Illuminations: Fastpass, Dessert Party, or some other strategy

[OrangeBirdFan]

This is our first time visiting during the holiday season. We're planning on going to Epcot for the Candlelight Processional on Saturday December 10 and then staying for the rest of the evening. Normally, we go at much less crowded times so we don't really have an illuminations strategy beyond pick a place and stand there but I feel like things might be more crowded this time around. Any recommendations? It looks like both the fastpasses and the dessert party are still options. We're two adults and the dessert party won't kill the budget but I'm less interested in the food than I am in getting a good viewing area with minimal amounts of craziness. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Robo]

If your normal illuminations strategy is "pick a place and stand there," I'd still do that.
It's a good way to do it.
Maybe grab a spot EARLIER than normal.

But, if you WANT to do something else, that's fine.
Just know that neither of those options (FP and Dessert Party) guarantee good front-row views.

 

[OrangeBirdFan]

Thanks! I'm probably overthinking things but it's the first holiday visit and we're planning things much later than I'd like but I wasn't going to say no to a Disney trip. Am I correct in thinking that neither the FP nor the Dessert Party have seating? Is there a place you'd recommend standing? We generally wind up by Mexico because that's where we usually are anyway.

 

[Robo]

Thanks! I'm probably overthinking things but it's the first holiday visit and we're planning things much later than I'd like but I wasn't going to say no to a Disney trip.
1. Am I correct in thinking that neither the FP nor the Dessert Party have seating?
2. Is there a place you'd recommend standing?
3. We generally wind up by Mexico because that's where we usually are anyway.

1. At this point, correct.
2. There are literally dozens of great spots all around the lagoon.
Make sure that the wind is not blowing toward your position.
3. That's a good place.

 

[OrangeBirdFan]

Thanks again!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Yeah. The Illuminations FP+ is really only "worth" it if you have no interest in any other Tier I FP+ and have no desire to try to get a 4th FP+ at any point.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

No need for a FP+ or Desssert party.
Pick a place and stand like usual.
There's no long a "dead time" at WDW but December 10th is still pretty light crowds.
I've never had an issue getting a good spot around that time of year.
We usually head to "our" spot 25-30 minutes prior to show time because Illuminations is our favorite and even more so during the holiday season.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

This is our first time visiting during the holiday season. We're planning on going to Epcot for the Candlelight Processional on Saturday December 10 and then staying for the rest of the evening. Normally, we go at much less crowded times so we don't really have an illuminations strategy beyond pick a place and stand there but I feel like things might be more crowded this time around. Any recommendations? It looks like both the fastpasses and the dessert party are still options. We're two adults and the dessert party won't kill the budget but I'm less interested in the food than I am in getting a good viewing area with minimal amounts of craziness. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

For the first time we are doing an IllumiNations cruise... We try to do something special each trip... I am positive the view from the boat will be magnificent!
I would choose this over the dessert party anytime! (but it IS more costly!)