Subsonic Radio

Quick question:
Where might the best restaurant be for enjoying dinner while viewing Illuminations?

It's been so long since we've been there and I'm not sure which restaurants offer a view of the lagoon...it's just something I'm looking into for our trip so any pointers would be great.

Thanks!

The very best are going to be rose and crown and whatever that new place in Mexico is as they are both on the water. You can also go to the downstairs french place, the upstairs has windows to view through as well but they are smaller.

The only caveat is that everyone else wants to do the same thing, so you may not end up with a table with a view.

Japan's Tokyo Dining has a pretty unimpeded view of World Showcase Lagoon.

I agree with Wizzard. La Hacienda in Mexico has a patio on the water, and Rose and Crown has patio seating. However, you definitely need to make ADRs well in advance to get a seat at these restaurants for Illuminations time. Also, you need to arrive plenty early (I'd say 20-30 minutes depending on crowds) to request outdoor seating. [I'd probably make an ADR for between 8:30 and 8:45 so that way you can get the menu browsing and ordering out of the way before Illuminations starts (assuming it's at 9).]

If you wanted a quick serve option - Yakitori House at Japan has a beautiful outdoor area. [It's currently closed for refurb - not sure when your trip is.]

MadEye wrote:Japan's Tokyo Dining has a pretty unimpeded view of World Showcase Lagoon.

I second this one. We have had a great view while dining here.

CarolwoodPacific wrote:I agree with Wizzard. La Hacienda in Mexico has a patio on the water, and Rose and Crown has patio seating. However, you definitely need to make ADRs well in advance to get a seat at these restaurants for Illuminations time. Also, you need to arrive plenty early (I'd say 20-30 minutes depending on crowds) to request outdoor seating. [I'd probably make an ADR for between 8:30 and 8:45 so that way you can get the menu browsing and ordering out of the way before Illuminations starts (assuming it's at 9).]

If you wanted a quick serve option - Yakitori House at Japan has a beautiful outdoor area. [It's currently closed for refurb - not sure when your trip is.]

I think you might want to aim even earlier for a ressie. I'm sure most diners are planning on staying for the show if they are dining that late and you might end up not getting seated in time to even see Illuminations if you cut it too close.

We did Rose and Crown with a patio table- perfect view. We were so close we could feel the intensity of the flames in the beginning.

That being said, they don't guarantee patio seating.... we just got lucky. La Hacienda is another good one.

Thanks everyone for the great tips! I looked into Rose & Crown and discovered that the patio seating is first-come-first-served...we could try that option if we don't find another place.

La Hacienda had a ressie for 8:15pm I think...I figured that would probably be a safe time to choose if we decide to do it.

MmeLeota wrote:Thanks everyone for the great tips! I looked into Rose & Crown and discovered that the patio seating is first-come-first-served...we could try that option if we don't find another place.

La Hacienda had a ressie for 8:15pm I think...I figured that would probably be a safe time to choose if we decide to do it.

I would hop on the La Hacienda time, and then you could always wait until a little closer to see if you would rather try the Rose and Crown. Either way, I would specify that you want a patio, or window table when you make the reservation.

There is a slight problem with the tables at the 2 locations, someone posted about it. Apparently people will be seated and then linger through the meal so that they can keep hold of the table through the performance.

Wizzard419 wrote:There is a slight problem with the tables at the 2 locations, someone posted about it. Apparently people will be seated and then linger through the meal so that they can keep hold of the table through the performance.

That's why I was suggesting a little earlier ressie. Better to be seated and be a watching lingerer than someone impatiently waiting for their table

MmeLeota wrote:Thanks everyone for the great tips! I looked into Rose & Crown and discovered that the patio seating is first-come-first-served...we could try that option if we don't find another place.

La Hacienda had a ressie for 8:15pm I think...I figured that would probably be a safe time to choose if we decide to do it.

La Hacienda is a good bet... my family really enjoyed it this summer! If only I had connections on the food half of the UK pavilion, getting a patio table wouldn't be an issue then.