Illuminations from outside the park?

[Lucy6]

We arrive at the airport at 5:15 on a Thursday evening. Is it possible to view Illuminations without going into EPCOT??

 

[Simba's Mom]

I think you can see the fireworks part (of course, not the goings-on on the water) from the bridge on the Boardwalk.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Agree. That is probably the best place outside the park, but not necessarily a good place.
I have been on the back of one of the boats as Illuminations begun. You see quite a bit. But it is not quite the same. The boats near Epcot stop during most of Illuminations.
It is amazing how much can be seen on the road running behind Epcot. But there is no place to park and is not a safe area to be in during Illuminations. Everyone is driving, yet trying to watch the fireworks.

 

[BadgerBruce]

It's fun to grab a treat from the bakery & watch from a table along the Boardwalk waterfront. There are a few benches & tables if you can find one. The bridge that connects Yacht Club to the Boardwalk has good viewing. It in no way takes the place of seeing Illuminations in the park. It is an outstanding show with great music & a lot of lower level water & other effects that you can't see outside of the park. Have a great trip!

 

[kaabost]

While DH was feverishly watching the Carolina Panthers game at the ESPN Zone on our arrival night, I ran over to the World Showcase Epcot entrance to watch Illuminations. I definitely had an obstructed view but I could still see alot. I was able to see (and hear) enough to get me even MORE excited about seeing it the next night. I LOVE Illuminations!!!!! After the show, I ran back to the ESPN Zone...literally ran...because the show had made me so excited!

 

[Lucy6]

We will be able to see the whole show on another night from inside the park, I am just trying to think of cool things that we can do the first night to get the kids to realize that WE'RE HERE! We are staying at POFQ, and I figure by the time we get settled in it may be 8:00, so this is one thing I was thinking about doing.