Ohana Fireworks Viewing / Illuminations Dining

[nsclark45]

I'm heading to the parks in August with my family and wanted to know if you were able to request a window seat at Ohana's, to view the fireworks? I've been several times and absolutely love this restaurant. If so, what would be the best time to make a reservation (i.e. an hour before?)? I understand the fireworks schedule differs depending on what time of year you visit.

Additionally, I was wondering if there was a great restaurant to watch the illuminations from? In the past, I poorly planned our dining reservations and only briefly caught the tail end of illuminations.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. My apologies if this has already been covered in a previous post!

[parkhopping]

From what I understand, there is window seating at Ohana, but it is limited. IMO a better plan would be to schedule your ADR about 90 mins prior to the fireworks, then go down to the Poly beach to view them. They do pipe in the music, and it's very nice being on the beach

On Illuminations - the restaurant with the best view is Rose & Crown. They have several patio tables on the lagoon, and though it's not guaranteed you'll get one (you can request it), they have a special viewing area just for patrons of the restaurant who are seated inside. Best time to make a ressie is about an hour before the show - 8:30 during the holidays and 8 during the rest of the year. I will be trying this in a few weeks for the first time. Another option is La Hacienda; I have watched from inside this restaurant before and it was decent. However, window seating is somewhat limited, and you don't get the full effect of the booms/bursts above your head. They do allow you to walk out to the gazebo at La Cantina if you want to. Finally, I know Tokyo Dining has very limited window seating. Anyone can walk up to the balcony to view as well, though trees can block your sight if you're not in the right spot.

[Aaeolien]

Yeah I have read Rose and Crown is the place to be for illuminations dining. I am on the hunt for an ADR for 4th of July week in the 7:30 to 8pm timeframe. Didnt think about until just the other day. Hoping something pops up because that would be a great spot for sure.

[momto3gr8boys]

Originally Posted by Aaeolien

Yeah I have read Rose and Crown is the place to be for illuminations dining. I am on the hunt for an ADR for 4th of July week in the 7:30 to 8pm timeframe. Didnt think about until just the other day. Hoping something pops up because that would be a great spot for sure.

I did this way back in 2000 before it was very popular. I believe we got there much earlier than our ADR (I think it was a PS back then ) and requested an outside table. We waited a bit but were accommodated, and it was a great spot! I may try it again this summer.

[Aaeolien]

I am hoping tht we get lucky for this trip but not counting on it too much since it is 4th of July week. If we don't get it this time we will get it on the next trip.

[nsclark45]

Thanks for the info! I will definitely try out rose and crown

[CraigInPA]

This question should be a sticky.

'Ohana will not allow you to request a window seat to see Wishes. You'll get the first table available. There are very few tables where you can see Wishes, and even those are partially obstructed by plant growth. As mentioned, a better strategy would be to schedule your meal 90-120 minutes before Wishes, complete your meal, and then go to the Poly beach to watch the show from there.

Rose and Crown will not allow you to request a patio table to see Illuminations. You'll get the first table available. There are MANY patio tables at Rose and Crown, so chances are good you will get a seat outside. If you end up inside, you can go to an adjacent viewing area they have reserved for Rose and Crown patrons during Illuminations to watch the show.

[parkhopping]

Originally Posted by CraigInPA

This question should be a sticky.

'Ohana will not allow you to request a window seat to see Wishes. You'll get the first table available. There are very few tables where you can see Wishes, and even those are partially obstructed by plant growth. As mentioned, a better strategy would be to schedule your meal 90-120 minutes before Wishes, complete your meal, and then go to the Poly beach to watch the show from there.

Rose and Crown will not allow you to request a patio table to see Illuminations. You'll get the first table available. There are MANY patio tables at Rose and Crown, so chances are good you will get a seat outside. If you end up inside, you can go to an adjacent viewing area they have reserved for Rose and Crown patrons during Illuminations to watch the show.

As I mentioned in my first post, I'll be trying Illuminations dining at R&C in a couple of weeks for the first time, so I can't yet speak from experience. But many other DIS users have reported that you CAN request a patio table there. There is no guarantee that your request will be fulfilled, but you are welcome to ask and based on availability, they will accomodate you. I think it's safe to assume 'Ohana is the same way. Similarly, when I ate at BOG, we requested a specific dining room and were told they would accomodate us if possible. I believe this is the general policy of restaurants on property. It cannot hurt to ask.