Illuminations Fastpass questions

[Jays2013]

So, Illuminations is my mom's very favorite thing at WDW. We're going to Epcot the night we arrive and, to absolutely sure we have a decent place for her to see it, we're going to get a Fastpass. (I know, I know. But we're not getting there until evening anyway, so it's not a big deal.)

Could anyone tell me where the viewing area for Fastpasses is and what time you're supposed to get there? Just planning away. Thanks!

 

[Miss Frankie J]

I wouldn't bother honestly. We just did the fp for illuminations and the area is in the middle between both world showcase shops when you first make it to world showcase. Depending on the fastpass time people line up and it is an insane line up, curled around and we just didn't do it because there were so many people crammed in a small space.

We stood right along the rails leading into the fp space and had a great view. Honestly you could find many good spots in world showcase.

If you must line up, get there around 820 or earlier for the 830 fp.

 

[Klayfish]

I agree with above. DO NOT do the FP+. Frankly, I think you'll get a better viewing spot outside of the FP+ area. We haven't used it in many years, but it seems like a somewhat smallish area (in relation to how big the WS is) and they cram all the FP+ in there. Unless it's changed, it's between the twin gift shops right at the entrance to the WS.

There are endless places to get a great view of Illuminations without a FP+. Frankly, it's hard to find a bad spot (just don't stand downwind...and even that isn't a big deal unless it's really windy). You could literally walk up at 8:57pm for a 9:00pm show and find a prime spot. Heck, we were there this 4th of July for their big fireworks show and we didn't arrive until 8:50pm. It was crowded, but we still got a great spot. A normal night is a breeze.

 

[Jules76126]

I agree. That is one of the great things about Epcot. There are so many spots to see the show that are great viewing areas. I wouldn't worry about the FP.

 

[Jays2013]

Hmm. OK! This may change things. I appreciate it!

 

[OSUZorba]

I did a same day FP+ in February, and was very disappointed with the viewing area. We actually hopped back to EPCOT a different day to see it from a different spot.

The FP area is probably the best location, but they completely pack it full of people, so you feel like you're in the hub at MK, and we really had our views impacted. If you stake out a spot 30 minutes ahead, you'll do much better.

 

[FastPasser.]

I'm going against the grain, but what do I know, I'd opt for the FPs. In your case it makes sense.

 

[Klayfish]

I'm going against the grain, but what do I know, I'd opt for the FPs. In your case it makes sense.

Yeah, what would you know about WDW?

Curious, why would you recommend it in OP case?

 

[CAS239]

If you're not doing Soarin, TT, or Frozen.. And you're arriving in the evening, there's no reason not to do the Illuminations FP

 

[FastPasser.]

Curious, why would you recommend it in OP case?

They said that they're not arriving until the evening and I assume that they won't need FPs for other attractions. So nothing to lose. And while there are countless spots to view Illuminations, you still have to select one and stay there. As for the long line at the FP area, I wouldn't bother with the line. I would arrive with only 10 to 15 minutes until the show, after everyone has entered, and grab spots at the very back. That's the highest elevation. Unless you're right up front, there's not much difference where you are, so just head for the back. You're also out first.

 

[Realfoodfans]

If you're not doing Soarin, TT, or Frozen.. And you're arriving in the evening, there's no reason not to do the Illuminations FP

We've got a Via Napoli ADR for 7.30 - when we come out from there for Illuminations do you think we'll be fine just near there? We've never seen it before.

 

[Main Street Matilda]

We did FPs because it was one less thing to worry about (and we had Soarin' FP for a different day). The spot was very good - perhaps not the best - but certainly not bad. We also liked that we didn't have to secure a spot early and still had a great view. We also weren't crammed into the space as some of the other posts experienced, so I cannot say whether or not that would have impacted the experience. In other words, I don't think it is a bad idea unless you really have a desire to use the FP for something else.

 

[CAS239]

We've got a Via Napoli ADR for 7.30 - when we come out from there for Illuminations do you think we'll be fine just near there? We've never seen it before.

Of course. As long as you have a clear view of the lagoon, you'll be good. And preferably without the wind blowing toward you. You won't want to be in the line of smoke

 

[FastPasser.]

We've got a Via Napoli ADR for 7.30 - when we come out from there for Illuminations do you think we'll be fine just near there? We've never seen it before.

That's less than 90 minutes to eat as you'll have to allow some time to walk out to look for viewing spots. Is that ok?

