Illuminations vs. Rivers of Light

[hllb]

Hi all. I can likely only see one of these shows (in order to eat at a restaurant I want to go to). I don't think either of them get stellar reviews, but which would you choose? I'm leaning towards ROL. We'll be seeing the MK fireworks show probably twice (once from in the park and once from CA Grill). I know people say ROL is boring, but it basically looks like a lantern festival show. We absolutely loved the lantern festival when we were in Seoul. So I think that will appeal to my family. Unless you tell me that Illuminations is amazing and is a can't miss?

 

[Klayfish]

That's an easy button question. I'm a hard core "Disney apologist" and have no problem wearing that label, but even I thought ROL was meh. My entire family did. Didn't hate it, and I suppose if we had time to kill we'd see it again, but definitely won't go out of our way or show up early for it. We thought it was fairly boring.

We love Illuminations. I think it's very well done, especially with the WS as the backdrop. It's more than just fireworks. Good music, good visuals, well choreographed.

So yes, to me Illuminations is a can't miss.

 

[pitpat]

for a first time viewing, I bet Illuminations would run away with the vote.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

They are such different shows. Illuminations is definitely more "dramatic" in terms of music and pyrotechnics and has an uplifting, big finale. ROL is much more relaxing and visually stunning in a more subdued way - it doesn't really have a story line and nothing terribly dramatic happens. I would pick the one that best fits into your schedule.

 

[hllb]

Is Rivers of Light basically a lantern show? Perhaps those not familiar with lanterns wouldn't appreciate it as much. My children are Korean so we have an affinity for Asian cultures. We stood in line for over an hour in Seoul to get into the lantern festival. It was well worth it.

 

[rangerxenos]

I love Illuminations. Haven't seen ROL yet, this December will be my first time. I'd honestly pick Illuminations, it's spectacular.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Is Rivers of Light basically a lantern show? Perhaps those not familiar with lanterns wouldn't appreciate it as much. My children are Korean so we have an affinity for Asian cultures. We stood in line for over an hour in Seoul to get into the lantern festival. It was well worth it.

Yes, I would say the floats are very similar to what you have posted. If they like that, I think ROL would probably be the better choice for you. You can find the full show on youtube if you want to take a look before you finalize your plans.

 

[Klayfish]

It's similar, but I thought even the floats were unspectacular.

 

[hllb]

Yes, I would say the floats are very similar to what you have posted. If they like that, I think ROL would probably be the better choice for you. You can find the full show on youtube if you want to take a look before you finalize your plans.

Thanks. I'm going to have to make a list of things to ask the kids when we tell them at Christmas LOL. I need them to pick between a couple of restaurants too, including what characters they'd like to meet. It's hard keeping a secret!

 

[Mousemommy1]

In my opinion, IllumiNations far exceeds Rivers of Light in every way. The music, the presentation, the story. Everything. We did the ROL dining package in order to see ROL for the 1st time back in August. Thank God we really enjoyed our Tusker House dinner because ROL is really nothing to write home about. We were all actually quite bored through it, and I'm a person who thinks that everything Disney is AMAZING. ROL really falls short in my eyes.

 

[zebrastreyepz]

Everyone in my family prefers Rivers of Light.

 

[Moliphino]

I haven't seen ROL yet, but Illuminations is my favorite nighttime show by far. We usually watch it 3 or 4 times a trip.

 

[marx]

I don't think either of them get stellar reviews... I know people say ROL is boring, but it basically looks like a lantern festival show. We absolutely loved the lantern festival when we were in Seoul. So I think that will appeal to my family. Unless you tell me that Illuminations is amazing and is a can't miss?

I think that people have gotten bored by Illuminations as it's been going on for so long. ROL is relatively new.

For a first timer, Illuminations would be what I would recommend - even knowing that you enjoyed lantern shows. The first time I saw it I thought it was spectacular and then saw it again and again. (Now I see it very infrequently - you know, too much of a good thing. And I still think it's spectacular).

I did like ROL, but don't think I would go to see it again for years. Once was enough and it was only okay.

 

[disneycountrygirl]

We did not like Illuminations or Fantasmic, so I don't know if ROL will be an even bigger disappointment or a delight because it's unlike the other 2. We shall see in Dec. I think everything Disney is worth seeing at least once.

To expound on why I don't like Illuminations or Fantasmic, and I am sure others will disagree, both the narration and the visuals for both shows feel "warbled" to me. I don't like the fuzzy pictures against the water backdrop and I don't like the storylines/narration for either.

On the other hand, our fav nighttime show is World of Color at Disneyland, and we loved the electrical parade too, both of which are filled with lots and lots of color. If ROL has spectacular colors, it may be more enjoyable.

 

[deedubb]

Fireworks always wins out. I never get tired of Illuminations.

 

[hsmamato2]

for a one time visit? Illuminations! I haven't seen ROL light but from reports,it's a lot smaller than Ill.- which is huge and should be seen at least once anyway. YOu can see it from all over Epcot which is really nice too.

 

[elgerber]

Illuminations wins by a mile. Not sure why you think it doesn't get stellar reviews. Its my families favorite, has been since we first saw it in 2000. We watch multiple times each trip.
I saw ROL for the first time last month, and while it was gorgeous, it just had no heart/emotions in my opinion. I will take my family to see it next year, but I am guessing it will be a one and done for them.

 

[rpcvpanama]

We love illuminations. There are rumors (maybe confirmed at D23?) that it is going away. I think the story behind illuminations gives it more meaning, but it is a wonderful show.

 

[hllb]

Illuminations wins by a mile. Not sure why you think it doesn't get stellar reviews. Its my families favorite, has been since we first saw it in 2000. We watch multiple times each trip.
I saw ROL for the first time last month, and while it was gorgeous, it just had no heart/emotions in my opinion. I will take my family to see it next year, but I am guessing it will be a one and done for them.

I've read several places that compared to the new MK show, it's not nearly as good. And we'll be seeing that one twice most likely. Seems like the consensus here at least is that it's quite good.

 

[Klayfish]

I've read several places that compared to the new MK show, it's not nearly as good. And we'll be seeing that one twice most likely. Seems like the consensus here at least is that it's quite good.

That may have to do more with the fact that the night shows at MK are shiny and new, where Illuminations has been around for many, many years.

Having said that, I'd still agree MK is better overall. Having the castle as a backdrop certainly helps, IMO. But I'd still put Illuminations high on the list...very high. To me, it's a great mix of a lot of visual audio components.