How long is Illuminations?

[nicolemarie]

I am planning our itenerary and wondered how much time to allow for Illuminations and getting back to the YC for bed. Does anyone know? TIA.

 

[Sammy]

Illuminations itself is approx. 15 minutes long. If you find a viewing spot close to the International Gateway (around France or UK), it shouldn't take you very long to get back out of Epcot and walk to the YC. At a leisurely stroll, maybe 20 minutes or so..???

We love to take our time after Illuminations because they play the Millenium music and we like to let the crowds rush to the exits first. It's such a pretty park at night! And the walk through the gateway back to the YC/BC/BW area is also very pretty at night!

Have fun....we just got back two days ago and I miss it already!!

 

[mickeyfan2]

My guess is about 20 minutes.

 

[Webbie]

Illuminations does not last long...about 15 minutes. If you find a spot over near the International Gateway to view Illuminations you will be able to walk back to the YC. Slow walkers or young children...give yourself 25 minutes. It sure beats the crowds trying to get to the transportation. We always like to take out time walking out and letting the crowds thin out a bit.

 

[Ghost]

When I was at EPCOT in october I stayed and watched the Illuminations show, incuding the clean up afterword. Got myself a cup of cofee, sat near the water and watched the boats pass by putting all fireworks floats away... I had fun (but I am funny like that)... After that no hassle of big crowds. However, depending if you children, this might not be the best thing on your wish list... (I was on my own that evening)

 

[Disney8704]

Illuminations is 12 mins and 6 seconds long to be exact. The main porition is 9 mins and 35 seconds long, and then the 2nd part (where the singing starts, fireworks and the globe opens) is 2 mins and 31 seconds long. If you view Illuminations in USA, you can hear the full song We Go On on your way out which is only 4 mins and 27 seconds long. I always view it in the US by a fountain, by going down some stairs and getting right up at the fence between me and the lake. Its the pefect spot. I video taped it last time I was there and I had seen it every night so I new exactly where everything was gonna be at and when it was gonna happen. The video came out perfect.

 

[bleeps]

I would just like to say that I love you all!

We, too, will be staying at YC for the first time for an upcoming trip, and while I had thought about this (how long for Illum., how long/best way to get back) I hadn't gone ahead and asked the question! So, thanks to OP for asking, and thanks for all the great (and precise!) replies!

 

[Disney Doll]

It's about 15-20 minutes long and it's probably a 10-15 minute walk back to the YC, depending on how fast you walk and how much of a crowd you're walking with, and how fast they walk.

 

[nicolemarie]

I would just like to say that I love you all!

We, too, will be staying at YC for the first time for an upcoming trip, and while I had thought about this (how long for Illum., how long/best way to get back) I hadn't gone ahead and asked the question! So, thanks to OP for asking, and thanks for all the great (and precise!) replies!

Ditto, ditto, ditto!! These boards always come through with great information - even down to the minute as to the length of Illuminations. I will be the hit of my family with all this super advice!

 

[Simba's Mom]

When I was at EPCOT in october I stayed and watched the Illuminations show, incuding the clean up afterword. Got myself a cup of cofee, sat near the water and watched the boats pass by putting all fireworks floats away... I had fun (but I am funny like that)... After that no hassle of big crowds. However, depending if you children, this might not be the best thing on your wish list... (I was on my own that evening)

Wow, now that really sounds like a fun thing to do! DH always teases me that he thinks I'm trying to be the last one out of the park. I've never sat and watched them put the fireworks floats away. Where's a good place to sit for that?