Illuminations--Best place to watch?

[tndisney5]

Finally planning to see illuminations and wondering if there is a good/best/someone's favorite spot for viewing...

Also, any suggestions on a good CS restaurant for viewing?

 

[Radiorox]

Italy. There's this little area that is rounded off towards the lagoon that if you get their early enough you do not have anything in your way. Illuminations is one of those events that you can see from ANYWHERE around the lagoon as long as you make sure that you do not have a pole or a tree in your way.

Also, make sure the wind is not hitting you because the ash from the fireworks will be landing on you.

CS - Mexico?
TS: Crose & Crown, Spice Road Table.

I love Illuminations, it's my fav of all the night time events.

 

[MissStitch626]

My favourite spot is the bridge between France and the UK though depending on the direction of the wind it can get smoky.

We used a fastpass for Illuminations on our last trip and thought the view from the FP seciton was amazing too though it was a little bit too close to some of the fireworks for my liking

 

[eglsmama]

Can I ask how loud Illuminations is? My DD is sensitive to the loud booming of fireworks so we'll be watching Wishes from outside the park.

However, we're considering staying for Illuminations on our Epcot day if it won't be overwhelming. Maybe there are some places quieter than others?

Loud music isn't so much an issue...

Thanks!

 

[mesaboy2]

Upwind. Seriously.

 

[DWillowBay]

….not going to lie…it is loud! Not the whole thing, but there is at least one part when fireworks are going off continuously and fairly close to the ground. LOUD! I love it, but surely understand how little ones might not. There are also some very soft, sweet parts of it. ….Ear-muffs? -Plugs? It is the most beautiful of the nighttime presentations, IMHO.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

See, this is the kind of question I know better than to answer. If I tell you where I go, then more and more people will be going there, and it will ruin it. Sorry.

 

[tndisney5]

See, this is the kind of question I know better than to answer. If I tell you where I go, then more and more people will be going there, and it will ruin it. Sorry.

Well thanks for not sharing

 

[ktlm]

Can I ask how loud Illuminations is? My DD is sensitive to the loud booming of fireworks so we'll be watching Wishes from outside the park.

However, we're considering staying for Illuminations on our Epcot day if it won't be overwhelming. Maybe there are some places quieter than others?

Loud music isn't so much an issue...

Thanks!

My DD absolutely hated Illuminations when she was little. For a smaller child, if they are not up by the rail, then all they see are the people in front of them because the show is low on the water as opposed to your traditional high in the sky fireworks. If she was up by the rail, where she could see, then it was way too close and loud. She has been to WDW every year since she was 2, and she was 7 before we ever got her to stay for the whole thing.

 

[Radiorox]

Can I ask how loud Illuminations is? My DD is sensitive to the loud booming of fireworks so we'll be watching Wishes from outside the park.

However, we're considering staying for Illuminations on our Epcot day if it won't be overwhelming. Maybe there are some places quieter than others?

Loud music isn't so much an issue...

Thanks!

Not the whole thing but, some parts the fireworks get very loud. Get earplugs seriously it's a gorgeous show.

 

[andyman8]

I like Rose & Crown (I think that's what a previous poster had mentioned) but it's all a matter of luck. I'd try to make your reservation for between 7:15 and 7:30. We've never been seated right away, so you'll probably have to wait, but be sure to request a "lagoonside table" (below the patio). Officially, they don't take requests but it never hurts to throw in a request when you check in. If you're celebrating something (i.e. birthday, anniversary, personal triumph), mention that as well. Nothing's guaranteed but most tables offer very good views, but those right next to the lagoon offer views that cannot be beat.

As for how loud IllumiNations is, it's very loud. To quote Jim Hill, "No, they did not just blow up the theme park. That was just the fireworks."

 

[ThereAndBackAgain]

See, this is the kind of question I know better than to answer. If I tell you where I go, then more and more people will be going there, and it will ruin it. Sorry.

A very serious matter indeed. We must guard the precious...

 

[siemprekelsey]

Can I ask how loud Illuminations is? My DD is sensitive to the loud booming of fireworks so we'll be watching Wishes from outside the park.

However, we're considering staying for Illuminations on our Epcot day if it won't be overwhelming. Maybe there are some places quieter than others?

Loud music isn't so much an issue...

Thanks!

The first time my parents took us to Disney World my brother was four and hated all loud noises! Train whistles, sirens, fireworks, you name it! At Epcot they held him by a fountain (away from the lagoon) so it would drown out a bit of the noise. Isn't there a fountain by Figment that flows "up"? From pictures it kinda looks like that. If you're willing to miss the Globe part (which is, admittedly, cool) then it could be good for you! Especially if she also hates fire (or ear plugs).

 

[MattRyan]

I accidentally walked into the reserved handicap area before it was roped off for Illuminations once, so we didn't realize it at the time. We were there for 30 minutes already before they roped it off and began having a CM police the section. They never asked us to leave, but once we realized what the section was for, we stood back and let all the wheelchair/scooter people and their families through to the railings closest to the action. When the fireworks started, the section was sparse and we had a great view. It was probably the most pleasant experience for Illuminations ever even if it was accidental. As others have said though, anywhere around the lagoon is fine as long as there isn't anything obstructing your view .

 

[pampam]

Can I ask how loud Illuminations is? My DD is sensitive to the loud booming of fireworks so we'll be watching Wishes from outside the park.

However, we're considering staying for Illuminations on our Epcot day if it won't be overwhelming. Maybe there are some places quieter than others?

Loud music isn't so much an issue...

Thanks!

If noise is truly quite an issue, I've found it sometimes best to go over to near first aid. You won't get the show on the water, but you will still be able to see the fireworks without loud bangs.