Best places to view illuminations?

[Disneyenthusiast]

Best spots to view and how early do we need to stake out a place?

 

[mking624]

We always sit at the Mexico pavilion (at Cantina de San Angel) to watch it. Thi syear we got our seats an hour before they started...but we didn't actually sit at a table...we sat on this, umm, thing lmao: sorry, I don't remember what it is) that was right by the railing facing the lagoon. But we heard people sitting at the tables that they grabbed their spot two hours before the fireworks began (I remember that because these teens tried to stand in front of one table just moments before Illuminations began and the guy spoke up and told him to move it because they had been sitting there for two hours and they weren't all of a sudden going to be pushed out of the way...the teens did leave). We went to Epcot the next night for dinner, but didn't stay for Illuminations that time...and at about 7pm, we saw people begin to start sitting at the benches and waiting.

 

[Robo]

Best spots to view and how early do we need to stake out a place?

MOST of effects of IllumiNations take place ON (or just a few feet above) the surface of the water of the WS lagoon, so you'll want to see be able to see a good amount of the water.

Great viewing from:
Bridge between UK and France (under this bridge is where the so-called "IllumiNations Cruise" boats view the show.

The plaza area on the water (lagoon) at Italy.

Near Norway is prime.

Area to left of UK "Rose and Crown Pub" (this is also near a roped-off Wheelchair viewing area.)

Front area of WS near the "twin gift shops" (very crowded here). Many times guests are asked to SIT on the pavement so others behind them can see.

Actually too many "good" spots to list.
The WS Lagoon is virtually a full mile around, so there should be ample space for your group.
Just remember that you don't want to stand under tree-limbs (obstructed sky-views) or DOWN-WIND of all that fireworks fall-out and SMOKE.

As to how early: 15-45 minutes is a good ballpark figure, depending on the crowd-level, and just plain LUCK considering whether folks might also just happen to want to stand in the same place YOU do.

 

[aterriq]

It depends how soon you need to line up. On a tuesday night (12th of September), Epcot was pretty empty and we could have gotten a good view over by England with no problem.

Went again on EMH night for Epcot and it was packed. You would have needed to get a seat about 2 hours before. I suggest see the show during the week and not on EMH night for Epcot.

 

[Tigger79]

When our family went last May we sat right across from Canada and had a wonderful view. We staked out our spot about 90 minutes before hand. Good luck on finding a great spot!