Illuminations Where is the best seat?

[donac]

My family is going to Disney in August and have never seen Illuminations. I saw it last year with a friend and I want my family to see it this trip. Where is the best place to see it? I know that the Rose and Crown sounds like a great place and I would do a PS for a dinner but that is not on the list of places that they would like to eat in Epcot. I would also think about dessert there but after seeing the dessert menu I know my boys would not like it.

Where would be a great place to see Illuminations. We are not against finding a seat early and sending the boys to get snacks and drinks while we just hang out.

Thanks for all your help. I got a lot of great ideas from the boards last year for my trip, so much so that I wanted my family to go this year and have just as much fun.

 

[bananiem]

There's a deck on one of the buildings in Japan. We saw it pretty well from there. It's up on the 2nd story so you see over the crowd.

 

[Shannon G]

Next to the Rose & Crown is a little beer garden, with a few table and chairs in it. The entrance is just to the left of the podium at the entrance to R&C. You may have to get there early to get a seat, but it's a great place to watch Illuminations.

If you are willing & able to spend the extra money, and if you can get a reservation, I would highly recommend an Illuminations Cruise. We did it our last trip, and there is no better view of Illuminations!

 

[Pat_Elliott]

We've done R&C and nothing beats that, in my opinion. But of several non-restaurant views we've tried over the years, we enjoyed the look from lagoon-side in Germany.

Pat

 

[AZKathy]

There were some benches right past the American Pavillion towards Japan near the Funnel Cake kiosk that was very nice for us last year if you want to just sit on the benches and wait for Illuminations.

The best view we ever had was on an Illuminations cruise. If you have time still, try and book on of those. Lots of fun and great views and no crowds!

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

I don't know where the "best seat" is located. I have viewed IllumiNations from many different places and it's been great each time.

The only thing I worry about is having my view blocked by trees. Other than that, I'm pretty flexible and usually just walk around looking for a place with not too many people. Have fun!

 

[Magickndm]

Another vote for England, however, just a couple weeks ago, the beer garden would not let you sit in there unless you had PS's with R&C. To the right of the fish place there tho, they do have a patio with chairs and tables. You could get a spot there early then get whatever food you'd like.