View Full Version : View of Illuminations
OfftoDisney2009
12-29-2008, 05:03 PM
I'm debating whether to make an ADR for Rose and Crown or San Angel Inn. I want to be able to sit there after dinner and watch Illuminations. Which is the best for that? And what time should I make the ADR for? We're going over Easter break so the crowds will be heavy.
TIA
monoman
12-29-2008, 06:06 PM
Rose and Crown is right on the lagoon, San Angel Inn is not on the lagoon. We ate there once and got a lagoon view, and it was spectacular. The view was just amazing! I would suggest it for an Illuminations dinner.
I would try to make the reservation a little later, about 8 or 8:15. Try to base it around at what point in the meal you would like to see it, towards the beginning, middle, or end. I would give about an hour, though.
OfftoDisney2009
12-29-2008, 07:17 PM
Thanks,
Can I request a lagoon view at Rose and Crown? If I can't, and I'm not lucky enough to get a lagoon view, can we go close by outside and watch Illuminations? Thanks again :-)
Wendi
12-29-2008, 07:38 PM
San Angel Inn does not have windows or any outdoor seating, so it wouldn't be a good choice for Illuminations unless you want to eat first and then go out to see the show.
monoman
12-29-2008, 07:52 PM
When you call to make a reservation, ask if you can request a lagoon view when you eat there. I dont know how accommodating they can be with this in a restaurant, but its worth a shot. If not, there are only like 3 tables I know of that dont have a lagoon view, and if you have the misfortune of getting those tables, Im sure you could just get up from your table and stand to watch the performance. There is also an outdoor eating area you could watch it from.
Anywho, the food there is great and I know you will have a wonderful meal!
~
TinaMouse
12-29-2008, 08:13 PM
They won't guarantee anything, even when you're standing right there at the podium checking in. Just make the request and hope for the best. The best view of Illuminations I've EVER seen was from the Rose and Crown.
OfftoDisney2009
12-30-2008, 05:37 AM
Thanks again all, the Rose and Crown it is then. I can't wait, though it's still 3 months away :-)
monoman
12-30-2008, 09:57 AM
Sounds great! Hope your stoked to go!
danyoung
12-31-2008, 08:07 AM
Even if you find yourself with a lousy view, you can still take a break in your meal and go outside. There's a standing section that has terrific views (this used to be open to the public, but now it's reserved for private parties and for those dining at the R&C).
I still prefer my perfect location - right in front of the Canada pavilion, just across from the main stairs. It looks like it would be blocked with trees, but it's actually the perfect location to see almost all of the show. It's never overly full - you can get a great spot with only a couple of people in front of you. And you don't have to stake out your spot an hour early. I usually roll in around 15 minutes before showtime and get a great spot with no effort.
OregonMom
01-02-2009, 04:34 PM
I think the original post was confusing Cantina de San Angel (counter service place, and traditionally a good spot to watch Illuminations) with the table service restaurant San Angel Inn, which doesn't have a view of Illuminations. But since you can't make a reservation at Cantina de San Angel, if you don't want to take your chances, Rose and Crown Dining Room is probably the best bet.
OfftoDisney2009
01-03-2009, 06:20 PM
You're right Oregonmom. I thought the Cantina was just an outside part of San Angel Inn. We'll probably go with Rose and Crown, though we would save money be eating at a counter service place instead.
eyenjeff
01-04-2009, 12:44 PM
We ate at Rose and Crown during our last visit, and it was really good with good service. I wish we had eaten later to take advantage of the illuminations veiw, but we were on the Candlelight Processional plan and had an 8:15 show at the CP. Made it hard for viewing Illuminiations. Next visit we will do better planning for sure! It will be me and my husband so we are way more flexible with our plans. Enjoy Rose and Crown!
mkraemer
01-04-2009, 06:55 PM
We were at Walt Disney World the week before Thanksgiving, and it was not terribly crowded BUT there were no walk-up guests being seated at the Rose & Crown the night that we had our reservation (moral of the story: make your advance dining reservation!).
We booked for 7:00, to give us a leisurely time to eat and then see Illuminations. We had a party of six, and when we checked in and requested a lagoon view, we had to wait for about a half hour. Then, we were seated on the side of the patio and it was very cold that evening (which my 88-year-old dad couldn't stand through dinner), so we requested to be moved inside (another half-hour wait). We ate dinner (not as leisurely as we'd originally thought), and with a really generous tip to the exceptional server, we found ourselves outside the restaurant, at a table right by the lagoon before the start of the show, with a heat lamp blazing away...and it was perfect. A splendid Disney moment. :)
eyenjeff
01-04-2009, 07:14 PM
We were at Walt Disney World the week before Thanksgiving, and it was not terribly crowded BUT there were no walk-up guests being seated at the Rose & Crown the night that we had our reservation (moral of the story: make your advance dining reservation!).
We booked for 7:00, to give us a leisurely time to eat and then see Illuminations. We had a party of six, and when we checked in and requested a lagoon view, we had to wait for about a half hour. Then, we were seated on the side of the patio and it was very cold that evening (which my 88-year-old dad couldn't stand through dinner), so we requested to be moved inside (another half-hour wait). We ate dinner (not as leisurely as we'd originally thought), and with a really generous tip to the exceptional server, we found ourselves outside the restaurant, at a table right by the lagoon before the start of the show, with a heat lamp blazing away...and it was perfect. A splendid Disney moment. :)
What a great Magical Moment!!