FP+ for IllumiNations?

[LaLinda]

Do I really need a FP+ for Illuminations in EPCOT?

 

[Alesia]

No.

 

[WEDWDW]

I think it is worth it on Mondays,Tuesdays,Thursdays and Sundays.

On those days,part of the FP+ area is the "Prime viewing area" between Disney Traders and Port of Entry.

But on Wednesdays,Fridays and Saturdays the Dessert Party "takes over" the best part of that prime area.

 

[acc82]

It depends..... It's a tier one fastpass, so if you choose illuminations, you would be forfeiting soarin and test track. If you aren't into those rides then I would say the illuminations fastpass is definately worth it. If you do want at least one fastpass for one of those other top tier rides then just find a spot early.

 

[perkinsrose]

I took the Illuminations Viewing as a FP+ as we were at Universal that day (Sunday) and not even sure we would return to Disney that evening. We did... I was not impressed with the viewing area. We arrived 5 min (8:35/40) after they let everyone in and it was very crowded.

In the past, we would find a non-FP+ place and sit around 8:30 and wait for Illum. to begin.

Our view was quite obstructed by posts and people (not ideal for viewing/ photos) and otherwise much more crowded that a spot we may have found on our own. I'm not sure I would do it again. Perhaps I will try the Wishes FP sometime...

 

[DisneyFive]

We've done it in the "prime" location, and still don't feel like it's worth it. There are so many good places to see it from.

As perkinrose said, it was pretty crowded for us too.

Dan

 

[mchelle77]

We got the "prime" viewing area with Candlelight Processional a year or so ago and I don't think it was worth it. We've grabbed seats in the areas of Mexico and France (real chairs! At actual tables!) just by finding one around 730/8pm that had a MUCH better view!

 

[Hootch]

I'll add a vote another vote for no. You're giving up a tier 1 FP and the viewing, while better, is not significantly better.

 

[disnut8]

I am a HUGE Illuminations lover. HUGE. It's the only nighttime show I will watch. I say no. Go the the back of World Showcase around Germany through Japan. There will be plenty of spots along the rail just 15-30 minutes before Illuminations. Germany is our favorite because there are a lot of food and drink places to grab something before the show. Plus - bathrooms. After the show, we slowly walk around to Norway, take a bathroom break (trust me, bathrooms are my friend at Disney World) and have almost no one in the ladies' room, then still slowly walk to the front of Epcot, head towards the buses, and the longest I've had to wait to SIT on a bus to Pop Century is 10 minutes. No FastPass required.

 

[LaLinda]

Thank you all so much for all the info. I'm going with the "no"s!

 

[bluezy]

I"ll just chime in and say "no" as well. We were there exactly 2 weeks ago. My son and I were ready for a break so we sat on the steps in the area by the lagoon right in front of Italy at about 8:20. Forty minutes later there were about 50 people in that whole entire area that could have easily held triple that number. We could literally walk up to the railing along the water as Illuminations started (but chose to stay on the steps). That was a crowd level 8 day in June.