Best spot to watch illuminations?

[Antonio]

I plan on doing food and wine festival and I wanted to know the best spot to watch illuminations. The kick is that I'm going on an EMH night and I don't wanna rely on trying to get a table at Rose and Crown. Where is a good spot and how long before should I realistically get there?

 

[Robo]

I plan on doing food and wine festival and I wanted to know the best spot to watch illuminations. The kick is that I'm going on an EMH night and I don't wanna rely on trying to get a table at Rose and Crown. Where is a good spot and how long before should I realistically get there?

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

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



• Bridge between UK and France

• Near the twin gift shops at the entrance to WS from FW

• 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.



Best 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.



-----------------------

 

[darkwing818]

The Bridge between UK and France, is our favorite spot. But unfortunately it's also a favorite spot for a lot of other folks as well. Go Figure

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Dessert Party viewing

 

[Jfsag123]

The Bridge between UK and France, is our favorite spot. But unfortunately it's also a favorite spot for a lot of other folks as well. Go Figure

How early would you recommend staking out this spot if one wanted to view from there during a decently crowded time?

 

[Robo]

How early would you recommend staking out this spot if one wanted to view from there during a decently crowded time?

You don't have to be against the rail to enjoy the show from the bridge.
30 min., or so, before showtime will allow you to find a spot with a decent view, even if it's behind some other guests.

But, I have to reiterate to be careful when choosing the bridge to see if the wind is blowing towards it.
And, that there are many first-rate viewing spots other than the bridge, if there is a problem with that location.

 

[Jfsag123]

You don't have to be against the rail to enjoy the show from the bridge.
30 min., or so, before showtime will allow you to find a spot with a decent view, even if it's behind some other guests.

But, I have to reiterate that there are many first-rate locations other than the bridge,
AND, be careful when choosing the bridge to see if the wind is blowing towards it.

Thanks for the info. The main reason we would want the bridge (or that side of WS period) is that we will be staying at BCV and will want to make a quick exit out the IG after. Having never stayed at an Epcot resort, we have never tried to view from that side of WS.

How early do you think we would need to be to get a spot at the railing? I wouldn't mind watching from a row or two back, but we've got 2 littles who would not be able to see that way, so we will need front row viewing. I have this mastered for our favorite parade spots in MK. Not so much with Illuminations.

 

[Robo]

Thanks for the info. The main reason we would want the bridge (or that side of WS period) is that we will be staying at BCV and will want to make a quick exit out the IG after. Having never stayed at an Epcot resort, we have never tried to view from that side of WS.

How early do you think we would need to be to get a spot at the railing? I wouldn't mind watching from a row or two back, but we've got 2 littles who would not be able to see that way, so we will need front row viewing. I have this mastered for our favorite parade spots in MK. Not so much with Illuminations.

If you choose an "everybody goes there" spot like the UK-France bridge, and want to be against the rail, you may have to show up an hour+ before show-time, to be safer.
And even then, you just won't know if that will pan out.
Optimal arrival timing depends on, well, everything.

 

[Jfsag123]

If you choose an "everybody goes there" spot like the UK-France bridge, and want to be against the rail, you may have to show up an hour+ before show-time, to be safer.
And even then, you just won't know if that will pan out.
Optimal arrival timing depends on, well, everything.

I get it. Just looking for some real world examples. We also don't really mind waiting for a decent amount of time. We grab some snacks, people watch, and talk about the events of our day.

 

[Robo]

I get it. Just looking for some real world examples. We also don't really mind waiting for a decent amount of time. We grab some snacks, people watch, and talk about the events of our day.

You and 28,507 of your closest friends.

Have a great trip!

 

[Jfsag123]

You and 28,507 of your closest friends.

Have a great trip!

I'm going to follow your example in the other thread and just back out of this one. Thanks!