December: Illuminations vs. watching fireworks from Contemporary

[maswanson11]

Question, what would you do?

We are going to one night of MVMCP.

We have California Grill ressies on a non-party night so we have the opportunity to watch fireworks from the viewing deck. However this would be our only opportunity to see Illuminations at Epcot.

Which would you choose?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

It depends on how close you want to be for Illuminations. If I'm not mistaken, the HEA and Illuminations times are staggered on non-party nights (HEA at 9 pm and Illuminations at 9:30 pm). You can see both the MK and EP fireworks from Cali Grill (and DHS for that matter) as there are two observation decks at Cali Grill. If you are ok seeing both from a distance without any of the projections (or the music from EP), I would pick Cali Grill. If you've never seen Illuminations, I would probably opt for seeing that in EP. HEA is mostly a projection show (I barely noticed the fireworks when we saw it IN MK!) so you really aren't missing much if you ditch Cali Grill on a non-party night, IMHO. Honestly, both experiences are awesome and you can't go wrong either way. It just depends on how close you want to be to Illuminations and if you want the full experience.

 

[Lightsoutx12]

If it was me I would choose to watch HEA from the Cali grill, I do not care for illuminations at all. However if you have never seen illuminations I would recommend seeing it at least once.

 

[Alesia]

I would pick IllumiNations.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I’m often in the minority opinion on this but I think the out of park viewing experience for HEA from places like CR, Poly, TTC, etc is still GREAT. HEA is a very strong fireworks show, even more-so than Wishes. Yes, you do miss the projection element which ties a lot of the story together - but the fireworks and lights are still so stunning, there’s plenty of good show to see!

That being said... since you’re going in December.... I would vote for Illuminations. They run a holiday tag segment at the end which I think (in my humble opinion) is fantastic and not to be missed.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

I will echo the previous poster and state that the holiday version of illuminations should not be missed. I think it’s the best firework display that Disney produces.

 

[Hopefully]

Illuminations for sure

 

[DOOM1001]

Illuminations is my all time favorite and with the holiday tag at the end it shouldn't even be a choice,Illuminations!!!

 

[FastPasser.]

After not opening for a couple of months, the globe is fully operational. Even the fireworks fired from the center flame during the finale are back. Having seen it hundreds of times, I still think it's a great show. Add the holiday tag and it's even better.

 

[hsmamato2]

I’m often in the minority opinion on this but I think the out of park viewing experience for HEA from places like CR, Poly, TTC, etc is still GREAT. HEA is a very strong fireworks show, even more-so than Wishes. Yes, you do miss the projection element which ties a lot of the story together - but the fireworks and lights are still so stunning, there’s plenty of good show to see!

That being said... since you’re going in December.... I would vote for Illuminations. They run a holiday tag segment at the end which I think (in my humble opinion) is fantastic and not to be missed.

what are your fave spots for watching it outside the park? both MK and Epcot?

 

[Robo]

what are your fave spots for watching it outside the park? both MK and Epcot?

IllumiNations is virtually unwatchable as a "show" (except for the highest-flying fireworks) from outside Epcot's World Showcase.

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Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing from Outside the Magic Kingdom

The new "Happily Ever After" evening spectacular at MK
features many projections on the front facade of Cinderella Castle
in addition to the many fireworks in the show. Since those projections
will not be seen from viewing locations outside the MK park, seeing the
"full effect" of "Happily Ever After" will dictate viewing the show at least once
from a good vantage point inside MK, on Main Street, preferably in or near the Hub.

The Beach at the Polynesian Resort offers a great view
of the FIREWORKS portions of the MK Fireworks spectaculars.
However, the area with an MK view is now much smaller than it used to be
due to the recent construction of the new DVC on-the-water rooms.

They do "pipe in" the audio of the shows.

Here's a photo I took from the Poly Beach-

MK Fireworks (MVMCP Christmas Finale)

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More Viewing Spots-

You can see the MK fireworks shows very well from the TTC
(and they pipe-in clear, crisp audio from the show.)
Note: you are not allowed to stand directly in the actual Ferry loading area.

You can see the MK fireworks from the boat-dock and an outside
observation deck near Narcoossee's restaurant at the Grand Floridian.
There is rumored to be an upcoming paid "Wishes Dessert Party" that will be held on that boat dock.
The Narcoossee's Deck shown is now reserved only for guests of the restaurant.


Good viewing from the Gasparilla Grill Patio overlooking the Marina.
The sound of the show is piped into these areas too.

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At the Contemporary, there is viewing on an outdoor
observation area on the 4th floor.
The California Grill observation areas are reserved for patrons that day of the Grill or Bar.
(The audio of the fireworks show is also piped in to these locations.)

(Fireworks shown above are simulated.)

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At Wilderness Lodge, the "secret place" to watch the MK fireworks is from the northern area of the Cast Member (CM) Parking Lot.

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At the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds Marina (angle shown on the map below,) some of the view (especially of the "Fantasyland" pyro)
is blocked by the now unused Discovery Island in Bay Lake and by the high-rise buildings of the Contemporary Resort.
But, the view from the Ft. Wilderness' sand beach (farther north) is more open.
Still the tree-level can block the views of the lower-firing pyro.


Here are the angles of the views in the Bay Lake area.

Below are the angles of the views in the Seven Seas Lagoon area.

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As for viewing the MK fireworks from INSIDE the dining area of restaurants (you need ADRs, and most are usually busy during the shows)...
you can see (and hear) them at California Grill at Contemporary,
'Ohana at the Poly, at Trader Sam's and Trader Sam's outdoor patio at the Poly, Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian,
and (if you have access there) the Top of the World at Bay Lake Tower.

 

[notrub98]

I find Illuminations woefully boring - even with the holiday ads-on. Saw it again last month and reaffirmed that I am personally not a fan. I would watch MK!

 

[Juwu]

Fireworks from the roof top are breathtaking.