Hi Angela! I'd much rather view the fireworks while sitting at my dinner table than standing in the midst of a crowd, and thankfully there are a few restaurants in Epcot where you can view Illuminations while you dine. The
best spot to have a table-service meal while watching Illuminations is the Rose & Crown, where a portion of the tables are on an outside patio with a view of the World Showcase lagoon. The outdoor tables are in high demand, and unfortunately you aren't guaranteed to get one. The best way to snag one of the coveted patio tables is to make your reservation one and a half
hours before Illuminations. When you arrive at the Rose & Crown, tell the
castmember that you'd like to have an outside table so you can view the
fireworks during your meal, and be willing to wait a bit for a table. If you
aren't seated on the patio, you can still walk outside to the patio to view
Illuminations during your meal.
La
Hacienda de San Angel in the Mexico pavilion has huge windows overlooking the World Showcase lagoon and
has a nice view of Illuminations if you're seated at one of those window-side
tables. You can make advance reservations here, but like Rose & Crown,
you're not guaranteed a table with a view, so arrive early and make a request
for one. (Between La Hacienda and Rose & Crown, I personally prefer the view and the food at Rose & Crown.)
There is an International Dinner & Illuminations Dessert Reception for Grand Gatherings, which are groups of 8 or more guests. The dinner is actually inside, but you are escorted to an Illuminations viewing area where you can stand and watch the fireworks while eating desserts. You could join with another family traveling at the same time as you to have a group large enough to participate, but I think you'll find that the restaurants above offer great views of the fireworks at a more affordable price than this special event.
Have a magical vacation!