best spots for Illuminations?

[LGithens]

Everytime we're at Epcot for Illuminations, we end up walking from spot to spot trying to find THE spot, then only to end up with some obstructed view because we ran out of spot hopping time! I know some of the prime spots, but I don't want to stake my claim hours in advance.

What are some good spots to have handy to try? I searched all the threads last night for several hours and couldn't find a similar question.

Thanks!

Lori... who's starting to pack her bags!!

 

[mja451]

We usually go a couple of hours early and sit at the Mexican Food place. My husband and I trade off holding the seats and take the kids to different countries. We are usually able to sit right next to the water. The view is always great.

 

[denecarter]

On the France side of the bridge between France and England, there are some steps going down to a courtyard. The courtyard rails fill up first. I prefer the steps themselves... less likely to have your view obstructed by someone's head. However, realize that if you sit on the steps, people will be trying to use those steps to go up and down... the first step-sitters usually get along the far side by the rail. The closer it gets to showtime, the further people expand across the steps. When people use good sense, they get a great seat and still leave room for the people needing to move around.

 

[disnut8]

Germany across from the Hummel shop. Bathrooms nearby, beer vendor there, wine as well inside the wine shop. On special nights (like holiday weekends), it can get crowded but then again, we went over there fifteen minutes before nine over Fourth of July and got a great space.

 

[Maloy]

We arrived about 30-40 mins early for show right in front, at world showcase.
Being our first time we werent sure where to go for a good spot. Well the cm's opened the concrete area right up against the lake fence! We lucked out with our position and were the second row off the fence. The fence really didnt obstruct the view, and we were able to enjoy the lake effect of the show too.

 

[MickeyMantleMouse]

Try standing on the balcony at the Japan pavalion. GREAT view.

 

[LGithens]

I guess I always assumed that you had to be eating at the restaurant to watch from the balcony at Japan? So where are the steps located? Wait, isn't there a staircase right as you go into the Dept. store? The same one that takes you to the restaurant? So anyone can just go up there?

I don't like to camp out for 2 hours (and miss all that "play" time?!) But we do like to enjoy a margarita while we're scoping a spot. Last March, we discovered the tangerine margaritas (or are they daquiris?...same diff.) at Morroco, they make the wait, much more enjoyable!

Lori

 

[agotta]

It depends which way the wind is blowing. I like sitting by France, but that isn't always possible. We sat near Mexico last time and while we were kinda behind one of the torches, the wind wasn't blowing anywhere near us. Try the bridge by China too.

 

[emememem]

We sat across from France in the courtyard at the bottom of the stairs right in front of the water. We sat on a wall...had an excellent view!

 

[Simba's Mom]

On the France side of the bridge between France and England, there are some steps going down to a courtyard. The courtyard rails fill up first. I prefer the steps themselves... less likely to have your view obstructed by someone's head. However, realize that if you sit on the steps, people will be trying to use those steps to go up and down... the first step-sitters usually get along the far side by the rail. The closer it gets to showtime, the further people expand across the steps. When people use good sense, they get a great seat and still leave room for the people needing to move around.

On that same bridge, last week I was on the side further away from the water (right side as you're walking to France from England). Considering I got there 10 minutes before Illuminations began, it was a surprisingly good spot. The only drawback was that A CM with the blinking light toy cart stopped right in front of me. But fortunately a couple standing closer to France left shortly after Illuminations began (strange, I guess they weren't impressed) so I was able to move down closer to France and not be distracted by the blinking light toys.

 

[eatntae]

Having only seen it once, I have no other spot to compare it to, but my girlfriend and I saw it earlier this week from the Rose & Crown patio and the view was great for us.