Illuminations view from Morocco for DP

[GoofyGiggles]

It looks like us with small party sizes have all been assigned to Morocco for our DP. From the fireworks-in-progress pictures I've been able to find, it seems like the globe is somewhat obstructed by the island from that viewpoint, and I'm wondering if it's a pretty minor difference and is still beautiful overall in person or if the obstruction is just enough where any of you would recommend going with a different option, like a Wishes Cruise, instead.

 

[jenna77]

I haven't seen IllumiNations from that location, but I did check it out because initially my planner suggested Morocco for my dessert party, and I have to tell you that I wouldn't pay all that money for that location, I would have done something else. We were able to get the UK. That's just my opinion of course.

 

[GoofyGiggles]

Thank you for responding, jenna77! It's been hard getting feedback on this topic so I sincerely appreciate your input. From what I'm finding out, most people advise against this spot, but I think it's the preferred location to schedule small parties and it may be our only option. Did you think it was not worth the money because of the smaller space?

 

[XmasPixie]

I had my DP at Morocco. I have mixed feelings about it. All of our guests really enjoyed it and thought it was great. But most of them had not seen IllumiNations before so they did not realize anything they were missing. You don't miss a lot but there is the obstruction. We could see the globe in full as it came out, but then you couldn't see all of it once it got to its location.

The other downsides are the size of the wall. It's not open or an open railing like the one in the UK and other locations, it is a solid wall that is kind of tall. My MIL is very short and she had to stand where there was a small opening between 2 slats so she could see. We also had a guest in a wheelchair that either had to stay back to see or wheel up to a small corner to see over the wall.

But the nice part was - it is a very private location. It's in a good spot - close to many places where folks can get some wine or other drinks if you are not serving them. And close to restrooms. Plus you can really "feel" the fireworks there. I'm sure you can in lots of the places, but with the concrete wall, I think you experience more of that. And we had plenty of room for our group - we were not crowded.

Here are some of the pictures we took (we did not have a photographer for the DP). I inculded a few with the wall so you could see the height.

Good luck!

 

[GoofyGiggles]

Gorsh! Thank you sooooo much XmasPixie! That's just the type of info I need! I had no idea the wall was that high (it appeared a little shorter in pictures I'd seen) and about 1/2 our guests, myself included, are right around or below 5'. However, with the viewing tips you suggested, along with the location's positive points, it sounds like we should be able to make it work. It will also be everyone's first viewing of Illuminations, so we won't know what we're missing, either, and I'm sure it will be wonderful. It's just so hard not to get caught up in wanting everything as enjoyable as possible when you're spending so much on it and you know that other options exist but are just not available! Thank you again, though, for your wonderful description and photos!

 

[XmasPixie]

Gorsh! Thank you sooooo much XmasPixie! That's just the type of info I need! I had no idea the wall was that high (it appeared a little shorter in pictures I'd seen) and about 1/2 our guests, myself included, are right around or below 5'. However, with the viewing tips you suggested, along with the location's positive points, it sounds like we should be able to make it work. It will also be everyone's first viewing of Illuminations, so we won't know what we're missing, either, and I'm sure it will be wonderful. It's just so hard not to get caught up in wanting everything as enjoyable as possible when you're spending so much on it and you know that other options exist but are just not available! Thank you again, though, for your wonderful description and photos!

No problem. I just wished I saw this sooner (can't be here everyday). I think you will enjoy it there. I completely understand about getting caught up in so much and wondering about all the other options. I did the same thing. What worked for me was making a decision and sticking with it - the decision had to work with my budget and our time frame and keep things smooth. It was a good strategy.

Good luck!!

 

[jenna77]

It wasn't the space that concerned me, it was the obstructed view because of the island in front. Even the UK isn't perfect. We postponed our wedding and we're booking Italy West Plaza. It has the best view of the locations we've been offered. Did you ask your planner if any other locations are available?

 

[GoofyGiggles]

Italy West Plaza was my first choice but it was already booked more than 8 months in advance, and I was advised to go with Morocco instead. I was really bummed when I first found that out because I was hoping to get the Italy West Plaza for so many different reasons *dramatic sigh* Oh, well! Even if I had been able to reserve it, I knew that there would be a risk of us getting moved to another location, probably to Morocco anyway, because of our small party size (10-12 people). How many guests are you having for yours, jenna77?

 

[jenna77]

We're inviting 50 and hoping for 30-35.

I think with a minimum of twenty people you have a lot more options. Any possibility you'll have more people who will want to go? Of course that is more expensive. You could ask your planner if they'll let you book UK Terrace (or a similar location) with a small group. When I was planning a smaller wedding (about 20 people) I told my planner I didn't want Morocco and she was able to book UK Terrace for me.

 

[GoofyGiggles]

Yup, I think it's exactly that. With a minimum of 20 people, the options open up. I think Morocco is the only one they like to book for parties of our size unless a bigger location happens to be free at the last minute. I considered having a larger ceremony just so that we would have more guests for the DP, but then that seemed to defeat our original purpose of having a super small wedding. However, it seems like you will have just the right amount of people for your location, so I'm really happy and excited for you!

 

[meryll83]

OMG I didn't realise the wall was so high either!!!!

I guess we're stuck to that as our location with only 12 of us.

I was also worried about the island(s) blocking our view, but when I spoke to our planner they basically said we didn't really have a choice of location due to our party size.

We'll be booking our DP in a couple more weeks, so I suppose I can always ask to be "waitlisted" for somewhere like the UK as an alternative, then perhaps if noone else is using it nearer the time they might let us switch. I suppose it's worth a try....