Question: Bruce McIntosh asks: My family and I are traveling to Disney World in August. We have only one day to spend at Epcot. What restaurant would you recommend to dine at and to see the fireworks?

Answer: AAA senior writer Nancy Woodard, a 10-year Walt Disney World annual passholder and frequent WDW visitor, says: Epcot has a number of wonderful dining experiences from which to choose. However, the Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room is the only restaurant that sits directly on World Showcase Lagoon offering an outstanding view of the evening IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks show that begins promptly at 9 p.m.

Rose and Crown, which is located in the United Kingdom pavilion, serves traditional English fare like bangers and mash, and fish and chips. To get the best view from this location, you will want to dine outdoors on the patio. You may not reserve an outdoor table, but you can request one at the podium when you check in at the restaurant. There's no guarantee that one will be available, so be sure to plan to eat at a time that creates the best opportunity. I've had success with a 7 p.m. reservation a couple of times. Make your dining reservation well in advance by calling 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463). You may call up to 90 days prior to your visit.

If English fare is not your cup of tea (pardon the pun) you can dine at one of the many other restaurants in the park. If you're through with dinner by 7:30 or 8 p.m. you'll still have ample time to find a good spot for viewing IllumiNations. There are several park benches all around World Showcase and plenty of good standing room vantage points.

Back at the Rose and Crown there is a lower patio behind the restaurant that's a great place to view IllumiNations. Alongside the restaurant is the Yorkshire County Fish Shop serving fish and chips to go. There's a small seating area there and just below that is the lower patio where you can get an outstanding view of the show. There are a few benches, but park guests tend to claim these early in the evening. If you don't mind standing, there is ample room. I strongly suggest getting to the patio around 8 p.m. and claiming a spot next to the benches along the rail. If you stand toward the middle or the back, there will be plenty of people who arrive late and they will block your view.

Another place you may consider is the Cantina de San Angel. Located in the Mexico pavilion, this is a counter service food area with a patio of tables along the lagoon. Menu items include burritos, tacos, nachos and taco salad. You will have a great view of IllumiNations from here, but this spot is more widely known and tends to get crowded. If you don't arrive early and claim a table on the rail, your view can get obstructed very quickly by a wave of not-so-courteous late-comers.

While you're in Epcot, be sure to go on the Soarin' ride. This is one of Walt Disney World's best attractions. It's located in the Land pavilion. I recommend that you make this your first stop of the day as it is very popular and the wait times can be quite long. To reduce your wait time, get a FASTPASS at the kiosk along the entrance to the attraction. The FASTPASS will give you a specified time to return later in the day. You will by-pass the long stand-by line and have just a nominal pre-boarding wait time. It will be well worth it!