Best place to sit/relax and view Illuminations?

[ErinsMommy]

Not opposed to a dessert party but I heard its standing only and the restaurants that offer views dont really interest us. TIA.

 

[ekendall2]

I enjoy sitting at a bench right next to the margarita stand in mexico.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

There are two places that I watch depending on the wind direction. My parents have always loved the bridge between the UK and France, but I have found over the holidays that is the usual wind direction so not great. I have come to love the spot just past Germany on the opposite side of Italy where there are some benches and railings. That is a great little spot that usually doesn't fill up until 10 minutes before illuminations.

 

[LisaCM614]

My very favorite spot to sit and watch Illuminations is on an Illuminations Cruise! It was wonderful - a special treat to be sure but just perfect viewing.
We met our captain at the marina at the Yacht Club,we went around Crescent Lake - watched the finale of Fantasmic! from the back side and then got in place at Epcot for Illuminations.
There were snacks and treats on board, I also ordered a cake and we ate it while watching the fireworks!
Highly recommend it.

 

[W.E.D.]

There are two places that I watch depending on the wind direction. My parents have always loved the bridge between the UK and France, but I have found over the holidays that is the usual wind direction so not great. I have come to love the spot just past Germany on the opposite side of Italy where there are some benches and railings. That is a great little spot that usually doesn't fill up until 10 minutes before illuminations.

This!
We discovered this last trip. We walked out of the Germany pavillion at about 8:50 and there was NO ONE in this area. We couldn't believe we walked right up to the railing.
You could also try the area sort of behind the Fish n' Chips in the UK. There are benches right down by the water, but grab them early!

 

[Kirk]

My very favorite spot to sit and watch Illuminations is on an Illuminations Cruise! It was wonderful - a special treat to be sure but just perfect viewing.
We met our captain at the marina at the Yacht Club,we went around Crescent Lake - watched the finale of Fantasmic! from the back side and then got in place at Epcot for Illuminations.
There were snacks and treats on board, I also ordered a cake and we ate it while watching the fireworks!
Highly recommend it.

Agree! We're doing this again next month and have extra seats we may share (haven't decided yet). The first time we did this we shared the adventure with a fellow DISer, Great Time!

 

[lustergirl]

I enjoy sitting at a bench right next to the margarita stand in mexico.

Yes. Best spot in the house.

 

[disnut8]

If you want to sit/relax and watch Illuminations there are a couple of things to remember. One - going to the back of World Showcase will give you more options. Two - just because you are sitting and have a good view even ten minutes before the start of Illuminations but there is empty space at the railing doesn't mean you will have a totally clear view of the entire show. There will be people who come up at the start of the show and move in front of you, no matter where your seats are.

My advice (I am an Illuminations lover) is to go to the back of the World Showcase, find a bench to sit on before the show, enjoy yourselves and then, before the show starts, stand up and move to the railing. I don't like to stand either but I find watching the show is fine as long as I'm at the railing. A good place to sit while waiting is the fountain in America. Also, the Liberty Inn outside seating. Then, just move either way about ten minutes before the show and find a spot along the railing.

 

[ErinsMommy]

thank you all =)

 

[ErinsMommy]

My very favorite spot to sit and watch Illuminations is on an Illuminations Cruise! It was wonderful - a special treat to be sure but just perfect viewing.
We met our captain at the marina at the Yacht Club,we went around Crescent Lake - watched the finale of Fantasmic! from the back side and then got in place at Epcot for Illuminations.
There were snacks and treats on board, I also ordered a cake and we ate it while watching the fireworks!
Highly recommend it.

I liked ths idea, but for 3 people it seemed a bit much and $350+ was on the steep side.

 

[LisaCM614]

I liked ths idea, but for 3 people it seemed a bit much and $350+ was on the steep side.

Agreed. You might need to find some friends or DIS friends to split the cost. We were a party of 7 and with the kids being considered adults it was a fine alternative to the dessert party.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I agree that no matter where you sit, someone may come up in front of you. Especially if you have a stroller.

So here's our solution. We don't bother trying to arrive more than 10min early.

The easy way I've found to guarantee a view and a seat is to just sit on the opposite side of the pathway, any place where trees don't obscure your view and you aren't downwind.

