Illuminations FP+ Double "meh"

[theyoungs07]

This past trip was our 4th with kids and we'd never stopped to actually watch Illuminations before. We have watched part of it, but I am not one to "stake out a spot and wait" so we haven't really tried.

Since we don't care to do TT (yet), and already had a day where we had a Soarin FP, I decided to use our T1 FP+ for Illuminations. The show was at 9 and we arrived back to the park after a mid-day break around 7:40. I figured we could grab a snack or do something quick as the FP shows you can show up at 8:40. I was dismayed that as we walked towards WS I noticed a HUGE line waiting to get into the FP+ area...yikes (around 8:10)! So I was worried that we wouldn't get in (we're a party of 10 and I didn't know the size of the FP+ area), we got in the huge line. I thought to myself, this is exactly why I haven't watched this show...I can't stand staking out a spot almost an hour before showtime!

We got into the area, which is thankfully very large and ended up in the very front rope at the center. I thought it was odd that many people in the front were standing while waiting for the show, but we had an army of people sitting behind us in the FP+ area, this made me decide to sit on the concrete for a while...which my back doesn't appreciate, so by the time the show rolled around I was standing again. Some people continued to sit behind and some stood to watch the show...it just seemed odd to me.

As for the show...meh. I liked the fireworks and the cool united world peace type vibe, but it just doesn't hold the emotional weight for me compared to Wishes and Fantasmic. My wife and kids felt similarly. We tried it, and found it wasn't for us...so more room for others who love it.

I'd be fine watching again if we could just stop on our way and observe for a while, but the FP+ just didn't do it for us. Is the Wishes FP+ similar? We usually do the TTDP, but probably won't in the future so that may something I try for Wishes.

 

[Robo]

I'd be fine watching again if we could just stop on our way and observe for a while, but the FP+ just didn't do it for us. Is the Wishes FP+ similar?

Similar to waiting in an area without seating, and watching the show?
Yes.

 

[tlmadden73]

I guess I don't understand the concept of Fast Passes for these huge outdoor shows. They are big spectacles .. in the air (or water) .. there really isn't a bad viewing area.
You ended up having to wait in line anyway to get your seat and didn't have a good seat. After your specific story, I don't see why anyone wastes one of their precious Fast Passes on a night show:
1) It takes up the spot that could have saved you 30-60 minutes waiting in a line.
2) It isn't until night .. which means you can't use your 4th (or 5th, 6th) fast passes since you can't make those until all of your initial 3 are used up.
3) Are you really getting better seat? (maybe) . .but is it worth it rather than just trying to stake out a spot on your own (and resting) before the shows?

The Fast Passes for night shows just seem to be a way to help spread out the available fast passes so they aren't all consumed by the big ticket rides.
For every Fast Pass used for a night show that is one more fast pass available to someone else for a ride.

 

[jen7233]

I remember with Wishes in MK just standing somewhere near the front entrance and Main Street. We didn't really plan a spot, and this was before fast passes for fireworks. We are going again in June for the first time this fastpass+ has been out and I'm curious how it'll all work. Personally, I'm not bothering with fastpasses for anything like Wishes, Illuminations, Fantasmic, and I don't know how it'll end up working up but can't wait to see what happens!

 

[ksromack]

This is our first time with the new fast passes too......our last WDW visit was Dec 2012 and i think they were pioneering this new system then as I recall doing something on line for those. My question is where is a decent spot for Illuminations? In 2012 we were fortunate to be on a boat on the water for it but even then it rained and we really couldn't see anything because we were underneath a bridge!

We have several late dinner reservations in EPCOT during our visit.....can Illuminations be viewed from any of the restaurants? I seem to recall the answer is yes but can't for the life of me remember which ones! TIA!

 

[Robo]

This is our first time with the new fast passes too......our last WDW visit was Dec 2012 and i think they were pioneering this new system then as I recall doing something on line for those. My question is where is a decent spot for Illuminations? In 2012 we were fortunate to be on a boat on the water for it but even then it rained and we really couldn't see anything because we were underneath a bridge!

We have several late dinner reservations in EPCOT during our visit.....can Illuminations be viewed from any of the restaurants? I seem to recall the answer is yes but can't for the life of me remember which ones! TIA!

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



• Bridge between UK and France
• Near the twin gift shops at the entrance to WS from FW
• Norway area
• Upper level (outside front terrace) of the Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan
• Italy, near the Gondolas
• Mexico, bridge to the right of the Cantina (as you face the lagoon.)
• 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.

