Best day for illuminations

[LauraR]

I'm going on my first trip to Disneyworld in 30 years this December (6-13). My DH and 2 DS's (7 and 8) will be with me. We're planning to do Epcot in the afternoons and evenings, on Sunday, Monday, Wed., and Friday. I've planned a P.S. at the Garden Grille for the Ice Cream Social on Sunday afternoon (3pm), but that's all. I know everything is very spread out, so I'm worried about exhausting the boys by staying for Illuminations at 9 pm. I'm wondering which day would be the least crowded, and how late in the day to show up. We'll be doing the other parks in the mornings, and probably taking a break in the early afternoons to relax. If anyone has any experience in this area, their input would be much appreciated!

 

[Bete]

I have to believe the weekday is better for all the obvious reasons.

The only exceptions would be if MVMCP is on your Sunday or Friday then maybe Epcot would be less crowded on those nights because everyone else is doing MK. Also, I would try to avoid a night that the Candlelight Processional is on if that's possible.

If you want a front row seat I feel you have to allow an hour for a good spot and wait it out. If you want the best seats in the house then 1-1/2 hours maybe necessary.

 

[jann1033]

if what some other posters have said is true I wouldn't go Weds. since that is the only ee day for epcot...since you are going evenings anyway why not shoot for Monday and then if everyone is too tired go for one of the ohers days. we have often just gone to epcot just to watch illuminations so you could maybe go back after dinner(not sure where you are staying or what kind of tickets you have, just make sure you get your hand stamped) and a rest

 

[MrsMud]

The only exceptions would be if MVMCP is on your Sunday or Friday then maybe Epcot would be less crowded on those nights because everyone else is doing MK.

Wow, I never thought of that. We have Epcot planned for Sat. of Columbus Day weekend. I know it will be busy, but we are only going for TT, MS, HISTA and Illuminations. I wonder if I should switch to Fri as it is a MNSSHP at MK.

 

[LauraR]

Thanks for the input Bete and jann! I hadn't even thought about how MVMCP might draw more people to MK; that's a good thing to keep in mind. I guess I'll try coming to Epcot on Monday around dinnertime, have something to eat and do a few rides then see if the kids are up for Illuminations at 9. If that doesn't work I'll try coming back a little later in the evening on Friday since that is a MVMCP night. We'll be leaving early the next morning, so they can always sleep on the plane!

 

[jdads2]

Welcome to the DIS!
That time of year is traditionally less crowded. That being said the term "crowded" is a relative term. If you wer to go during Easter I'm willing to bet that no amount of people would make EPCOT look crowded to you.

We have made illuminations a first night WDW vacation tradition. WE have been going there on our first night for every trip and we ussually start our day between 4:30 am and 5:00am. My kids were 11, 8 and 5 for our first trip and we found that they were running on adreniline and never got tired until the moment they hit their pillows at about midnight or 1:00am.

I would find a place were you can sit and enjoy the show. This will mean getting to a seat early, maybe an hour or 90 minutes ahead of the show. Get some souvineers for the kids so they can play while your waiting. Ice always works for me!

Have fun and take your time walking out. We always felt it was more fun to goof off on the way out than to rush and wait in traffic either in the parking lots or the monorail.

 

[tjkraz]

I've been there on a Sunday night and would do it again in a heartbeat. Sundays can be crowded in the parks because of the locals (AP holders) that visit on the weekends. But by Sunday night I believe things have cleared-out considerably.

That time of year you should have no problem getting to Epcot an hour before the show, wandering around a bit, and then getting a great view of the show. I guess if you want "front row", you'll have to stake out a spot a bit earlier, but most of the show is in the sky. The effects on the water are visible from many different vantage points.