DCV and Illuminations

[marley]

We are staying at BCV in October and I would like to be able to catch Illuminations while I am there. I have requested a room facing Epcot but I realize are chances are very slim.

If you can not see Illuminations from your room, where is the next best place to go around BCV without having to actually go into Epcot?

Can you hear the music at all from outside of the park?

thanks!

 

[chicago641]

I would like to know that too!

 

[Cruelladeville]

Don't stand outside the park, all you see are the very top of the fireworks. You can't hear the music unless you are right outside the entrance, by BCV, and the you don't see anything at all. You have got to experience the whole thing, because Illuminations is outstanding, certainly worth the cost of your ticket. If you have an annual pass ($300 or so) you have your own special viewing area right in front of Italy. Otherwise, the bridge by France is great, since it's near the exit to BCV, but it will be very crowded, so get there 1-2 hours early for a front row seat. I don't understand why you would want to stand outside, anyway? I was there because of a panic attack thanks to the large crowds, but it was not a good location. Go inside and see the whole show.

 

[Towncrier]

If not inside the parks, my next best favorite place is on the bridge over the canal that the boats take to/from the International Gateway entrance to Epcot. I have to agree that to really appreciate IllumiNations, you have to be inside the park.

 

[marley]

thank you for all of your suggestions.

We will only be at BCV one night to end our cruise on the Wonder and I thought it would be nice since we are so close to Epcot, to let the kids stay up a little bit late to see Illuminations before bed.

 

[DebbieB]

I'll second the Bridge near the International Gateway. We watched Illuminations one night there when we were staying at BWV and decided at the last minute to see it. It gives a different perspective than inside the park since you are standing back. You can even see most of the low fireworks, you are looking under and over the bridge between UK and France.

 

[Great Mage]

I 'll third the bridge suggestion !!!

 

[jimmytammy]

I have seen Illuminations 3 times and tend to agree with posts above, you have to be there to see and hear and feel the emotion of it all. Heck, I have a cd of Illuminations 2000 that gets played A LOT! Another place to try is a bench in front of Germany, just make sure your view is not obstructed by trees beforehand. Time it right and you can see the parade from the same vantage pt. We found this spot by talking with castmembers and that is where a lot of them sit during days off. Either way ENJOY because it leaves you astounded.

 

[Doctor P]

Why not take an Illuminations cruise? It would be very special, and would be cheaper than park entrance for any group of people that has 3 or more persons.