HEA or Illuminations?

[PixieT78]

We're heading to WDW in less than a month cool1 and have most of our plans set. The one thing I'm not entirely sure about is what to do about HEA. Since we are going during MVMCP time, there are only 2 nights where we can see HEA. The first is the day we move from Universal to Disney (Monday) and the second is our Epcot day (Wednesday).

Right now we are planning on heading from Epcot to MK after the 6:45 CP in order to catch HEA. But now I'm wondering if we should just give up on HEA for this trip and stay at Epcot for Illuminations/more of the Christmas shows at the pavillions. This is our only day at Epcot. We are wary about planning for HEA on our transfer day as we want to get the most out of Universal and that will likely be the least busy day we are there (Sat-Mon). I think there is a very good chance we won't close out Universal, but we aren't sure we want to plan on that either. And we have to go to the hotel to pick up our magic bands since we're from Canada so they won't be mailed to us.

We haven't seen HEA before and saw Illuminations I think only during our first trip in 2010. We will be at MVMCP to see Holiday Wishes but I don't think it is the same show?

Run my life - what should we do?

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Saw both this week. HEA is much, much better.

 

[BrianL]

If you have seen Illuminations in 2010, it hasn't changes. At all. HEA is spectacular and definitely worth seeing. It is different than Holiday Wishes and uses more projection technology to transform the castle and such. It is very cool and worth seeing.

Of course, if you had never seen Illuminations, you would likely be quite impressed by it as well, though I still think HEA is better. You have seen Illuminations, so I say go with something new.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

If this were me, if I’m already going to be in Epcot for the 6:45 CP, then I’d just stay for Illuminations and make it a wonderful holiday evening.

To me, the holiday tag at the end of Illuminations is a hidden Epcot holiday gem that doesn’t get enough credit. It’s a beautiful addition to an already great show.

I also would tell people they shouldn’t miss HEA if they have an opportunity but it sounds like getting it in on your trip may be a bit of a jam job. I’d be inclined to let it go on this one - it’ll be around for future trips.

Just my two cents.

 

[DisDreaming4116]

The biggest con of seeing HEA at this time of the year is you will have to get a spot pretty early. Like you said, because of party nights, there are limited showings of HEA and it gets VERY crowded very early. But it is beautiful and very different from Illuminations.

 

[Lesley Wake]

I agree with PP, HEA cannot be missed!

Because you are unsure about your Universal time, I would initially aim to try and see HEA on Monday. If for some reason that can't happen, then see it on Wednesday. Try going to the grassy fenced in area in front of Casey's Corner; many people don't know it isn't reserved, so you can find spots with a great view. I would make sure to get there ASAP though, as it can definitely get more crowded!

 

[CAS239]

HEA and Star wars are the best shows

 

[PixieT78]

I agree with PP, HEA cannot be missed!

Because you are unsure about your Universal time, I would initially aim to try and see HEA on Monday. If for some reason that can't happen, then see it on Wednesday. Try going to the grassy fenced in area in front of Casey's Corner; many people don't know it isn't reserved, so you can find spots with a great view. I would make sure to get there ASAP though, as it can definitely get more crowded!

Yeah this is what I am now leaning towards - aiming for Monday but having Wednesday as a back up. We do have a later dinner ADR for Monday but I was able to reschedule it for Friday so it might be worth it to switch it out.

Thanks all for re-inforcing that HEA is worth it!

 

[BriLovesDisney]

HEA hands down!

 

[Hojobones]

HEA is great, but get there early to get a good spot. Illuminations with the holiday tag is also great. Try to see both if you can.

 

[Skywise]

HEA - unless you can catch Illuminations with the holiday ending which is fantastic. (still probably not quite up there with HEA but very nice)