you would be at WDW. Illuminations runs at 9:00pm every night...except during the holidays when the Candlelight Processional is running. Then Illuminations is at 9:30pm.

Either way though, 7:30 is a good time for your ADR.

[mairinmaureen]

Originally Posted by Dopey

So now we're waiting for soundgod to tell us both that I am wrong, heehee

I asked Soundgod this exact same question the other day!

This was his answer:

"there is only one restaurant where you can view Illuminations from your table and that's Rose and Crown. That's it, that's all, nowhere else. I'd book the reservation anytime between 8 and 8:45. You can get a good view from Japan, but you'll have to leave your table and go outside, and views of the globe will be partially obstructed by the arch in the lagoon. The only other alternative is the Cantina de San Angel which is a CS location located right on the water."

I believe his answer was based on our September trip, so ADR times might vary, but I am sure he will see this thread and answer too.

[roxie]

Originally Posted by mairinmaureen

The only other alternative is the Cantina de San Angel which is a CS location located right on the water

And that alternative stinks because you have to contend with all the table umbrellas!!
We sat at Rose and Crown last fall and had perfect viewing of Illuminations - we loved it!

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by mairinmaureen

I asked Soundgod this exact same question the other day!

This was his answer:

"there is only one restaurant where you can view Illuminations from your table and that's Rose and Crown. That's it, that's all, nowhere else. I'd book the reservation anytime between 8 and 8:45. You can get a good view from Japan, but you'll have to leave your table and go outside, and views of the globe will be partially obstructed by the arch in the lagoon. The only other alternative is the Cantina de San Angel which is a CS location located right on the water."

I believe his answer was based on our September trip, so ADR times might vary, but I am sure he will see this thread and answer too.

Thanks Maureen, I think Doug is wrong I think there are window tables at the Tokyo in Japan.

[tea]

We actually sat at the Cantina San Angel a few years back and had a great view of Illuminations - but since it is a CS you have to be fast to get the good tables.

[Soundgod]

Originally Posted by mairinmaureen

I asked Soundgod this exact same question the other day!

This was his answer:

"there is only one restaurant where you can view Illuminations from your table and that's Rose and Crown. That's it, that's all, nowhere else. I'd book the reservation anytime between 8 and 8:45. You can get a good view from Japan, but you'll have to leave your table and go outside, and views of the globe will be partially obstructed by the arch in the lagoon. The only other alternative is the Cantina de San Angel which is a CS location located right on the water."

I believe his answer was based on our September trip, so ADR times might vary, but I am sure he will see this thread and answer too.

To quote The Talking Heads, "Say something once, why say it again". There's very little I can add to this. Actually, there's nothing I can add.

[sue299]

Other than the above mentioned. Is there any other place where one can sit down to watch, other than just sitting on the sidewalk?

[Soundgod]

Originally Posted by Dopey

Thanks Maureen, I think Doug is wrong I think there are window tables at the Tokyo in Japan.

There are window tables, but, being inside and behind glass, you'll lose a lot of the impact, plus, I'm not sure they pipe the music inside. Also, the arch does a really good job of blocking the video globe.
For an example of what the view from Japan is, you'd need to watch the video of my latest version of Illuminations:Peace on Earth. You'll know the shot, because the arch is pretty prominent.
There's a long segment with the globe sailing out and you can plainly see how badly eclipsed the video globe gets, once it's fully in position. And I was standing right at the top of the stairs in front of Tokyo Dining. I stand by my comment that you'd need to leave your table and go outside.

Originally Posted by sue299

Other than the above mentioned. Is there any other place where one can sit down to watch, other than just sitting on the sidewalk?

As I've said, the only outside tables are at Rose and Crown or Cantina de San Angel. There might be some tables or benches down by France, but the view would be very obstructed and they're not really part of any restaurant or even a sidewalk cafe.

[MissDisney]

Our best-ever Illuminations dinner was at Rose & Crown. We ate inside, but when the fireworks started, they took us out to a little platform that was only for the R&C diners. It was really special -- I think it was even my birthday, but I can't remember! --

The next time was a surprise -- we had eaten at Teppanyaki (that dates me!) and we came out of the restaurant just as the lights went out for the show. We sat on the steps of the Japanese pavilion right outside the restaurant. The view was amazing, and we got some of our best photos ever, with the fireworks perfectly framed by the huge Japanese gate!

[TheHawley's]

I don't mean to hyjack the thread but I was wondering if there is any seating for wheelchairs for Illuminations. In the four times we've gone to Epcot I haven't been able to watch it once! Last year we went but I just couldn't seem to find a wheelchair designated spot and not a CM to be found to ask...LOL...From what I understand it looks fabulous, but if we can view from R&C then maybe that's the route I'll take!

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by TheHawley's

I don't mean to hyjack the thread but I was wondering if there is any seating for wheelchairs for Illuminations. In the four times we've gone to Epcot I haven't been able to watch it once! Last year we went but I just couldn't seem to find a wheelchair designated spot and not a CM to be found to ask...LOL...From what I understand it looks fabulous, but if we can view from R&C then maybe that's the route I'll take!

Your wheelchair would fit perfectly on that beautiful deck on the Japan pavillion!