Illuminations/Wishes

[merlin307]

Hi

I am looking for some advice on the best places to see Illuminations/Wished from, while in the parks (trying to aviod the crowds - impossible request?)

Any tips would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[eyoreaud]

Hi Merlin,
Pretty impossible, depending on the time of year
I like to watch parades and fireworks from a balcony above the Walt Disney Railroad, directly above the arches as you come into the park. Do you know where i mean? I'm not very good at explaining directions,
Audrey

 

[Neoshoegal]

We watched Illumintations from "France" in between the pancake and wine stand. I thought it was a good location, even got seats as we had a nice pancake there just before Illuminations started and it didn't get too crowded there either.
For Wishes, we viewed it from a variety of places: Ohana, California Grill, Fantasy Land and on the brigde between Liberty Square and the castle. Enjoyed it from all locations and never got too busy (I don't like crowds either!

 

[merlin307]

Hi Merlin,
Pretty impossible, depending on the time of year
I like to watch parades and fireworks from a balcony above the Walt Disney Railroad, directly above the arches as you come into the park. Do you know where i mean? I'm not very good at explaining directions,
Audrey

Hi Aud

Thanks, I know where you mean,but last time I asked a cast member and they told me that this was reserved for private parties/dining guests........

 

[Goofyish]

Between China and Norway is a good place to watch Illuminations and also between the Outpost and Germany is also quite good. Check the wind direction though. One year we stood upwind and all we could see was smoke from the fireworks LOL.

 

[UKDEB]

Unfortunately, for Wishes, the best vantage point is somewhere in front of the Castle, so you really do have to put up with the crowds. The bridge to Tomorrowland and the rose garden beneath it are both good places from which to watch and you'll get a good view of Tinkerbell from there. The other side of the Castle is not so good as there are a lot of trees which can spoil the view.

The options for IllumiNations are better. Avoid the World Showcase Plaza - that's popular as people think it will give them a head-start on the crowds leaving the park at the end. The same could be said about the bridge between UK and France and I always feel this is a bit too far away to get a good view of the globe. The quietest spots can be found on the far side of the lagoon. Norway is good and we also discovered last year that Japan is too. Really, anywhere on the far side of the lagoon is OK as long as you make sure your view isn't obscured by trees or buildings (or the torches which go out at the start).