Good spot to see Illuminations?

[uday029]

What is a good spot to see illuminations at Epcot on Friday evening? Where are people's preferred spot to watch them from? We know that all the best spots will be taken hours before the show starts. We are not looking for the "best" spots because we do not want to waste a lot of time just to reserve a spot, but a decent spot from which we can have a good view and be able to take pictures.

Any tips/suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Really anywhere. There will be a higher concentration of crowds in the UK, France, Canada area, btu are closer to some of the better "beverages" I believe and are closer to the International Gateway for a quick exit to the Boardwalk area.

 

[GenevieveRaqs]

I like watching from Norway.

 

[Timandalicia]

What is a good spot to see illuminations at Epcot on Friday evening? Where are people's preferred spot to watch them from? We know that all the best spots will be taken hours before the show starts. We are not looking for the "best" spots because we do not want to waste a lot of time just to reserve a spot, but a decent spot from which we can have a good view and be able to take pictures.

Any tips/suggestions?

Thanks.

There is only one place to watch Illuminations. There is a front and center to this show, and anyone who says different, hasn't been there. It is directly across the lake from the American pavilion. There is a section that is roped off. It looks like it is for a special party, but it might not be. It might be for high winds. They drop the rope about 5 minutes before the show, so you don't need to get there early. Get in there and you have the E-ticket seat. Oh yeah. You are required to sit in there. How nice is that? Sit for illuminations.

 

[Robo]

There are so many places to view IllumiNations at Epcot's World Showcase
that are wonderful in their own way that its futile to try to list them... so I will.

• Bridge between UK and France
• Near the twin gift shops at the entrance to WS from FW
• Norway area
• Upper level (outside front terrace) of the Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan
• Italy, near the Gondolas
• Mexico, at the new Cantina
• Mexico, bridge to the right of the Cantina (as you face the lagoon.)
• UK, the Rose & Crown outdoor dining area (ressies required.)
• UK, just to the left of the Rose & Crown (as you face the lagoon.)
• Many, many more great spots.

Be sure to avoid any tree branches that block your overhead view,
and watch out for any "islands" in the water
that block your view of the "center" of the lagoon.

Best Tip:
Don't stand down-wind of the fireworks.
Their SMOKE will ruin the show.
So, If the wind is blowing into your face as you look towards the Lagoon, you are in the wrong spot.

-----------------------

------------------------

 

[KatyTheFairyPrincess]

Which ever way the wind isn't blowing! We've seen people walking away because the smoke was getting in their eyes. Most of the time its not too bad but if the winds really going then you will get a seriously obscured view.

 

[avalanche1977]

As mentioned above, front and center is the best! That would be #14 on Robo's map above. You can feel the fire from the globe on a cold night.

I enjoyed watching the show from inside La Hacienda as well. The lights are dimmed and the show audio is piped in.

 

[ttintagel]

I like watching from Norway.

Yeah, I happened to be in front of the bakery in Norway this fall when Illuminations started, and it turned out to be a good view. When the big fireworks finale started, a bunch of the Norway CM's came out and watched with their arms around each other; it was so sweet it made me tear up!

 

[W.E.D.]

We were exiting the Biergarten in Germany just as the show started last trip. Now I assume this doesn't happen all the time, but it was practically empty right there along the lake. We walked right up to the rail and got prime viewing. There was obvious crowd gathered everywhere else, so I'm not sure why Germany was empty, but it was great!!