Best Viewing Position for Illuminations

[mattr555]

I have read a few tips that say a late PS at the Rose and Crown will get a front row seat of Illuminations and the comfort of seeing it sitting down.

However I read another webpage written by a guy who works at Epcot saying never watch from the UK as the smoke blows that way and will obscure the show.

Does anyone have any opinion on this?

 

[carolfoy]

Which way the smoke blows would surely depend on which way the wind blows?!? That is something you can figure out pretty early on in the day. I like to watch from at the top of the world showcase near the America bit as most people watch from the other side of the lake to make a quick getaway

 

[MaryKatesMom]

We love the R&C and eat there every trip. This has been our experience. The R&C only has about 25-30% of their seeting outdoors. Since we've been going, they've added a disclaimer when you make a PS stating that outdoor seating is not guaranteed. I've also noted that in the last several years the hostesses will not ever let you wait for a patio seat no matter how long you'll wait. It is first come first serve.

One of our very first trips we asked to sit outside and didn't get the patio. They were serving a wonderful prime rib at the time so we didn't care. The server said, no problem you can stand outside when it starts. What happened is we were shoved to the little area behind the hostess stand to the left. The people who were there already weren't thrilled to be making room for newcomers. My then 2 1/2 yr old couldn't see because we were standing behind a man over 6 feet and under drooping branches. The sky was almost completely blocked and the wind blew ashes over us with some landing in my eyes. It was too crowded to exit and such a dissappointment.

We still go there and if we are seated outside good for us.

One trip we were on the patio but one of the first tables (it is shaped like an L around the building so we still couldn't see) just to the right of the hostess stand. Everyone and I mean everyone, asks to sit outside. One woman ranted on and on about being "guaranteed" a table outside. She stood and wouldn't let up on the server. She wouldn't take the table and left in a huff.

If you like the menu go there but there is a good chance you will be dissappointed if you want to watch Illuminations from the patio.

 

[Shells9]

We like to eat at the Beirgarten and time it right so we walk out of the restaurant and right into the beginning of Illuminations. We like viewing from Germany then taking our time exiting the park.

 

[MichiganMomto4]

At our last viewing of Illluminations we thought we had found the perfect spot - at the San Angel counter service patio area. We got a table, got some food and hung out. Everything was fine until the music started and hoards of people came in and stood at the railing area. We couldn't see a thing (that was so rude). My kids did walk up to the railing and squeezed their way in to watch the show but I had to hang back at the table with my sleeping baby and missed most of the visuals.

The best place we've ever watched was on benches outside between Canada and the UK.

 

[Kteacher]

I agree about the Rose and Crown- if you're eating there just to get a good viewing spot for Illuminations you may be disappointed if you are seated inside. The last few trips we've watched from a bench near the Outpost. The crowds have been much lighter there. Avoid the Cantina area!!! Very crowded, and like the obove poster stated, even if you do get a table, chances are a hoard of people will squeeze in front of your table to stand by the railing.

 

[kirbsam]

Anyplace where you are not under a tree has always worked well for my family. I get all confused by all of the advice. Everybody it seems has a favorite spot that is different.

 

[Lizzybee]

We were there last week and saw Illuminations twice, both times we ended up with great spots. The first time we landed a table at San Angel counter service and we didn't have problems with people standing in front of us. They may be partly because we sent my two small kids to sit near the railing in front of us. We were kind off to the side (back towards the Canada half near the little gift shop). It was a perfect view. The second time we watched it from the benches behind the wheelchair section outside the boat launch for the ferry to Germany. There are a few benches on the path up to the gift shop. That was also a really great spot. Again not so much for our benefit but for those who had chosen the seats on the other side of the path we had our kids and invited some other small kids (to keep the tall adults from blocking others' views) stand by the rail, their heads barely cleared the rail so they weren't blocking anything. I think I actually liked this spot better. Hope that helps!

 

[mm4me]

Just back and we saw Illuminations twice on this trip. We had our best view on the bridge between International Gateway and France. We got there about 15 minutes before showtime and still got front row (on the rail) for our two DD's. This was on 3/31 and believe me parks were packed, but still were able to get a great view.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I, too, have been very disappointed with trying to see Illuminations at R&C. But the meal was good! Two recommendations-1. the balcony in Japan, in fromt of the Japanese bar (Mitsokusho or something like that) 2. not as good a view, but very nice-DH and I timed going to Tangerine cafe and getting a meal just before Illuminations. Then we sat at the outdoor patio-no one else was dining there and we had a pretty good view of Illuminations, and this was during Memorial Day Week (a pretty busy time).

 

[Nebsky]

We set up shop right by the "stage" area between SSE and American Adventure. Its right at Show center. This was on 3/25. We got there at 7:45 or so and talked to a CM. Usually they open that stage area to guest 15 mins prior to Illuminations. This night however, they had it closed due to the weather conditions. He said go to the center of the stage area and we would have a great view. No one in front. We laid out the ponchos (wet ground) and then brought out the DVD player. Watched the Incredibles. Had a family from UK sitting next to us and their kids and our son watched it together. Yes, yes, I know the question...Why on Earth do you bring a DVD player to Epcot. When you are a 34 yr old with ADD and have a son with it too, you do what you gotta do.

Illuminations started and it was FANTASTIC. Although the wind started up about 5 mins prior.. It ended up blowing right towards us. It clouded some of the fireworks and lasers, but we still had a great view.

Have also viewed it near the bridge area at Mexico. It was ok, but I like the stage area better.

 

[WDW_Goofy]

well the only place I have seen it was in Mexico's counter service.... I guess the name is San Angel. I don't know how USA would be a good place to see it cause the stage blocks the view.

 

[Disney Gator]

A good place to watch where it's not as crowded is at Canada at the top of the first flight of stairs. There's a rock wall over to the side that you can lean on while you watch. It's good because it's elevated over people on the walkway, and not too many people stand there.