Epcot,Illuminations & Dining

bouncer · #1 01-19-2008, 10:33 AM

I need some logistical help please...We are arriving on a Friday at about 5:30. By the time we get to Poly (via towncar w/ no checked luggage) we may need to grab a light dinner. So what are some of your recommendations for a light dinner/dessert with a good spot to catch Illuminations? My plan is to quickly get settled and head over to Epcot. Do you think we should get a ressie somewhere for a dessert? Timewise, how do you think that could work out-do you think we should go straight to a ressie or will we have time to catch an attraction or two first?

TIA

Jared · #2 01-19-2008, 10:39 AM

You probably will not have time to do anything at Epcot besides eat by the time you arrive. None of the restaurants, besides Rose & Crown Dining Room ins the United Kingdom pavilion offer views of IllumiNations, so I hope you weren't expecting to see the show during your meal.

How much do you care about securing a spot in advance? Because you can see the show from all around the lagoon, it's not always necessary to save a place to stand like you would for the Magic Kingdom nighttime festivities. Oftentimes, my family comes directly out of a restaurant or attraction as the first firework explodes.

I recommend making a reservation for your favorite World Showcase restaurant no later than 7:45 p.m. and enjoying dinner. If you just want dessert, you can even push the time back a little.

Good luck, and you should be fine. If your flight actually lands on time, you should be at your resort by 7 and at Epcot before 8. You might be pushing it a little, but I see no reason not to try.

bouncer · #3 01-19-2008, 10:44 AM

BTW-I haven't had too many ADRs in Epcot (BIergarten & Alfredo's). Who has the best desserts? Should we just grab something from the bakery in France and try to catch a nice spot near the lagoon? I am really confused....

Jared · #4 01-19-2008, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bouncer

BTW-I haven't had too many ADRs in Epcot (BIergarten & Alfredo's). Who has the best desserts? Should we just grab something from the bakery in France and try to catch a nice spot near the lagoon? I am really confused....

You could. It wouldn't be a bad idea.

It really depends on what you want. You'll almost definitely snag a better spot for IllumiNations if you skip the full service restaurant and just grab dessert one of the bakeries in France, Italy or Norway. But if you don't care and want a more traditional meal, you'll obviously have to make a reservation.

A lot of the World Showcase restaurants serve great desserts. I particularly like the selections at Les Chefs de France.

Good luck!

ElenitaB · #5 01-19-2008, 01:52 PM

Rather than try to rush and stress out (I know I would), how about plan a CS meal for your first evening? I'd grab something from either Yorkshire Country Fish Shop, Tangierine Cafe (one of their platters feeds two!) or Yakitori House (in Japan), and then follow it up with dessert from Boulangerie Patisserie or the kiosk located just outside Italy where they serve a kicking tiramisu. Those restaurants all put you in a great viewing area for IllumiNations. Another option would be to head over to the Cantina de San Angel and try to grab a lagoon-side table (though by the time you get there, they may all be taken).

By opting for counter service, you won't have to worry about getting to a restaurant on time, being served quickly, etc.

McGoofy · #6 01-19-2008, 02:02 PM

I agree with not creating stress by trying to make a reservation. I LOVE the pastry shop in France! I took that photo when we ate there last month. Off to the left, you can see that they also offer quiches and some other things that are not sweet desserts. The CS fish and chips in England (a short walk from the pastry shop) is also really good as well. Have fun whatever you decide!

bouncer · #7 01-20-2008, 10:05 AM

I do agree about the stress of an ADR. I only have one for this trip for that very reason. I don't want to do that to myself immediately upon arrival.

McGoofy, thank you for your picture of the french bakery. That looks like a must do.

ElenitaB, thanks for the reminder about the Tiramisu. That is one of my fave's!! Maybe we'll have to get a bunch of different treats to share.

One thing I love about Epcot is that you can grab something great to eat again and again and again.