Epcot IllumiNations FP worth it?

[Skyw]

I see that most people feel that it is not. Because you waste a tier 1 FP on it and you cannot get a 4th FP.
Our plan is to have dinner at Epcot and then to Illuminations ( not other rides). I was thinking it would be more enjoyable to just hit the FP area and wait only 15 minutes instead of claiming a sport 1/2 hour-hour ahead on time. I really do not like stalking my space out and waiting. So my questions are...

1) Can I find a spot to watch Illuminations right before it starts ?

2) Is the viewing area for FP anything special ( other then shorter walk back to bus)

3) Crowds are rated at 3 out of 10 for that day, Does a FP really matter?

Thanks

 

[pooch]

Like others, I would never FP Illuminations. There are any number of decent viewing spots available without staking them out far in advance. That having been said, IF you are not using FPs for anything else that day then I would probably get it as a backup but it is certainly not a necessity

 

[Klayfish]

FP+ for Illuminations is an utter waste. About as useful as a FP+ for Pixar Short film festival. The World Showcase is massive, there are endless viewing spots. You can show up last minute and find a good viewing spot. We were there on the 4th of July this year didn't show up until 8:50pm and had no problem finding a spot. Yes, it was much more crowded than normal, but we still found space (we actually stood on the bridge next to Mexico and had a great view). On a normal night, a prime viewing spot is simple.

Crowd calendars don't have any real value anyway, don't go by those.

 

[Skyw]

Great. Thanks for the feedback. I have not illuminations since my honeymoon 1999. Clueless.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I have never staked out a spot any sooner than 15 minutes before the show and have never had a problem finding a decent spot to watch it. The World Showcase is enormous.

 

[stinkpickle]

We've never needed a FP to find a good viewing spot for Illuminations.

 

[JETSDAD]

I wouldn't use a FP during the day on it but we were able to grab one within an hour or so of it starting so figured we might as well take it.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Bag it. Plenty of room around the lake.

 

[DWillowBay]

This is totally only my opinion...everyone will have their own...but...I like to pick my spot closer to the Illuminations time. I base it on which way the wind is blowing. If I used a FP and the wind blew the smoke into the FP area, I'd be irritated.

 

[Canadian Disney]

Our first night we always do dinner at one of the Boardwalk restaurants and then wander over to Epcot to see Illuminations. We always fastpass it the first night. Not a necessity but if you are not using any fast passes your first day then why not.
Tons of awesome viewing areas around the lagoon to see the show just don't be one of those people that show up 5 mins before the show starts and expects to be against the rail to see the show.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Stuarotra]

I see that most people feel that it is not. Because you waste a tier 1 FP on it and you cannot get a 4th FP.
Our plan is to have dinner at Epcot and then to Illuminations ( not other rides). I was thinking it would be more enjoyable to just hit the FP area and wait only 15 minutes instead of claiming a sport 1/2 hour-hour ahead on time. I really do not like stalking my space out and waiting. So my questions are...

1) Can I find a spot to watch Illuminations right before it starts ?

2) Is the viewing area for FP anything special ( other then shorter walk back to bus)

3) Crowds are rated at 3 out of 10 for that day, Does a FP really matter?

Thanks

My husband and I used a FP+ once. I wasn't impressed with the viewing area. We waited until about 10 min before the show to get there. We were about 5 rows back from the railing. I really didn't think it was any better view than other places we have watched. I'm just letting you know our experience. We decided we wouldn't do it again.

 

[AllThingsMickey4]

We were apart of FP+ testing during our 2013 (I think) Christmas trip. We were able to use FP+ and paper FP, so we FPed TT and Soarin the "old way" and used our FP+ for Illuminations. The viewing area only had maybe 30 people total in it.. it was amazing.. we got to sit and watch the show and had a perfect view.

We used a FP again this past May (I don't remember why.. maybe it was a fourth FP?) Anyway it was such a waste. People line up like 45 mins before they even open the area up (didn't you get a FP+ so you wouldn't have to stake out a spot?!?!). Everyone smushes at the front of the area but we stood at the back (there's a slight hill, so the better view is at the very back). As soon as the show started this group of teenage girls in front of us jumped up and ran to squeeze in between the line of us at the rope so they wouldn't "block our view." Yeah right.. it was because a group ended up standing right in front of them. There wasn't any more room to stand against the rope.. so they ended up standing directly in front of us the whole time.

Plus, we watched a guy send his young boy to "run" underneath the rope.. then he came under the rope "looking" for the boy. Once he found him he found himself a spot inside the reserved area and called for the rest of his family to come in.

So yeah, don't FP Illuminations

 

[elle101me]

I wouldn't use a FP during the day on it but we were able to grab one within an hour or so of it starting so figured we might as well take it.

We have done this as well. I definitely wouldn't choose it any earlier in the day.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

I have seen it before from the FP location, but it was not the best spot. It is packed more so than other spots. There are many good spots to watch illuminations from. My only advice would be to pay attention to the wind direction and don't pick a spot that has the wind blowing towards you.

 

[DOOM1001]

Is it needed?no,but if you want the closest in your face location where the fireworks feel the closest then yes.It does get crowded in that area many times and if its a zoo its definitely not worth it.I have my spots where I watch it and they're very good but I can't deny that the FP location in the front of WS between the two gift shops is the best location to see them,as long as you get a good spot.

 

[Skyw]

Seems like even with the FP, I would need to get there ahead of time for the "good seat". Thanks everyone for the feedback. I think I will ditch the FP. Sounds like I can get one anyhow if I change my mind.

 

[DavidNYC]

If it's 8pm and you can get it as a 4th+ FP, go for it. Otherwise, I agree with the rest, not worth it. Lots of good spaces (many I find better than the FP area) if you show up 15-30 minutes before.