Can you view Illuminations w/o a ticket?

[mrssalvaggio]

I thought I read somewhere that just before Illuminations, you are able to enter the park near the WS entrance w/o a ticket.

 

[Dznefreek]

Many years ago while standing at International Gateway for 15 minutes waitng for "Illuminations" to begin on the outside, I noticed many people just walking into WS without showing a ticket. My wife and I proceeded to the gate and the CM said "Good Evening" and nothing else. We strolled right in to watch the show and have done so several times since then.
I think it depends on who is "minding the store" when you approach.