Pies and Plots

Writing Never Tasted So Sweet

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Books

Illume-inate the Orlando Skyline

March 22, 2022

Share
Pin6
Tweet
Email
Print
6Shares

When you think of Orlando you probably think of Disney World (and maybe Universal).  And when you think of Disney World a couple things probably come to mind right away, and the nighttime fireworks are likely one of those things.

If you are in the Parks, there are all kinds of places to see the spectaculars that light up the sky.  If you aren’t in the Parks, or just want to escape the crowds, it’s a little more complicated.  Capa, atop the Four Seasons, is a go-to destination for great food and drink, stunning views of the area and skyline, and a wonderful perch to see the fireworks.

However, Illume at the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek is making it’s mark on the rooftop firework viewing scene.

I recently visited for the first time, and noticed they are stepping up their game with more waitstaff to ensure a seamless experience, food specials, and a better stocked bar.  The food menu is relatively small and mostly Asian inspired with sushi featured heavily.  I do hope they continue to expand food options but the beautiful sushi rolls are always a hit, as are the shrimp tempura and soup, though it’s not exactly easy to eat soup in a lounge setting, such as all the outdoor seating at Illume.

Their signature cocktails are quite tasty, in particular the Magritte’s Pipe, prepared tableside.  But they also make a mean spicy margarita.

Though the inside is definitely gorgeous and has nice views, you definitely want to sit outside.  The sweeping ninth floor deck allows you to catch glimpses of Orlando from all angles.  You can spot Disney buildings, with the Epcot ball as an anchor in the sky, Disney Springs, including the balloon, as well as many other Orlando landmarks such as the rides at Icon Park.

The sunset views are pretty unreal as well.  It’s such a pleasure to watch as the sun goes down and the sky changes colors.  You can see stars and sometimes the moon, depending on where and when it’s rising and setting and its phase.  The place is so open and the view is far more expansive than Capa, which is one of the best reasons to visit Illume.

When it’s time for the fireworks, they aren’t as close as at Capa, but they are still magical and worth watching.  Right now, both Epcot and Magic Kingdom are at 9 pm, so they appear next to each other from Illume, though not from Capa.  This was an incredibly cool and unique experience to be able to see both shows at the same time.

Whether you are visiting Orlando or are a local, Illume is a must visit for a classy, chill night out, with views that are beyond compare.  I’ve had three awesome evenings there, and I look forward to many more.

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: disney, fireworks, orlando, rooftop

Don’t Miss a Bite!

« Big Skirts and Blue Shirts #FashionFriday
Caramel and Almond Stuffed Molasses Cookie Pie »

Comments

  1. Debbie Eccard says

    March 23, 2022 at 10:12 am

    Love a JW experience. And love Asian food especially sushi! Lovely views. Sounds like a wonderful time.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 5, 2022 at 4:48 pm

      Yes, you would love the food, and of course the view, there.

      Reply
  2. John / Kitchen Riffs says

    March 23, 2022 at 10:16 am

    Sounds like a great place! That bird glass is really fun. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 5, 2022 at 4:48 pm

      I agree – unique glassware is always a favorite.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome to Pies and Plots. I’m Laura Dembowski, writer, baker, and fashionista sharing recipes, reviews, and tips to inspire you to enjoy life both inside and outside the kitchen.
…Read More

Don’t Miss a Bite!

my foodgawker gallery
TODAY.com Parenting Team FC Contributor

The Latest

Categories

piesandplots

Fashion 👡 👗Florida ☀️🌴 Fiction 🖋📚 Food 🎂🥩
Cause of Death is available now! 🥳
#ootdshare #floridavibes #amwriting #bakersofinstagram

