Illuminations or RoL?

[rasadkowski]

If we have one extra night for an evening show, which do you recommend? We have 2 children, 5 and 7, and we are already attending MVMCP one night. We are early birds so too many late nights arn't good for us. However, I was thinking of scheduling one more in
Which do you recommend?
Thanks so much!

 

[North of Mouse]

If we have one extra night for an evening show, which do you recommend? We have 2 children, 5 and 7, and we are already attending MVMCP one night. We are early birds so too many late nights arn't good for us. However, I was thinking of scheduling one more in
Which do you recommend?
Thanks so much!

We would choose ROL. There are many that have posted negatively about it, but we thought it was very good.
We saw it twice last trip. I am tired of Illuminations, and was never a huge fan anyway. This will have to be a personal decision, though, as our expectations and likes vary so much.

 

[lovethattink]

Out of those two, I think Illuminations will keep their attention better. Both my husband and son were bored 5 minutes into RoL. I enjoyed it though.

 

[Klayfish]

For me, it's not even a debate. RoL will bore the tears out of your kids. Illuminations every day, all day.

 

[Dumbo7]

I say rivers of light because you get to sit. I love illuminations. But I'm
Short and I always have a tough time seeing and I don't enjoy standing with the crowds.

 

[sharonabe]

Illuminations!! It's bigger, it's better and there is SOOO much room from which to see it. You can be anywhere around the lagoon and see well.

 

[Klayfish]

I don't enjoy standing with the crowds.

But you're OK sitting with a massive crowd at RoL, where they squish you into rows?

 

[hes122]

I'd pick ROL. Illuminations didn't do anything for me on my last trip.

 

[EdmondD]

A key piece of missing info is how many times have you seen Illuminations? How many times have your kids? Will the 5yo be okay with fireworks? Further, where you're staying may also factor into the decision.

All that said, having seen Illuminations at least ten times myself, I'd take ROL. If you've never seen either, probably Illuminations.

You plan, of course, to see HEA?

 

[Dumbo7]

But you're OK sitting with a massive crowd at RoL, where they squish you into rows?

True True! But isn't Disney one big crowd!

 

[Klayfish]

True True! But isn't Disney one big crowd!

Yes...kinda like

 

[rasadkowski]

A key piece of missing info is how many times have you seen Illuminations? How many times have your kids? Will the 5yo be okay with fireworks? Further, where you're staying may also factor into the decision.

All that said, having seen Illuminations at least ten times myself, I'd take ROL. If you've never seen either, probably Illuminations.

You plan, of course, to see HEA?

Thanks for all your replies!
I have seen illuminations many times but many years ago. I think it's been changed a bit? My family has never seen it though
The girls love fireworks
They love animals ( like most)
I really think rol looks very beautiful but I also think they could get really restless. This will be late for them..
We are doing mvmcp so we will not see hea

 

[CinderellaDream]

If you've never seen Illuminations then definitely do that. IMHO, it's a much better show than ROL.

But if you don't have a night scheduled for HEA (which is different from the MVMCP show) then that would trump all of these! HEA is our favorite nighttime show.

 

[North of Mouse]

But you're OK sitting with a massive crowd at RoL, where they squish you into rows?

We saw it twice last trip and were not squished into rows. We had plenty room and it's a great show. The children seated anywhere near us seemed enthralled, not bored at all. At least it's orderly, unlike where others can push in front of you at Illuminations. Don't understand the boring aspect of ROL to some, but as with all attractions/rides, to each their own!

 

[HopperFan]

Illuminations.

No need to stand in LONG line, tie up a FP+ or spend money on a Dining Package ...

to have a good view of good show that needs none of those.

BUT TOTALLY AGREE with this ...

If you've never seen Illuminations then definitely do that. IMHO, it's a much better show than ROL.

But if you don't have a night scheduled for HEA (which is different from the MVMCP show) then that would trump all of these! HEA is our favorite nighttime show.

 

[loves to dive]

This really is very subjective and depends on your kids interests. Personally, I'm not a fan of Illuminations. I'm height challenged and have found even if I get a spot right up next to the rail, I still get blocked by someone when the earth comes out and can't see it most of the time. I love fireworks and the lasers are cool but it's just boring to me. We loved ROL, I realize we are in the minority but both my son (grown) and I were completely enthralled. We did get FPs for it but we didn't actually get them until about a hour before the show. I think every night time show at WDW is worth seeing at least once, some more than once.

 

[CAS239]

I wasnt a fan of Illuminations and I thought it was the weakest of the night shows, then came RoL.

I'd pick Illuminations to see.

My order of ranking:
Happily Ever After
Star Wars
Fantasmic
Illuminations
River of Lights

 

[TheDisGoof]

If we have one extra night for an evening show, which do you recommend? We have 2 children, 5 and 7, and we are already attending MVMCP one night. We are early birds so too many late nights arn't good for us. However, I was thinking of scheduling one more in
Which do you recommend?
Thanks so much!

I myself like illuminations. Illuminations will also be stopping soon, so if you want to get a last viewing in, now is the time.

 

[sharonabe]

I really think rol looks very beautiful but I also think they could get really restless. This will be late for them..

The restless part caught my eye. If you do ROL, it would be really hard, and slightly rude to the other people seated in your section, to get up and leave. If you're at Illuminations, you just walk off, head for "home," and disturb no one.

 

[TheBigErn]

If you've seen Illuminations obviously see ROL. ROL is somewhat slow and serene and some consider it boring. Illuminations is louder and faster pace. Only you know what your kids will like.