Illuminations after dinner at Epcot

[Tarpon]

I was at Disney 14 years ago. I recall eating at the Norwegian restaurant and afterwards, sitting on a bench outside next to the water and watching fireworks. Is this Illuminations? What time does it start? Can we still sit on the edge of the water and watch them? Thanks.

 

[flexsmom]

We were just there on Thursday night and Illuminations was at 9pm. Unless you stake out a seat right by the water well in advance, it will be tough to just walk out and have the perfect spot! But that said, I think there are a lot of decent places from which to view it!

 

[mitros]

And you really do not have to stand right by a railing to get a good view, nor do you have to stand somewhere for an hour waiting for Illuminations. We stopped doing that back in 1990 when Disney started using a lot of what were then considered "prime" viewing areas for special events and weddings and what have you.
We just started walking around the WS, about 5 minutes before the show started, in the middle of the walkway where the parades were during the millenium celebration, and just stopped somewhere along the way and watched. This way, it is no big deal to have to stand there during the show, which is roughly 17 minutes long, instead of standing by a railing for an hour waiting for it to start. And, you are not shoulder to shoulder with other guests vying for a good view. Then, after the show, we just sit down and watch the mad rush for the exits.

 

[disnut8]

Yes, that's Illuminations and it'll go off every night at 9:00 - there aren't any variations except during a holiday when it's 9:30.

I agree that you don't have to stake out your place an hour before the show unless it's really, really crowded. We were there over Fourth of July weekend and on Sunday night, got a great spot (one of our favorites) just five minutes before the show.

And take your time getting out. Let the madness subside and then stroll out. We've been there as late as 10:30.