Best viewing locations for Wishes and Iluminations

[kcchief]

Hello everyone. I have a question that has been asked and debated on here several times. So forgive me for asking again, lol. Where are the best locations for viewing a Wishes at MK and Iluminations at Epcot? I have been to WDW several times in the past but havent been back in over 3 years now. I know a lot has changed since the fast pass+ era has begun and crowd levels are trending high year round now. So any advice, suggestions, and secret spots( if your willing to let those secrets out lol) would be greatly appreciated. I know camping out for spots is just part of it now, but any ideas on how to limit the waiting would be great too. We will be going May 21-29 with two adults and two children(3 & 6) if that helps with suggestions. Thanks in advance for your responses!

 

[Robo]

Where are the best locations for viewing a Wishes at MK and Iluminations at Epcot?

You also want to be able to see the spectacular show that is actually projected on the front of the Castle, "Celebrate the Magic," which begins about 15 minutes before the fireworks.

Below is a rough estimate of the Fireworks viewing spots
based on other posters' info on the boards and personal experience.

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.

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.

 

[StefWalsh]

The best view for Wishes I've experienced is from the Fastpass+ area, and it was very much worth using a FP for it for me. Lots of people will disagree though, and if you are one of them, I also like watching Wishes from the Tomorrowland bridge. It won't offer a good view for Celebrate the Magic if you are keen on that as well, but you do get a good view of the fireworks (off-centre though) and Tinkerbell flies right above you which is cool.

For Illuminations there are a lot of good viewing spots around the lagoon, but my personal favourite is between Norway and Mexico!

 

[pjweaver]

For Illuminations I like going up the stairs in Canada if you don't want to use a FPP or line up hours in advance.

 

[Robo]

For Illuminations I like going up the stairs in Canada if you don't want to use a FPP or line up hours in advance.

I like your suggestion of Canada, but I don't know of anybody having to "line up hours in advance" to see IllumiNations.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Dessert Party locations have an awesome view. No fighting for a spot either.

 

[RedStars]

Where's the best place to view CTM without waiting for hours?
We have a MSEP FP. I'm not too concerned about watching Wishes from the best vantage point. I actually like watching it from right outside LM

 

[Robo]

1. Where's the best place to view CTM
2. without waiting for hours?

1. In or near the Hub, with a clear view of the front of the castle.
(If you can't see the front of the castle, you can't see CTM.)

2. I don't think (on most dates) that you'd have to wait for "hours,"
but since Disney added this third "nighttime spectacular," it does put a LOT of strain on hub locations.

 

[RedStars]

1. In or near the Hub, with a clear view of the front of the castle.
(If you can't see the front of the castle, you can't see CTM.)

2. I don't think (on most dates) that you'd have to wait for "hours,"
but since Disney added this third "nighttime spectacular," it does put a LOT of strain on hub locations.

What would you recommend for someone who is coming from the MSEP FP area?
Following the last float?

 

[happily single]

Havent been to Disney in a few years (but going this June!!). Did I see on the map posted that you can get a fastpassmfor a viewing spot of the fireworks?

 

[Robo]

Havent been to Disney in a few years (but going this June!!). Did I see on the map posted that you can get a fastpassmfor a viewing spot of the fireworks?

Sorry, but the Wishes FP+ is ending after April 19th (due to cutting budgets for Cast Members who staff the areas.)

 

[Robo]

What would you recommend for someone who is coming from the MSEP FP area?
Following the last float?

Yup.