If you do keep that ADR time, it could be that by the time you get lagoon side, you may find it a challenge to find empty spots near by before the show starts.

Just a heads up that it's possible that some or all of the viewing area at Italy may be unavailable to you due to private events taking place in those areas. That was the case tonight.

 

[Realfoodfans]

That's less than 90 minutes to eat as you'll have to allow some time to walk out to look for viewing spots. Is that ok?

If you do keep that ADR time, it could be that by the time you get lagoon side, you may find it a challenge to find empty spots near by before the show starts.

Just a heads up that it's possible that some or all of the viewing area at Italy may be unavailable to you due to private events taking place in those areas. That was the case tonight.

Thank you for the warning. Actually the booking is 7.20 but that should be fine as the littlies won't sit for too long and we'll just be having pizza. When someone originally recommended going there (as a way to keep 3 yr old DGD going until Illuminations) they said about walking towards another area to view - but that was months ago and unfortunately I didn't cut and paste the information (which I do now into notes I'm going to print off!).
If we end up meandering around the lagoon toward the exit will we still see somethings?

 

[Robo]

If we end up meandering around the lagoon toward the exit will we still see somethings?

That's not a way to enjoy IllumiNations.

If you don't care about IllumiNations, that's fine.
But, if you DO want to SEE the show, for me, finding a good spot to view the show, would, by far, take precedence over eating expensive pizza.

 

[Realfoodfans]

That's not a way to enjoy IllumiNations.

If you don't care about IllumiNations, that's fine.
But, if you DO want to SEE the show, for me, finding a good spot to view the show, would, by far, take precedence over eating expensive pizza.

Thank you @Robo. No we really want to see it - but if as PP said the area outside is cordoned off for private parties we will have to consider where is suitable for my DGS as he is autistic and I didn't book FP+ as I've read many times that can be too busy for him.
Hopefully we will find an area on the night that is good - we will have DGD stroller so we can make him some space.

 

[Robo]

Thank you @Robo. No we really want to see it - but if as PP said the area outside is cordoned off for private parties we will have to consider where is suitable for my DGS as he is autistic and I didn't book FP+ as I've read many times that can be too busy for him.
Hopefully we will find an area on the night that is good - we will have DGD stroller so we can make him some space.

My point is to dump the pizza ADR and avoid the Italy area, entirely.
Instead, find a good viewing spot not so deep into World Showcase.

I would never use an IllumiNations FP, either.

There are so many places to view IllumiNations at Epcot's World Showcase
that are wonderful in each of its own way that its futile to try to list them... so I will.

• Bridge between UK and France
• Norway area
• Upper level (outside front terrace) of the Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan
• Mexico, at the new Cantina
• Mexico, bridge to the right of the Cantina (as you face the lagoon.)
• UK, the Rose & Crown outdoor dining area (ressies required.
• UK, just to the left of the Rose & Crown (as you face the lagoon.)
• Many, many more great spots.

Be sure to avoid any tree branches that block your overhead view,
and watch out for any "islands" in the water
that block your view of the "center" of the lagoon.

Most Important Tip:
Don't stand down-wind of the fireworks.
Their SMOKE will ruin the show.

So, If the wind is blowing into your face as you look towards the Lagoon, you are in the wrong spot.

 

[CAS239]

To add, if you want to eat at Via Napoli, cancel your adr and just head there earlier. They take walk ups and your wait shouldn't be too bad. If we eat in epcot this is where we eat to get pizza

 

[Jays2013]

They said that they're not arriving until the evening and I assume that they won't need FPs for other attractions. So nothing to lose. And while there are countless spots to view Illuminations, you still have to select one and stay there. As for the long line at the FP area, I wouldn't bother with the line. I would arrive with only 10 to 15 minutes until the show, after everyone has entered, and grab spots at the very back. That's the highest elevation. Unless you're right up front, there's not much difference where you are, so just head for the back. You're also out first.

Very interesting. We will be there a little earlier, but it's a very complicated group. Three of the six of us won't have anything to do with any sort of "thrill" ride--by which I mean no Soarin', no Test Track, and FEA and its drop might be too much! One of the other six will go on some thrill rides, but nothing with a drop. The other two (me and YDS) can take or leave FEA. Now, I have things set up during another Epcot day to RD Soarin' and FP Test Track, so I'm trying to keep the entire group together on our first day. And mom loves Illuminations so much I thought this might be worthwhile.

Decision, decisions. Thanks for the input!