[disneyguy]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good returaunt to be at during IllumiNations??? We are going it late February but last time we were there (same time) there was no where for us to get a good view of the show. We are staying onsite so at the Pop Century what would be the best way to get out after the fireworks being that this is the hardest time to get out ??? I am sure there is a direct bus but it will be packed im sure...any other suggestions??

[SnazzyCMB]

Last September, we ate at Bistro de Paris, in the France pavilion (obviously;) ) and it was so wonderful. It was my boyfriend's first time ever at WDW and he said that night was his favorite ever. The restaurant was empty, just us and 2 other tables. We had a table next to the window overlooking the lagoon. Food was amazing, and service was perfect. Just as we were getting ready to order dessert, Illuminations started and we had the best view. Highly recommed Bistro de Paris.

[Park Hopper]

Bistro de Paris is a romantic spot from which to watch Illuminations. Don't confuse it with the more popular Chefs de France, though, which is located downstairs in the same building.

The food and service at Bistro de Paris is truly wondeful. It's one of our three favorite Disney restaurants.

A word of caution, though: The view from the windows at Bistro de Paris is quite limited, and although you'll be able to see the fireworks in the sky, you won't be able to see the globe or other water-level action very well. You might want to think about eating early enough that you can still stake out a good viewing spot for Illuminations.

[disneyguy]

any other suggestions of something maybe not so romantic and possibly with a better view??

[tiggerlover1971]

I also think the patio of the Rose and Crown pub is another place to see the fireworks I havent done it personally but I have heard from a few people this is a great place to see illuminations

[MickeyMac]

I highly second the Rose and Crown. They've ample seats and ample turnover for an outside deck table. We seem to always get the same one :D It's close enough to feel the heat. Aim for a 7:30 reservation and let them know you would wait for a waterside table and any special occassion if you are celebrating any.

As for leaving afterwards - don't rush out! You can get the most fabulous pictures in the park at night by waiting 20 mins to a half hour, then strolling out. Wait for the Fountain of Nations to kick off it's show, too - it's MUCH grander at night. Skip through the pixie dust in the sidewalk. Stroll. Enjoy yourself. The busses will still be running when you get out there, and MUCH less crowded. We like to stay in Epcot 1-2 hours after closing. It's such a wonderful end to the night. We stay onsite, too.

[disneyguy]

thanx MickeyMac that sounds like a good place.... also, i had never thought of hanging around Epcot after Illmuminations that would be a great time to get a better look at some of the countries because we are on a tight schedule and want to get the absoloute max of our time and money...thanx!

[MickeyMac]

DL - I saw you'd started another thread on that - great idea!

For photos, I forgot to mention a lot of the ambiance lighting remains lit for a while (torches, etc) but that the shops close up (until you get close to the exit, when Mousegears will stay open until the last person leaves - sometimes for hours after) so if you want a shop shot or something with one of the carts, get it before closing.

[disneyguy]

I have one more question here. Should I really get a 7:30 PS even if i am going in February????

[MickeyMac]

Are the hours posted yet? I would go for a PS about an hour and a half before Illuminations, show up a tad bit early, and make your request. If you *are* celebrating something special, make sure they make a note of it on the PS, and at the podium.

[disneyguy]

Yeah the hours are posted. Illuminations is @ 9. So for what time should i book my PS for??

[WVWISEGUY]

We had a PS for Rose & Crown last June at 7:30. We finished our meal at 8:55 and had a great view of illuminations. This was our 2 sons first time and they loved being close enough to see everything and feel the heat from the ball. Great not having to stake out a spot early and then stand surrounded by people.

I would make PS for 7:30 and have plenty of time for a nice relaxing meal. If you do not get a table outside on the patio, they do allow the people inside to stand on the patio and watch the show.

[Turnwrench]

I, too, highly recommend the Rose & Crown for Illuminations dining, but beware that the staff there can get really cranky when you ask for patio seating. And it's understandable, I suppose, because I'm sure that they deal with that question over and over and over, and I'm sure there are cranky guests who demand to sit there and nowhere else.

I've found the best method to get PS for about 7:30, as suggested above, and then *very* politely ask for patio seat and let them know that you're willing to wait as long as it takes.

Sometimes they will insist that you *cannot* wait for a patio table and that you have to take the first available (this has happened to me a couple of times). If that happens, you can either go somewhere else or take the inside table and just walk out onto the patio for Illuminations. You won't have a seat, but will still have a great viewing location for the show.

[pudgethefish]

If you do not want to make a rservation, I suggest the Cantina in Mexico.

We decided to sit down and have dinner one night about 7:45 or so right along the water. We were had just finished when we realized that Illuminations was going to start in 30 minutes and we had the perfect view from our table. So my husband went and got us desert and we enjoyed the show from our table by the lake.

It was a great place to view the fireworks from.

As for leaving afterwards - take your time. Shop, pin trade, whatever. Then leave about 45 minutes - 1 hour after park closing. It is much easier to get back to your hotel then.

Have Fun!!!!
Amy