Illuminations - Best Viewing Suggestions

[ksheridan14]

First timer going to WDW the first week of October. We plan to see Illuminations on one of our Epcot days. Any suggestions of good viewing spots that do not require an ADR? It will be me, DH, DS(8) and DD (3). Also, how long does it last and how difficult is it to grab a monorail ride? Would it be best for us to drive and park?
Thanks for the advice.

 

[CarolynFH]

Upwind! And with as clear a view of the center of the lake as possible.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Best advice above.

It lasts about 15 minutes. I would suggest relaxing in the park, or slowly walking your way out, making it about 20-30 minutes after the end. Both the parking lot and monorail will be very crowded sooner.

Enjoy those many lifetime first time memories.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Illuminations Sparkling Dessert Party! All the bubbly and desserts you can down in two hours plus front row seats to the show. Why wait in a spot for an hour if you can't at least enjoy yourself while waiting!

 

[ksheridan14]

Sorry if this is a silly question, but what is Upwind?

 

[Dan Murphy]

$156 is a pretty costly night to stand and eat some token desserts.

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2014/...epcots-sparkling-illuminations-dessert-party/

Upwind is with the wind behind you, not blowing toward you. There is quite a bit of smoke from the show and best to have it blowing away from you than toward you.

 

[pooch]

Whichever direction the wind is blowing AWAY from. You do not want the smoke blowing toward you

 

[ksheridan14]

Ha! Thank you. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't code for something g that I don't know yet. Appreciate the feedback!

 

[W.E.D.]

My two spots:

If you're standing by the Fish n' Chips booth in the UK pavillion, there is a seating area around the corner. There are a couple benches down by the water that offer great views. Of course, the views are so good that they may have turned this into a reserved area. Check ahead of time.

Between the African Outpost and Germany. We saw Illuminations twice on our last visit, and both nights this area was oddly missing the usual throngs of people waiting for the show. We may have just been lucky, but you might want to check it out.

 

[siskaren]

Sorry if this is a silly question, but what is Upwind?

Upwind means with the wind blowing away from you.