Laura Dembowski
Merry Christmas from my family to yours 🎄 ⛄️❤💚❤

#merrychristmas #christmasvibes #christmastree #christmasdecorations #christmastime #christmasfashion #holidayseason #holidayvibes #holidayspirit #holidayfashion #familytime #familyphotography #familygoals #familyisforever #rcmemories #ritzcarlton #ritzcarltonorlando #ootdshare #ootdfashion #strikeapose #model #floridaholiday #floridachristmas #orlandoinfluencer #orlandofl #thecitybeautiful #tistheseason #tisthedamnseason #blondehairdontcare #lookgoodfeelgood
I'm loving wearing metallics this holiday season 💖💖💖 They bring that Christmas vibe but in a more sophisticated, subtle way. The details for this outfit are on the blog, and I'll have a new post with more gold and silver tomorrow ✨️ 💛 

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #fashiondiaries #fashionista #fashionnova #fashionstyle #ootdshare #christmasvibes #christmastime #christmasfashion #holidayvibes #holidayseason #holidayspirit #metallicdress #golddress #oscardelarenta #blondehairdontcare #cheerstolife #cheersyall #redlipclassic #redlips #floridaholiday #orlandoinfluencer #orlandofl #floridagirl #thecitybeautiful #rcmemories #ritzcarltonorlando #ritzcarlton #happygirl
Currently craving a giant slice of this Espresso V Currently craving a giant slice of this Espresso Vanilla Bean Tiramisu Cake. Then again, when am I not craving it??? This cake has all the flavors of tiramisu and is covered in a drippy glaze that packs a second kick of coffee. So that means it's totally acceptable to eat this for breakfast, right??? ☕😋

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #cakecakecake #tiramisu #tiramisucake #imsomartha #thebakefeed #feedfeed #thekitchn #buzzfeedfood #huffposttaste #todayfood #yahoofood #bonappetit #cakeforbreakfast #breakfastofchampions #grainfree #christmasvibes #christmascake #christmasrecipe #comfortfood #butfirstcoffee #halfbakedharvest #coffeerecipes #coffeecake #glutenfree #vanillabean #tiramisurecipe #holidayrecipe
Champagne and caviar are a classic flavor combinat Champagne and caviar are a classic flavor combination, but they make a pretty awesome and festive fashion combination too. Navy and black dresses, paired with metallic accessories is an elegant yet updated holiday look. These outfit details are on the blog right now! 🥂

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #ootdshare #festivefashion #christmasoutfit #champagneandcaviar #holidayoutfit #christmasvibes #holidayvibes #fashioninspo #styleinspo #lookgoodfeelgood #festiveseason #metallicdress #lbd #lacedress #ladydiorbag #dressup #strikeapose #model #floridachristmas #floridaholidays #sunsetvibes #smize #thecitybeautiful #orlandoinfluencer #blondehairdontcare #cheersyall #merrychristmas
Cookie baking season is upon us 😋 While the cla Cookie baking season is upon us 😋 While the classics are always nice, it can be a lot of fun to play around with new flavor combinations like the ones in these Tahini Cookies studded with crunchy almonds and chewy raisins. Think of them like a peanut butter cookie's more sophisticated older sister 😎 And head over to the blog to snag the recipe 🍪

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #cookiemonster #cookiesofinstagram #cookiestagram #healthycookies #cookiesforbreakfast #tahinicookies #tahinirecipe #tahini #cookieseason #christmascookies #imsomartha #f52grams #foodgawker #huffposttaste #buzzfeedfood #todayfood #yahoofood #bonapetit #cookierecipe #paleocookies #christmasbaking #ambaking #holidaybaking #breakfastcookies #foodfluencer #uniquecookies #almondcookie
Ready to wear all the cozy clothes and festive col Ready to wear all the cozy clothes and festive colors 🎄💚

The details for this outfit are on the blog!

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #ootdshare #ootdfashion #fashionstyle #styleinspo #christmasoutfit #christmasvibes #holidayvibes #sweaterweather #cozyclothes #floridachristmas #floridaholiday #lookgoodfeeltgood #strikeapose #model #orlandoinfluencer #orlandofl #thecitybeautiful #blondehairdontcare #denimskirt #chunkysweater #smize #happygirl #positivevibes #inthespirit #tistheseason #tisthedamnseason #downtownorlando
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Pies and Plots · Web Design by Viva la Violet