Best Illuminations Spot

[Cjtigger]

Meeting up with some friends for Illuminations. Where is the best spot to meet and see the show?

 

[Robo]

There are so many places to view IllumiNations at Epcot's World Showcase

that are wonderful in each of its own way that its futile to try to list them... so I will.



• Bridge between UK and France

• Norway area

• Upper level (outside front terrace) of the Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan

• Italy, near the Gondolas

• Mexico, at the new Cantina

• Mexico, bridge to the right of the Cantina (as you face the lagoon.)

• UK, the Rose & Crown outdoor dining area (ressies required.)

• UK, just to the left of the Rose & Crown (as you face the lagoon.)

• Many, many more great spots.



Be sure to avoid any tree branches that block your overhead view,

and watch out for any "islands" in the water

that block your view of the "center" of the lagoon.



On a busy evening, arrive at your chosen spot 45-60 min. before show time.



Most Important Tip:

Don't stand down-wind of the fireworks.

Their SMOKE will ruin the show.

So, If the wind is blowing into your face as you look towards the Lagoon, you are in the wrong spot.



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[DVCcurious]

You have to be careful of the trees around the lagoon and the trees on the islands in the lagoon. They will block your view.

Frankly I think they should cut the trees down to open up more good viewing spots.

Now don't go responding that dvccurious hates trees. If they cut down 20 in World Showcase they should plant 30 somewhere else on property. This is an issue about limited viewing options and an easy way for Disney to fix it.

 

[kelliejason]

Our favorite place is at the Rose and Crown Pub. Snag a late ADR shortly before the start of Illuminations and get an outside table facing the water.

 

[Robo]

Our favorite place is at the Rose and Crown Pub. Snag a late ADR shortly before the start of Illuminations and get an outside table facing the water.

As though that was something that was easy to book.

 

[NH-to-FL]

We like the bridge between UK and France. #7 on Rob's map above. But that tradition started when we were staying at the Boardwalk so the bridge was a quick exit out the International Gateway.

I also want to reinforce Rob's most important point: Check the wind direction and find a place upwind of the fireworks.

 

[ucfknight]

If you think you've found the perfect spot, stand there and look directly at the center of the lagoon. If the wind is hitting you in the face, it is NOT the perfect spot.

 

[Klayfish]

Besides the potential for smoke, it's harder to find a bad spot than a good one. Viewing it is very easy from almost anywhere in the WS. That's one thing I love about it.

 

[Tigger's ally]

As a happily married man, my answer is - anywhere there is a seat next to my wife of 32 years!

 

[kelliejason]

As though that was something that was easy to book.

I know.

 

[Stasieki]

All these years I have been going and enjoying Illuminations and never once thought to think about the wind direction

 

[Spencer Wright]

I would highly discourage anything between Japan and France. Essentially the entire view is obscured by trees and islands.

 

[DisneyBoundYrly]

I like the bridge also but it can get a bit 'testy' at times if you don't lock down your location pretty good

 

[need2travel]

We like the bridge between England & France but we also stay at the BWI so it helps us make a quick getaway after the show.

 

[CounselorX]

The view of high fireworks may be slightly blocked, but I love getting some food and a seat next to the water at the Mexican quick service restaurant. Preferably nachos because they take forever to eat