How to do Illuminations?

[stinkpickle]

We watch from the balcony in Japan.

 

[Dan Murphy]

since the park closes after the show.

Hi Janice.

Actually the park closes at the start of Illuminations, 9 PM most of the year, 9:30 if Candlelight is performing. Important to know if you are taking the boats at IG, as they run one hour after park closing, so 10 or 10:30 PM. I made the mistake once, thinking I had until about 10:15 on my way back to the Swan. The last boat pulled out about 10 minutes before I got to the boat area. It was a loooong walk back to the Swan on a hot evening and after an exhausting day and night.

 

[gap2368]

1 Should we try to eat and watch at the same time?

2 Is it hard to find a place along the street somewhere or is there lots of space available?

3 Where should we sit?

4 Do you have to stand until the show starts or can you sit down and hold your spot until the show begins?

5 Is there other nighttime entertainment at Epcot?

1 if you would like you could but I would do something where you can grab and go food not sit down

2 I have never had a problem finding a spot in world show case 30 or so minute before

3 I would do world show case

4 I have always sat some times even during it one time the railing was in my way so when it started I just stood

5 no

 

[CateinPhoenix]

It is not like World of Color, but is performed on the water and there are water effects. No water screens as in World of Color or Fantasmic.

This will help you some, but as with all videos, if you have not seen it, obviously is a spoiler.

Thank you so much!

 

[glvsav37]

We watch from the balcony in Japan.

Is this something special? How do you get up there or is it open to anyone?

 

[MermaidMommy]

Best view of Illuminations IMO is front of Germany. The view of the globe is the best there because it's where it is closest to land.

It is also not too crowded there since the bulk of crowd congregates closer to the countries nearest to the exits since the park closes after the show. Norway to Morocco is where you find the largest number of guests.

If you want a REALLY great view, try the Italy Overlook. It's the small balcony that's attached to the Italy building closest to America. You get the entire balcony to yourself, so no crowds, and no people impeding your view. We got some snacks and sat and people watched for 30 minutes before Illuminations started, and then got to see the fireworks from there.

We were lucky enough to get it for free for "guest recovery," so we didn't have to pay, but it was so much fun, I'm tempted to pay for it as a splurge sometime.

 

[Dan Murphy]

If you want a REALLY great view, try the Italy Overlook. It's the small balcony that's attached to the Italy building closest to America. You get the entire balcony to yourself, so no crowds, and no people impeding your view. We got some snacks and sat and people watched for 30 minutes before Illuminations started, and then got to see the fireworks from there.

We were lucky enough to get it for free for "guest recovery," so we didn't have to pay, but it was so much fun, I'm tempted to pay for it as a splurge sometime.

Up the steps here? Really? I've only seen CM's from the now defunct Masquerade up there, years ago. That is amazing!!

 

[Robo]

Best view of Illuminations IMO is front of Germany. The view of the globe is the best there because it's where it is closest to land.

Actually, that is not the case.
The globe moves during the show, and it moves from the south side of the lagoon (Germany is on the south side of the lagoon) toward the north
as the show progresses. The globe spends the bulk of the show (when most of the images are being shown) near the north-center of the lagoon.

As you can see in this photo of the finale of IllumiNations, the globe is in its "show position" (where it spends the bulk of the show) and has opened to reveal its internal torch.
In the left background, at a distance, you can see the Germany Pavilion.

 

[MermaidMommy]

Up the steps here? Really? I've only seen CM's from the now defunct Masquerade up there, years ago. That is amazing!!

Yep, right on top of those steps! We did it in March. It's normally booked the same way you would book a private party in one of the countries, but they can't serve food because it's too small. I think it's normally $150, with no additional food/gratuity charges.

Carrie/@lurkyloo from the Cake Chatter thread has a bunch of pics and info about it on her site:

http://disneytravelbabble.com/disney-weddings/wdw-venue-photos/italy-overlook-epcot/

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yep, right on top of those steps! We did it in March. It's normally booked the same way you would book a private party in one of the countries, but they can't serve food because it's too small. I think it's normally $150, with no additional food/gratuity charges.

Carrie/@lurkyloo from the Cake Chatter thread has a bunch of pics and info about it on her site:

http://disneytravelbabble.com/disney-weddings/wdw-venue-photos/italy-overlook-epcot/

As I said, amazing!! Thanks for the info.

 

[stinkpickle]

Is this something special? How do you get up there or is it open to anyone?

We came right out of dinner at Tokyo Dining the first night and watched from the balcony. We noticed that nobody was blocking the stairs, so we just walked right up there on subsequent visits. Nobody said anything to us.

 

[Shelbizzles]

We were lucky enough to be able to have patio seats at rose and crown and it was amazing! We had a 7 pm reservation and it been raining right up until our reservation time, so it looked they had not been seating people there. So we got those seats without even requesting it. We just loved it.







And me enjoying the fireworks

 

[W.E.D.]

Our favorite was a little hidden area just past the UK, before the bridge. It was right down by the water, but I think this is roped off a lot now for private gatherings.

PPs mention Germany. I'd have to agree. On our last trip we came out of the Biergarten about 8:50 and there was NO ONE up by the railing for the show. I'm told the crowds thin out the farther away you get from the gates. I guess it's true!

 

[kace08]

Is it worthwhile to get a Fastpass for Illuminations during the holidays?

 

[Robo]

Is it worthwhile to get a Fastpass for Illuminations during the holidays?

Not really any different than other time, as far as location goes.

There are simply so MANY good places to watch, that the one you pick yourself can be a great one.
During the holidays, there will be many more guests, so I'd add at least 30 minutes to the time before the show at which I'd claim my spot.
(Which also goes for those who DO choose an IllumiNations FP.)

 

[fritz1215]

How long does Illuminations last? I had thought about booking the dessert party, thinking we would have seats to enjoy the show but now I am reading that it is standing only. I have a bad back and can't stand in one spot for too long, and with the show being at the end of the day, I know I will already be struggling.

Would we be better off getting reservations at Rose and Crown? (We go the first week in February)

 

[wilkeliza]

The bridge between France and UK is great. It is being used more and more for private parties and VIP though. Also the bridge in Italy is pretty good but again often roped off especially during the holidays.

My favorite ever view of Illuminations is only available to Cast Members. One of the absolute best fireworks experiences except for the getting covered in soot part.

 

[siskaren]

How long does Illuminations last?

About 15 minutes.

 

[Nancyg56]

There are simply so MANY good places to watch, that the one you pick yourself can be a great one.
During the holidays, there will be many more guests, so I'd add at least 30 minutes to the time before the show at which I'd claim my spot.
(Which also goes for those who DO choose an IllumiNations FP.)

I agree. I like to choose my own spot for Illuminations, but during the Holidays I think that you cannot wait until the last minute. You wil see, but will be looking over the folks who got there first. If you want to have an unobstructed view, find youself a nice beverage and a snack, scope out you favorite space and then stay put.