Illuminations and dinner

[Toe Picks]

I am taking my parents to Epcot. They have never been to Disney before. We can only do one park and they would like to see Epcot. I would like to take them out for supper at one of the countries and see Illuminations. Is there a restaurant we could go to, eat and stay to watch the show? They are in their mid 70's. Mom is recovering from Cemo, and my Dad has a bad knee so they can't really stand around for a really long period of time. Getting a wheelchair or scooter is not an option; Dad would never go for it!
Any recomendations for watching the show. Any time I have gone, we just find a spot and wait. Since this is their first, and possibly their last (I doubt I will be able to convince them to go again) visit; I would like to make it memorable.

 

[sarabi]

Try the Rose and Crown. Ask for a seat on the deck. They can't always accomodate you, but if the fireworks start, you can always go out to the deck to view them too. Great view.

 

[hpyhnt 1000]

For dinner and a show in the true and best sense of the phrase, the Rose and Crown in the UK would be you best bet. You can get outdoor seating right along the lagoon, which will give you an excellent viewing location and allow you to eat at the same time. However, there is no guarantee you'll be right up against the lagoon, even with a reservation, so there is some luck involved. Even if you aren't right against the lagoon, the restaurant is situated that you could leave your seat and watch the show without leaving the restaurant itself.

While Rose and Crown is best for what you want, there are a few more options:

• The restaurant in Japan (Tappen Edo, or whatever its called these days) on the second floor of the pavilion can provide a nice view of the show. However, the restaurant seating is not located right next to the lagoon, so you would have to leave your seat and go to the balcony if you wanted to see the show.
• Bistro de Paris, located above Les Chefs de France, is another option, though a much more expensive one. There are windows that let you see out on the lagoon. However, you would be back quite a ways from the show, and the viewing area is limited. Les Chefs de France on the lower level does open to the lagoon, but again, views are very limited, even if you're right against the windows.
• Finally, its not sit down, but La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico does have seating along the lagoon, and is a great place to watch the show. However, for what you want to do, I don't think counter service Mexican food is what you're after. :lol:

Those round out your options. Again, Rose and Crown is your best bet; just be aware that there is no guarantee you're table will be right against the lagoon. Still, you would be able to treat your parents to dinner and fireworks. Hope this helped, and have a great trip! :wave:

 

[jen2009]

The Rose and Crwon has the best view. Just ask for a spot on the patio and you should see them fine. If not over by France there are benches along the fence line by the water. There is also good seats at the restaurant located along the water in Mexico. Hope this helps.

P.S. I would try Rose and Crown first and formost. Good Luck!

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

EPCOT restaurants (The Rose and Crown especially) will not reserve or guarantee an outside table / lagoon view. Having made your reservation you will be seated at the next table that becomes available that will accomodate the size of your party.

As has been said - The Rose and Crown allows inside diners to exit onto the patio prior to Illumantions to stand and watch

 

[frankd1962]

I did the Rose & Crown last year and it was a great view. I do suggest that you make reservation 180 days out from your trip (especially if you're staying on property) and ask for the 8pm seating. Usually the fireworks start around 9-9:30pm so you should have the main course done then they'll serve dessert after the show.

 

[pacochran]

I've heard the Rose and Crown. We'll find out this year as we have late dinner reservations for there on the night we are at Epcot, and hope to get a terrace table.

 

[Toe Picks]

Thanks everyone. It sounds like we are going to try the Rose and Crown! :wave: