Epcot Illuminations ? for experts

[uncle_dude69]

OK, we are planning on having dinner at Epcot and watching the Illuminations show. Where is the best place to view the fireworks and also be relatively close to getting to the Monorail when it is all over with? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

Unc

 

[jfulcer]

Ok, just an opinion here - most of the good viewing spots are on the other side of the World Showcase, over by Morocco/Japan/UK. This would put you the furthest away from the monorail.

When we've been there for Illuminations, we've always watched the show and then waited a little while for the crowds to thin out. If you wait 15-20 minutes and then start walking, it's almost empty and the World Showcase is beautiful at night like that....

 

[tc]

There are two stores right at the entrance to World Showcase. Between them is a big open space. The character bus is here a lot. You can sit on the concrete, it slopes down, and you have a very good view. The earth is right in front of you. It can get pretty crowded here, so you have to stake out you space early if the park is busy. If you sit toward the top, you can just slip out during the final song, and be through Future World in no time. Hope this helps.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Do you need to take off right away? We discovered the Boardwalk area a few years ago and now work that into our Epcot plans. Instead of slipping out early, or being in that sea of humanity heading for the monorail, we simply slip out the back through the International Gateway. Sometimes there is a small crowd waiting at the boat launch, so we opt for the few minute walk over the bridge to the Boardwalk. It's a great spot for a casual late night drink, a little shopping or even an ice cream. Sometimes they have entertainment going on outside as well.

If you're driving, there is a visitor parking lot across the street, or you can pay $6 for valet at the Boardwalk resort and have your car brought to you when you're ready to leave. Otherwise, you can take a Disney bus to Downtown Disney and then your resort bus home from there. I'm sure you could also get a taxi.

Just another option.

 

[swankybeth]

A great place to view Illumintions that is also pretty convenient for exiting is in Mexico. If you stand just left of the ring carver (near the margarita stand) you will have a perfect view of Illuminations!