The trouble with being on the backside, is the aftermath. If you are staying at the resorts that way: BC/YC/Bwk/Swan/Dolphin- you're good. If you need a bus or monorail - not so good. With monorail down, you could easily be looking an well over an hour wait to get to your resort after the show.

One option I've liked is getting a treat at the Norway Bakery, then sitting on the curb in that area. I never have trouble finding a seat, and the view is rather good most of the time. Very few people walk by during the show, and even if they do, most the show is overhead.

But then I've seen the show so many times, sometimes we just beat the rush and leave mid-show.

 

[DrivenByDisney]

My favourite spot is on the patio area to the left of the Rose & Crown. A lot of people tend to think this is seating for the restaurant, but it is not. There is not much seating (maybe 25-30 people) and it will fill up closer to show time. Also, the tables do not move only the chairs. Which is OK by me since people will not just move tables around to accommodate their selves. Plus, there are restrooms right in the Rose & Crown or the ones right behind you to the right of the first shop in the UK.

Another good thing about people thinking it is a part of the restaurant is they are hesitant to come over to see what is going on. Very rare have I seen anyone come to this location and stand near the tables where we are sitting. They all crowd near and on the ramp leading down to this area.

You can see the entire show unobstructed and it's nice to grab a few pints, some fish & chips and just relax. We've met some really great people there and ended up talking Disney, life, etc. Really my favourite spot to watch Illuminations from.

Shot of me there this past Tuesday evening. You can see the entire lagoon and the globe and water effects are pretty much dead in front of you here.

 

[jsrj21]

My favourite spot is on the patio area to the left of the Rose & Crown. A lot of people tend to think this is seating for the restaurant, but it is not. There is not much seating (maybe 25-30 people) and it will fill up closer to show time. Also, the tables do not move only the chairs. Which is OK by me since people will not just move tables around to accommodate their selves. Plus, there are restrooms right in the Rose & Crown or the ones right behind you to the right of the first shop in the UK.

Another good thing about people thinking it is a part of the restaurant is they are hesitant to come over to see what is going on. Very rare have I seen anyone come to this location and stand near the tables where we are sitting. They all crowd near and on the ramp leading down to this area.

You can see the entire show unobstructed and it's nice to grab a few pints, some fish & chips and just relax. We've met some really great people there and ended up talking Disney, life, etc. Really my favourite spot to watch Illuminations from.

Shot of me there this past Tuesday evening. You can see the entire lagoon and the globe and water effects are pretty much dead in front of you here.

Thanks a ton Eddie! Seems like a nice spot. My family and I will be there on August 15th having my fish and chips!

 

[wdwobsessed]

My favourite spot is on the patio area to the left of the Rose & Crown. A lot of people tend to think this is seating for the restaurant, but it is not. There is not much seating (maybe 25-30 people) and it will fill up closer to show time. Also, the tables do not move only the chairs. Which is OK by me since people will not just move tables around to accommodate their selves. Plus, there are restrooms right in the Rose & Crown or the ones right behind you to the right of the first shop in the UK.

Looks like a great spot! What time do you recommend getting there?

 

[pooch]

I have to be probably the only person who did not like the view from the illuminations cruise. I felt like I was watching it through a tunnel. Maybe our driver did not get far enough out from under the bridge but it was terrible

 

[epcotty]

So that's what that boat was that we saw once, the illuminations cruise. If it was any further out it'd be blocking the view for a lot of people standing downstairs in that area

 

[sleepymouse]

Thanks a ton Eddie! Seems like a nice spot. My family and I will be there on August 15th having my fish and chips!

We will be joining you and thousands of other people that night too. Will definitely check out patio spot or one near Germany. Enjoy!

 

[pooch]

So that's what that boat was that we saw once, the illuminations cruise. If it was any further out it'd be blocking the view for a lot of people standing downstairs in that area

That may be so but I paid a lot of money for what was supposed to be prime viewing and not so much IMHO. Especially disappointed that you really can't see the "dancing country lights" from there.

 

[epcotty]

Right but they can't block the view for all us regular guests who are in a supposedly good viewing area for the show. I'd never do the cruise because I don't feel it's worth it