Best Viewing of Illuminations

[netnurse31]

Okay, we have been to The World several times but have never toured the World Showcase or seen Illuminations. :::ducking:::
So now I'm looking for some advice.

We will be going to MGM on a Tuesday morning, having lunch at 1:30PM at Prime Time Cafe and then moving over to Epcot for the late afternoon/evening. WS closes at 9PM the night we plan to be there. Question is, where is the best place to grab something to eat for dinner and also where's the best place to view Illuminations. Mind you we are traveling with DS 14 and DD 8 who probably would prefer going on rides. They are also VERY picky eaters! Any suggestions? DH and I would love to do this but fear the kids will be miserable and drive us nuts.

 

[Pinboys]

For something quick to eat, we have always gotten a hamburger and coke at the American Pavilion. Simple, quick, and no PS needed.

As far as watching Illuminations (which is the best fireworks show at WDW we think), you have to be aware of the wind direction. If it is in your face, you will be covered in smoke from the fireworks. We like to use the bridge in front of Italy. If the wind is in our face there, we move to an area in between United Kingdom and France. From France, cross over the bridge and then go to the right. That area is sometimes ropped off for some dinner package, but that has only happened once to us. Either one is a great spot.

Enjoy Illuminations. Then afterward, don't get caught up in the rush to get out. Take your time, walk around and just enjoy all the countries lit up. It is great.

 

[AmyM]

Check out the Kid Stops at the World Showcase. I didn't think my kids would like the WS but investigated the kids stops...they were 8 and 10. We bought passports and had them signed at each country. My kids that LOVE rides still talk about going back to the WS.

 

[WDWfanatic288]

passports are SOOO much fun!!!

we watched Illuminations on 6/18 and it was raining but it was still wonderful! We watched from a spot about 20 feet to the right of the crepe cart. There was a bar there but no bushes in the way!! I would agree the 2 bridges are the best spots, but, they could be taken early and we definately aren't people who like to wait a long time for a spot.

I agree....Illuminations is the best show...I just love it!

 

[WDWAurora]

Boy, this question will sure bring a lot of answers! There will be many more ideas for places than you can imagine, and everyone thinks their spot is the best, and it is of course, for them! My favorite, though I'm not quite sure it is the best, is to grab a bench in front of Canada. That way, you have a good seat, not on the ground, and you're front row. The only downside to this is that you have to be there WAY early...I think last time we sat just under 2 hours. It is SO worth it though! My boyfriend was there for his first time, keep in mind, he's 21, I'm 20, in March, and he was getting SO bored sitting there. When it started though, he reached over, took my hand, and said "this is magical." So it is worth all waits.

 

[Badger Brent]

We also like the bridge in Italy. Be prepared to sit it out fairly early. We kept our spots for about 1hour or so before. But well worth it. I agree, do the fast food at the american pavilion. Another alternative would be the fast food at the Mexico. Usually fills up quick, but easier to sit and wait it out while eating. You can leave a couple of people there to watch your spot. While the others stretch out their legs. Watch the winds also, very important to us on where we sit.

 

[RyMickey]

We found a new spot to watch Illuminations this year that we thought was pretty good. They sell Kaki-Gori (Japanese water ice, I think) between Japan and America. There is a large open space right by the Kaki-Gori sign that is very good for viewing the show.

Illuminations is wonderful. It is our family's absolute favorite thing in the World (in addition to Tower of Terror and Mission: Space - - woohoo!!!). On our past trip, we saw it three times from our 'new' Kaki-Gori spot and one from Canada (because, as a previous poster said, the wind was blowing in the direction of Kaki-Gori).

RyMickey

 

[Corinne]

I agree with RyMickey. We stand between Japan & America. I love Illuminations!!!!!!!!

 

[Steve TLT]

"Our spot" is also between The American Adventure and Japan, but closer to the funnel cake cart...

Steve

 

[mommystieg]

We found a really good spot in front of Germany to the right of the boat dock. We also eat at the American pavilion(normal food ) If you don't want to buy the passports your kids can also decorate a mask at the Kidcot Fun Stops. You pick up a mask in any country and decorate it. The CMs in each country will add a decoration that symbolizes something from their country as well as stamp it. The CM in China even wrote DDs' name on the back in Chinese.

 

[Corinne]

Originally posted by Steve TLT
"Our spot" is also between The American Adventure and Japan, but closer to the funnel cake cart...

Steve

Oh, yes, we are closer to that funnel cake cart too! YUM! Only a few more weeks until I am enjoying one while watching Illuminations! WooHoo!

 

[Eljay]

Just a couple of non-Illuminations suggestions. When you eat at the 50's Prime Time, ask for "Auntie Claire" to serve you. She is hysterically funny & talented! Be sure to have your camera handy.

Another suggestion, when in the WS be sure to catch a set by the incredible Celtic rock band Off Kilter at the stage just to the left of the Canadian pavilion. One show that both you & your kids will LOVE! Guaranteed.

 

[netnurse31]

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions! I can see myself now jumping from country to country, licking my finger and putting it up to feel the wind direction while sniffing for funnel cake. My kids already think I'm nuts, this should be the icing on the cake...lol