Epcot's Biergarten and fireworks?

[4star]

We have reservations at the Biergarten for 8 pm. I'm pretty sure the fireworks show is at 9:30. Will we make it? And if so -- where can we go to watch?!

 

[IluvKingLouis]

The Biergarten is a buffet, so it moves along pretty quickly. Depending on how leisurely you like to dine, you could be done easily in 45 minutes. There should be lots of good viewing spots in and around Germany. Sometimes folks show up pretty early to grab the best benches and grassy area's, so you might be left standing.

 

[DizBelle]

And the IlluminiNations show is always at 9pm

 

[annej]

I know that Illuminations is at 9:30 most of the nights we are there the week after Thanksgiving. Be sure to check the schedule. I wouldn't want to rush my dinner for no reason. The last time we stood because we didn't want to waste the time just sitting and waiting. the show is not too long that it is uncomfortable to stand. Have fun!

 

[Simba's Mom]

You'll have a couple advantages-first, you're going at a slow time of year (relatively speaking-this is WDW), and second, people prefer viewing spots nearer the exits-Canada, Mexico, and IG area. I was in Epcot in early December, and just sat on a bench by the water (had to turn around though-the benches face the walk-way) near Germany only about 20 minutes before show-time.

 

[Deluzy]

And the IlluminiNations show is always at 9pm

Actually that is an incorrect statement. During busy times (high crowd levels such as Thanksgiving and Christmas) Epcot increases their hours to 9:30 - thus Illuminations begins at 9:30.

I double checked the WDW and you are correct, Ann - it is definitley at 9:30.

4-Star, you should have plenty of time if you are seated within 10-15 of your ADR at Biergarten. Since it is a buffet, you pace yourself.

Sounds like a lot of fun!

 

[disnut8]

You'll have plenty of time. Enjoy the buffet and since it is the holiday season, Illuminations will be at 9:30. After your meal, go out the front entrance of the Biergarten, stay to the right of the fountain. Go past the Hummel shop and across the walkway. There will be an overhang there with a great Kodak picture shot with Spaceship Earth in the background. Grab your spot along here and you've got a great Illuminations viewing area.

Also, Germany has very convenient bathrooms if needed. Go towards the mini train area. Plus outdoor beverage carts and pretzels. Couldn't have picked a better spot.

 

[4star]

Thank you for all the details! Exactly what I needed to know!

 

[All Aboard]

Actually that is an incorrect statement. During busy times (high crowd levels such as Thanksgiving and Christmas) Epcot increases their hours to 9:30 - thus Illuminations begins at 9:30.

Actually, that's not quite a correct statement, either. The 9:30 Illuminations has nothing to do with high crowd levels and everything to do with the timing of the third nightly Candlelight Processional. The 9:30 Illuminations also runs through one of the least busy times of the year - early December.

4 Star, that's good timing, because the last Oktoberfest Musikanten show in the Biergarten starts at 8:05. You might want to show up a little early to see if you can get seated. That way, you can get your first plate of food, get settled in and not miss any of the show.

 

[4star]

Excellent, thank you! Biergarten was my dad's favorite restaurant in Disney -- I can't miss a bit of it!