Epcot FastPass - Illuminations or Test Track

[maplevale]

We are in Epcot Thursday February 6. We have a 6 year old and a 2.5 year old. We have reservations at Teppan Edo at 5:30 and currently have Illuminations FastPass for 8:35.

I am debating doing our day as a 'split' with a trip to swim in the afternoon (weather providing). I LOVE the parks in the morning, but I want to see Illuminations this time (last trip we had a 9 month old and 4 year old and only caught MK fireworks once).

Should I keep the Illuminations FastPass and try to hit the big rides in the morning (Test Track and Soarin with the 6 year old) and then do the world showcase before/after dinner.

Or - drop the Illuminations FastPass and book a fastpass for Test Track or Soarin for between dinner and Illuminations?

I am sure the advice will be split - but give me your thoughts! My 2.5 year old is a very easy going kid, both stay up late and will sleep in the stroller if they need to so I am not worried about being out later with them. It the view that much better? Or should we just bring some entertainment for the kids and find a spot to sit at like 8?

 

[summerskye]

Just my opinion...

Keep the illuminations FP and do TT in the morning. Illuminations is so much more than a few minute ride. Don't get me wrong TT is always a must do and must do multiple times. It's Disney do the best of both worlds...

 

[Missyrose]

Book one of the rides, there will be plenty of places to see Iluminations during the first week of February.

 

[mulan1123]

Book one of the rides, there will be plenty of places to see Iluminations during the first week of February.

I was going to say that!!! Honestly, anywhere around the lagoon is a great spot, especially in front of the Italian pavilion.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Definitely Test Track. There are plenty of places to get a good view of Illuminations, especially during a slower time of the year.

 

[summerskye]

Book one of the rides, there will be plenty of places to see Iluminations during the first week of February.

Good Point. I was thinking of our trip dates during the busy season.

 

[maplevale]

That totally makes sense. Our last trip was during late March and we hit the spring break crowds - decided dragging 2 little kids to the night time fireworks and parades was too much work. But I figure February will feel very quite compared to it.

I can book a late TT ride and then we can ride it in the am and pm! (DD6 is so excited to be tall enough for 'big' rides now!)

 

[MamaGripsLuvsWDW]

So glad I came across this! Been going back and fourth so much!

Plotted 4 places in Epcot that's best for staking out Illuminations.

I have read so many more influential posts to NOT select Illuminations as a FP.

Thanks All!

 

[HopperFan]

TT!

Illuminations was the biggest waste of a FP+ we used in 12 days at the parks.

 

[xie]

Definitely TT. There are a billion places you can go stand to watch Illuminations, even in peak season it's not that hard.

I would only consider fast passing Illuminations if I had some very elderly family members or someone who needed a special place protected from the regular crowd, but who wasn't qualified for the handicapped area (assuming they still do that). Otherwise just find a spot and watch!

 

[Fernandak]

I would change my dinner reservation in Teppan Edo to a later time ( like 7:30 ), this way you can see Illuminations from Teppan Edo balcony when you finish your dinner. I did this 2 years ago and the view is amazing! So, doing this you can use your FP+ in ride like TT.

 

[sigmasal]

We FP Illuminations and a couple other shows (like Fantasmic) because we have kids that have a hard time sitting still and just waiting...is it not worth the viewing area they give you? Thanks!

 

[DaisyNY]

I vote for TT too! Can easily set up to watch Illuminations in front of one of the countries!