Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

All four parks, waterparks, and other magic in Central Florida

Moderator: Moderators

Post Reply
MmeLeota
Pack Mules Wrangler
Pack Mules Wrangler
Posts: 5382
Joined: Apr Fri 17, 2009 11:30 pm
Location: The land of cheese and beer...

Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

Post by MmeLeota » Oct Tue 25, 2011 7:38 pm

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! :D

Wizzard419
Pirates of the Caribbean Buccaneer
Pirates of the Caribbean Buccaneer
Posts: 5531
Joined: Sep Sat 04, 2010 1:44 pm
Location: Southern California

Re: Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

Post by Wizzard419 » Oct Tue 25, 2011 7:52 pm

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.

MadEye
Haunted Mansion Butler
Haunted Mansion Butler
Posts: 3685
Joined: Jun Sat 07, 2008 5:18 pm

Re: Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

Post by MadEye » Oct Tue 25, 2011 7:57 pm

Japan's Tokyo Dining has a pretty unimpeded view of World Showcase Lagoon.
We are all a little weird
And life's a little weird,
And when we find someone whose
Weirdness is compatible with ours,
We join up with them and fall in
Mutual weirdness and call it Love.”
― Dr. Seuss

Eames: Listen, if you're gonna perform INCEPTION, you need IMAGINATION.

CarolwoodPacific
Omnibus Driver
Omnibus Driver
Posts: 27
Joined: Sep Wed 09, 2009 1:01 pm

Re: Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

Post by CarolwoodPacific » Oct Wed 26, 2011 9:09 am

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.]

Jacca5660
Submarine Voyage Captain
Submarine Voyage Captain
Posts: 6842
Joined: Jun Sun 25, 2006 12:11 pm
Location: Chattanooga Tn
Contact:

Re: Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

Post by Jacca5660 » Oct Wed 26, 2011 10:47 am

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.
"Our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them" WED

"There's a fine prow on that steamer, let's climb aboard her!" Fireside

"You're off the map mateys..Here there be SeaMonsters!!"

The original "LICENSE MAYHEM MARAUDER!!ImageImage

Amy
Submarine Voyage Captain
Submarine Voyage Captain
Posts: 18543
Joined: Dec Wed 12, 2007 1:41 pm
Location: the flooded, flooded mitten

Re: Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

Post by Amy » Oct Wed 26, 2011 11:07 am

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.

Soarin08
Skyway Loader
Skyway Loader
Posts: 2486
Joined: Nov Fri 14, 2008 12:19 am
Location: Nashville, TN

Re: Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

Post by Soarin08 » Oct Wed 26, 2011 12:33 pm

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.
Image

MmeLeota
Pack Mules Wrangler
Pack Mules Wrangler
Posts: 5382
Joined: Apr Fri 17, 2009 11:30 pm
Location: The land of cheese and beer...

Re: Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

Post by MmeLeota » Oct Wed 26, 2011 4:53 pm

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.

Amy
Submarine Voyage Captain
Submarine Voyage Captain
Posts: 18543
Joined: Dec Wed 12, 2007 1:41 pm
Location: the flooded, flooded mitten

Re: Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

Post by Amy » Oct Wed 26, 2011 5:00 pm

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.

Wizzard419
Pirates of the Caribbean Buccaneer
Pirates of the Caribbean Buccaneer
Posts: 5531
Joined: Sep Sat 04, 2010 1:44 pm
Location: Southern California

Re: Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

Post by Wizzard419 » Oct Wed 26, 2011 5:08 pm

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.

Amy
Submarine Voyage Captain
Submarine Voyage Captain
Posts: 18543
Joined: Dec Wed 12, 2007 1:41 pm
Location: the flooded, flooded mitten

Re: Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

Post by Amy » Oct Wed 26, 2011 5:12 pm

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 :(

Soarin08
Skyway Loader
Skyway Loader
Posts: 2486
Joined: Nov Fri 14, 2008 12:19 am
Location: Nashville, TN

Re: Dining in World Showcase during Illuminations

Post by Soarin08 » Oct Thu 27, 2011 4:49 pm

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. :wink:
Image

Post Reply