Hi James,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thank you for asking us a question!
If you really want to see
Happily Ever After the same day that you dine at
Cinderella’s Royal Table, I would highly recommend trying to move your reservation time around. Even if you eat extremely quickly and the restaurant isn’t running behind in terms of its seating time for reservations, you’re unlikely to be done with your meal until 7:50 pm. That won’t give you enough time to take the long way around to the front of Cinderella Castle in order to get a good view of the show’s projection elements. I even think that you’d be cutting it too close to be able to see the “back view” of the show (that is, the big fireworks only) from Fantasyland.
If you’re unable to move your reservation, I’d recommend trying to see Happily Ever After on another night. Don’t forget that availability often opens up in the days leading up to your visit to Magic Kingdom Park, so check back often!
As for the path you’ll take when you leave the restaurant in the hour or so leading up to and after the fireworks, you’ll be turning either to the right, walking past the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and curling back towards the “Hub” at the edge of Tomorrowland. You can also choose to turn left and head through Liberty Square and Frontierland to get back to the front of the Park.
Have a Magical Day,
Lynne