Illuminations (and/or fireworks) advice please?

[Kitty-chan]

Hi all,

My parents are joining DS9 and me for a couple days at WDW, towards the end of a week-long trip that DS and I will be on. They're arriving at MCO on Tuesday December 20 at 5:40pm. We're planning to pick them up at MCO (we'll have a car), and they'd like to see fireworks that evening. They don't want to stay up very late, so I'm guessing that Illuminations would be our best bet, based on last year's schedules (which suggest something like Illuminations at 9:30pm (Epcot), Wishes at 10:00pm (MK)). I also like the idea of going to Epcot that evening because there's only one attraction there we simply must do with them (Figment, yay!!), and I figure we can hit that with little trouble and be done with Epcot for their trip.

A (relatively) quick and easy exit post-fireworks is more important to them than an optimal view of the fireworks, so my current plan is to pick them up, head to Epcot, get counter service somewhere, and watch Illuminations from somewhere near the gateway between World Showcase and Future World, to cut down on the crowds we'll have to deal with.

I've never been to Illuminations before, so I could really use your advice! Is this plan good? Would you advise a different strategy for getting my parents to fireworks that night?

 

[amandadaddy]

If you've never been to Illuminations before, then you're in for a real treat! It's a great show. I have no idea on driving time from MCO, but a 5:40 arrival sounds like you'll be cutting it a little close based on our experience.

We usually travel to WDW during the non-holiday weeks of winter. At that time of year Future World normally closes at 7:00p.m. which would leave you 1 hour and 20 min. to pick-up your folks, return to WDW, park at or near Epcot (you didn't say where you were staying), enter the park, and make it to JIYI. FW might be open later than 7:00 on the 20th, but that would only be because large crowds would be expected, making a speedy exit after Illuminations unlikely.

I'd skip JIYI in favor of a PS for dinner at the Rose & Crown in the UK pavillion of the WS at 8:00. Try to park at the Beach Club and enter Epcot through the International Gateway which will put you between the France and UK pavillions. An 8:00 dinner reservation should allow you to finish your meal just in time to view Illuminations from R&C's private viewing area or from your table if you sit outside. The R&C is right on the water and has an unbeatable view for Illuminations, the food is good and not too expensive (by Disney standards), and this will give you the quickest exit via the International Gateway and the Beach Club parking lot. I'd leave JIYI for another day on your trip.

Hope that helps!

 

[Kitty-chan]

Thanks for the advice!

I'm a little confused about one thing . . . can we park at the Beach Club even if we're not staying there? DS and I are staying off-site, and my parents are staying at POFQ.

 

[Ted and Holly]

Thanks for the advice!

I'm a little confused about one thing . . . can we park at the Beach Club even if we're not staying there? DS and I are staying off-site, and my parents are staying at POFQ.

Like many things at WDW. There is a sign that says it is prohibited, but it is not well enforced.

If you are getting to Epcot in the evening, and driving, do not park in the way back. Drive up towards the front and find a spot that someone has vacated during the day. This cuts down on walking or tram time.

Your plan for staying near the front of the World Showcase is fine. But, during that time of year, there might be a fairly large crowd in Epcot. You will have to deal with a lot of people streaming out of the park. Really the oly place you can be where this is not as much of an issue would be at the Fountrain. Which would be a bad place to view Illuminations from, in my opinion.

Ted

 

[disnut8]

You could park at the Boardwalk, get some pizza at the Spoodles window or hot dogs, etc. from the place across the way, have a quick bite to eat outdoors and then enter Epcot through the International Gateway. Another option.

 

[jimmiej]

You could park at the Boardwalk, get some pizza at the Spoodles window or hot dogs, etc. from the place across the way, have a quick bite to eat outdoors and then enter Epcot through the International Gateway. Another option.

IA. Leaving out of the International Gateway after Illuminations is MUCH easier. Plus walking through the Boardwalk area is really a neat experience after dark.

 

[Kitty-chan]

Thanks everybody -- these are all great ideas!!