Eat to the Beat Concert/ Illuminations Questions

[atykay]

We've never done Epcot, so I'm looking for a little logistics help. First, how soon do you need to get the (amphitheater?) for the concert? And if you don't get a seat, can you still see from outside of the seating area or just hear? We will be there for the 8pm Wilson Philips concert and afterward I would like to walk over to the France Pavillion for a Grey Goose slush and then get a spot for Illuminations. I've read the bridge from France to UK is a good spot but will there be space 15 minutes beforehand?

 

[DOOM1001]

Depends how popular the group playing is and how close you want to be to the stage,the theater holds a lot more people than you'd think.You might see a huge line of people with the line reaching Germany and after all those people come in the theater is only half full so not getting a seat is hard to do.You'll see some locals as early as 1-3pm for some groups but that's just a little wacky nu nu,no need for that,unless its the most popular groups and you need to be right up front.Another thing to note is that the first show is the busiest and the last is the least crowded,another reason for not having to be there hours before.Last year they had FP for these shows but I see no sign of that available this year.Since I moved recently right behind MK I'm going to try to see all or as many of the groups as I can this year,FP would have been real nice.As far as Illuminations the bridge is fine but there are good spots throughout WS,just don't have trees one of the islands in the lagoon blocking your view.The best view is right up front in the FP area between the two gift shops,it just feels closer to you there.Here's an example of how important the popularity of the group is,I remember getting in line around 3pm for the Beach Boys one year and the line reached Germany then turned around and went to the American pavilion and then turned around again and almost reached Germany again,I'm sure on that day getting a seat was nearly impossible if not in line.The next day we strolled in 10 minutes before showtime for the Family Stone and got a decent seat.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I've always gotten space on the bridge, even better if you aren't insisting upon a space right at the railing. You'll have some issues if it's a Friday or a Saturday though.