Best 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.
-----------------------

As for watching IN restaurants:

• UK, the Rose & Crown outdoor dining area (ressies required.)
• Mexico, at the new Cantina

 

[mesaboy2]

Some of the FP-specific issues brought up in this thread are addressed in the green link in my signature.

 

[Robo]

Some of the FP-specific issues brought up in this thread are addressed in the green link in my signature.

Who knew?

 

[hsmamato2]

See, I love illuminations..it's a great show, but I couldn't imagine using a FP to see something that is HUGE and can be seen from almost anywhere on that side of the park....In all the years we've visited we have never done anything but stop and watch from wherever we happen to be.....

 

[ksromack]

Thank you, Robo! I remember you being most helpful on our last WDW visit. We just returned from Europe a few weeks ago and I'm having vacation withdrawls. I just booked this trip for end of Sept, beginning of October and it is inside of the 180 day window....so not like me to be unable to stalk the dining reservations at that time so I'm having to scavenge up ressies like a commoner We may have to hope for the best regarding Illuminations. No R&C reservations available to fit our schedule. Our best bet may be after our Biergarten dinner or after the Chef de France or Monsieur Paul dinner or Tutto Italia. As you can see we're trying to relive our dinners from last month.

 

[itchin2go]

I guess I don't understand the concept of Fast Passes for these huge outdoor shows. They are big spectacles .. in the air (or water) .. there really isn't a bad viewing area.
You ended up having to wait in line anyway to get your seat and didn't have a good seat. After your specific story, I don't see why anyone wastes one of their precious Fast Passes on a night show:
1) It takes up the spot that could have saved you 30-60 minutes waiting in a line.
2) It isn't until night .. which means you can't use your 4th (or 5th, 6th) fast passes since you can't make those until all of your initial 3 are used up.
3) Are you really getting better seat? (maybe) . .but is it worth it rather than just trying to stake out a spot on your own (and resting) before the shows?

The Fast Passes for night shows just seem to be a way to help spread out the available fast passes so they aren't all consumed by the big ticket rides.
For every Fast Pass used for a night show that is one more fast pass available to someone else for a ride.

I have to agree, especially for Illuminations. We have never "lined up" or "staked out a spot" ... we just watch.

I have never done Fantasmic - that may be a different story.

 

[hsmamato2]

ha- Fantasmic is a different story..........Wishes we just watch from wherever we are also.... I like being around the back of the park without the crowds

 

[theyoungs07]

Some of the FP-specific issues brought up in this thread are addressed in the green link in my signature.

Yes, I had this post printed out when we talked over our FP+ selections prior to day 60. It helped us with our selections. We did not have another tier1 option that we cared about so we opted for the Illuminations one. If I had known that standing in line and then standing there for almost an hour was part of the deal, I probably would not have done it...but we wanted to try this show. I've always looked at convenience opportunities with my large family with small kiddos...that's why we do the Fantasmic dining (probably not worth it for the value, but I do enjoy the peace of mind and we'd probably be eating at these places anyways) and the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party...for convenience. I did not find this convenient, so I'll skip it in the future even if I don't have a tier1 FP+ for the day (who knows how this system will change over time). I do find it odd that the only real choices in tier1 are TT and Soarin.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I guess I don't understand the concept of Fast Passes for these huge outdoor shows. They are big spectacles .. in the air (or water) .. there really isn't a bad viewing area.
You ended up having to wait in line anyway to get your seat and didn't have a good seat. After your specific story, I don't see why anyone wastes one of their precious Fast Passes on a night show:
1) It takes up the spot that could have saved you 30-60 minutes waiting in a line.
2) It isn't until night .. which means you can't use your 4th (or 5th, 6th) fast passes since you can't make those until all of your initial 3 are used up.
3) Are you really getting better seat? (maybe) . .but is it worth it rather than just trying to stake out a spot on your own (and resting) before the shows?

The Fast Passes for night shows just seem to be a way to help spread out the available fast passes so they aren't all consumed by the big ticket rides.
For every Fast Pass used for a night show that is one more fast pass available to someone else for a ride.

Exactly. It's taking things that used to be "FP-free" and slapping a FP on it to create more FPs.

 

[Robo]

I have to agree, especially for Illuminations. We have never "lined up" or "staked out a spot" ... we just watch.

I have never done Fantasmic - that may be a different story.

What a FP+ for F! offers is more CHOICE in seating.
If you DO get a F! FP+, you can choose to sit in either the FP section (virtually the entire left half of the theater)
or the Standby section (virtually the entire right half of the theater.)
So, whatever section has the better seating at the time you arrive, you can go there.

