4th or 5th fp+ possible for Illuminations and Fantasmic?

[TMJR]

We will be there from the 15th-29th, and want to hit all 3 nighttime shows. I know we won't be able to get a fp+ for Wishes, but do we have any chance of grabbing a 4th or 4th fp+ for Illuminations or Fantasmic? I have teens so headliners are important (that's where I used our fp+s for each day) but I was wondering about same day availability for the others.

Thanks!

 

[han22735]

I've heard fantasmic is regularly available but I'm not sure about illuminations.

 

[Robo]

do we have any chance of grabbing a 4th or 4th fp+ for Illuminations or Fantasmic?

IllumiNations: Unlikely.

Fantasmic!: Almost a guarantee you can get them on most days.

 

[tinka-belle]

The FP+ for Illuminations just gets you into the roped off area behind the stores at the Showcase entrance/Port of Entry area. Otherwise, there is good viewing all around the lake, pull up a spot approx. 30 minutes ahead. Places to avoid are: any down wind direction, you will get the smoke from the lower fireworks effects blowing your way: the more crowded areas near the FP+ viewing area as those crowds are a huge mob of people leaving the park after the show: any roped off handicap viewing area, there is one next to the UK restaurant, not sure of any others: and any spots with an obvious obstruction, there are a few areas semi-blocked by trees.

Our preference is the far end of World Showcase. True, you won't see the lights on the areas you are facing away during the segment where they light up some countries, but it makes for a leisurely walk out of Epcot after the show to walk around the Showcase and exit behind the larger crowd. We often spend a while in Mousegears to let the crowd thin out too. Would rather stroll and shop than wait in a huge line for a bus or monorail, or in traffic in the parking lot.

We tried a FP+ for the Illuminations viewing last year and were underwhelmed. Much more of a crowd for leaving the park, and the view, though unobstructed, wasn't any better than others we've had around the Showcase.

 

[Accident]

I wouldn't worry about trying to get a fast pass for Illuminations at all. It's hard to get a bad spot since it's the middle of the lake. the rest are fairly easy but I've never tried to get a pass for them, I just walk in.

 

[disnut8]

I wouldn't worry about trying to get a fast pass for Illuminations at all. It's hard to get a bad spot since it's the middle of the lake. the rest are fairly easy but I've never tried to get a pass for them, I just walk in.

Totally agree. The roped off area for the Fastpass just gets you are the front of World Showcase. Go back to between Germany and Morocco and you'll be fine. After the show, you can just stroll to the front, grab a bathroom break and ease your way out of the park.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I wouldn't worry about trying to get a fast pass for Illuminations at all. It's hard to get a bad spot since it's the middle of the lake. the rest are fairly easy but I've never tried to get a pass for them, I just walk in.

I would consider it a bad spot if you've got an island between you and the center of the lake.

I'm someone who does like being in the FP+ viewing areas. I've had the experience of having a spot staked out 30 minutes in advance, only to have someone come up at the last minute and push their child between my legs. Because I guess I was standing with a gap between them. So if I can be somewhere that's less crowded, I'm more comfortable.

 

[summerw]

If people had to guess, what time range do you think F! FPs are available until? If it's a two-show night, does getting them for the first run out fairly early?

 

[Robo]

1. If people had to guess, what time range do you think F! FPs are available until?

2. If it's a two-show night, does getting them for the first run out fairly early?

Assuming "average" attendance:

1. Late as an hour, give or take, before show-time.
2. There would even be a better chance of getting FP+ for the first show.

(Again, assuming "average" attendance.)

 

[summerw]

Assuming "average" attendance:

1. Late as an hour, give or take, before show-time.
2. There would even be a better chance of getting FP+ for the first show.

(Again, assuming "average" attendance.)

Sweet! Thanks! As always with prompt and specific answers.

 

[Aristocat97]

Just to add on, it might be worth looking for a 'desirable' spot, near the front of the World Showcase Lagoon if it's been awhile since you've seen the shows. Spots near the back of the Showcase provide great viewing for people who have seen it before, but I always find it more impressive at the front of the World Showcase. Try the Mexico bridge; it's got great views, doesn't fill up as fast, and provides relatively quick exit.

 

[disnut8]

I've had the experience of having a spot staked out 30 minutes in advance, only to have someone come up at the last minute and push their child between my legs. Because I guess I was standing with a gap between them. So if I can be somewhere that's less crowded, I'm more comfortable.

Yeah, most people have had that unfortunate experience and, as for me, at 5' tall, well there's not that much room and I have had that happen. I just turn around to the parents and ask, "do you really want you child to be sitting under what I've been walking around in all day?"