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Old 06-28-2011, 03:52 PM   #1
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Other locations for Illuminations

I really wanted to make ADR's for one of the two nights that we will be at EPCOT to watch Illuminations. My goal of course was Rose & Crown. But I can see - so is everyone else!! :-)

So - can anyone please suggest another location around the world for us? Is the San Angel on the lagoon a good location?

Thank you!
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Old 06-28-2011, 03:58 PM   #2
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I haven't had much luck obtaining reservations myself, but I hear the views from La Hacienda and Tokyo Dining are very good! I'm sure there are others that we haven't tried yet, though.
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Old 06-28-2011, 04:59 PM   #3
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We ate at La Hacienda in March. Unfortunately, we weren't seated at one of the tables near the windows so it was hard to see most of the show. I know that I've read that others have said that people who didn't have a good view were standing closer to the windows when they were there, but that wasn't the case the night we were there, so I didn't do it. We did eat at Tokyo Dining for the first time in March also but at lunchtime. We were seated at a table next to the window and DH and I were commenting on what a great view of Illuminations you would have from there. Good luck and enjoy Illuminations. It's my favorite of the night time shows.
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Old 06-28-2011, 06:20 PM   #4
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La Hacienda has a great view (if you get one of the window tables...or move to one when Illuminations begins). The view is great.

Just an additional note...we did not love the food at Hacienda (just loved the view).
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Old 06-29-2011, 01:52 AM   #5
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I would guess that there are great views from La Hacienda of IllumiNations, but there are only a few tables with that view. Ditto the situation with Tokyo Dining and I would guess that your view would be limited, as people can stand outside to watch it.
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Old 06-29-2011, 02:59 AM   #6
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My favorite place to watch Illuminations is across from the margarita stand in Mexico!
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Old 06-29-2011, 08:18 AM   #7
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Thank you for the responses. I did book at Tokyo Dining for one night and then La Hacienda for the other night. I will keep trying daily for Rose & Crown in hopes that someone changes their plans.

Thanks for the advice! I am so excited! 104 more days!!!
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Old 06-29-2011, 10:08 AM   #8
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We've eaten at La Hacienda twice now... once during Thanksgiving week and once again the week after Easter, loved it both times. It's just DH and I and we were seated first at a two seater that's part of one long booth on one side, and then chairs on the other. There was a party of 4 to my right, and then the window. It was a great way to watch the fireworks....

The second time we were seated at a two seater table further back in the restaurant, right beside the window. You are so close to the show from those windows!! Both times we were there were busy park times, but it seemed the restaurant had half cleared out by the time the show started, and those that were left moved around to watch.....
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Old 06-29-2011, 10:21 AM   #9
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I'll let you know what my opinion of La Hacienda is when I return from our trip in mid-August.
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Old 06-29-2011, 12:23 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by thinkpink View Post
La Hacienda has a great view (if you get one of the window tables...or move to one when Illuminations begins). The view is great.

Just an additional note...we did not love the food at Hacienda (just loved the view).
Ditto for us. The food here was ok, but not great. However, we had a late ADR on Valentine's Day and there was one table between us and the window. We had a great view of IllumiNations.

I've also seen it from Nine Dragons, but the view is not spectacular.
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Old 06-29-2011, 12:44 PM   #11
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A caveat - the food at La Hacienda is not very good
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Old 06-29-2011, 01:09 PM   #12
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I see we're still in the minority for liking the food there..
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