Without a FP, you can only choose a seat in the Standby section.

There is a very good chance that you can get a FP+ for F! as a 4th or 5th FP of the day because they
issue SO MANY of them (enough to cover nearly the entire left half of the seating.)
On many nights, it is possible that you can gat a FP+ for F! as you are walking to the theater.

As to when to arrive at the theater, I'd get to there 45-60 minutes before the show-time.
Even with a FP or Dining Pkg. reservation, don't wait too late.
On busy nights, the CMs can stop holding the reserved sections within 20-30 minutes before show-time,
and turn over any available seats to waiting walk-in guests.
There is a "pre-show" (such as it is) that can help pass the last 30 minutes before show time.

-------------------------------------------------------------------



Map Below-

Arrows indicate the center of the seating.

Shaded areas:

(First or Only F! performance of the evening)

Cyan= Standby (walk-in) seating

Red= Dining Package Reserved

Blue= FP+ Reserved

Purple= Can be either FP+ or Dining Plan Reserved, depending on needs.



(Second or Third F! performance of the evening)

Cyan= Standby (walk-in) seating

Red, Purple, Blue= FP+ Reserved

(Although much of the outer Blue will likely be used for Standby.)

 

[CAS239]

I don't find any need at all for Illuminations FP and neither to stake out a spot an hour in advance. There's countless good spots. Most times we've been doing stuff and then just stopped to watch Illuminations 5 min before it started, or right when it starts. As long as you don't have anything blocking you, you have a good spot.

Now wishes FP and Fantasmic FP, we enjoy using those. Wishes is great because we can sit and have plenty of room without having to stand around for an hour to just be wall to wall with another group. And Fantasmic is great to get in early with minimal wait and have first picks on seats

 

[Robo]

Fantasmic FP... is great to get in early with minimal wait and have first picks on seats

To be clear, FP guests don't get into the F! theater any earlier than standby guests.
But, they do have a greater choice in seating.

 

[TwizzleMouse]

This is our first time with the new fast passes too......our last WDW visit was Dec 2012 and i think they were pioneering this new system then as I recall doing something on line for those. My question is where is a decent spot for Illuminations? In 2012 we were fortunate to be on a boat on the water for it but even then it rained and we really couldn't see anything because we were underneath a bridge!

We have several late dinner reservations in EPCOT during our visit.....can Illuminations be viewed from any of the restaurants? I seem to recall the answer is yes but can't for the life of me remember which ones! TIA!

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



• Bridge between UK and France
• Near the twin gift shops at the entrance to WS from FW
• Norway area
• Upper level (outside front terrace) of the Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan
• Italy, near the Gondolas
• Mexico, bridge to the right of the Cantina (as you face the lagoon.)
• 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.

Best 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.
-----------------------

As for watching IN restaurants:

• UK, the Rose & Crown outdoor dining area (ressies required.)
• Mexico, at the new Cantina

As far as restaurants besides the ones listed by Robo, there is also Tokyo Dining In Japan and Spice Road in Morocco. The tables are really hard to get at the lagoon window in Japan though.

Also, many of the other places listed like the Gondola area in Italy and more are usually roped off for VIP viewing and sometimes right before the show they will let regular guests in to view from those spots, but many times like 2x on my last trip the area mentioned in Italy was roped off the whole time VIP for a Bride and Groom and their party to view Illuminations from that spot. Just FYI.

 

[CAS239]

To be clear, FP guests don't get into the F! theater any earlier than standby guests.
But, they do have a greater choice in seating.

We went a couple weeks ago and we were in the front of the FP line..we were let in about 5-10 min ahead of standby. Might not be the norm or maybe they were just slow to let standby in. Or I think they do allow them both in at the same time, however the standby line seemed to have more walking vs the FP line.

I'll be back again tonight so I'll have to check it out again.

 

[DOOM1001]

Illuminations is definitely my favorite nighttime show but I'm never waiting more than 10 minutes for it or wasting a FP+ for it,plenty of decent spots around WS to see it.I've seen the show possibly 150 times and I've yet to get tired of it,but I will say in the last year or two the slow section with the fountains has gotten a bit boring,I never used to say that before but apparently after 150 or more times watching it I can finally grow bored of that section,the show as a whole is still my favorite.Wishes is also a great show,but like Illuminations I just get a spot 5-10 minutes before,or 5-10 minutes before the castle show and then stay for Wishes.Fantasmic is a different story,I don't love the show like the other two,that and the combination of lining up to get a seat means I'm only seeing the show once or twice a year.Way too many water screens in that show makes the show boring for me.