IllumiNations with small children

[canadianamanda]

I'm considering getting a fastpass for IllumiNations. I have 10month old and 5yr old! 5yr old won't mind the loud noise, but is it too loud for the baby?! Other question, can u see it from most areas in the showcase without having to get fastpass, or secure a spot hours in advance?

 

[richmo]

I'm considering getting a fastpass for IllumiNations. I have 10month old and 5yr old! 5yr old won't mind the loud noise, but is it too loud for the baby?! Other question, can u see it from most areas in the showcase without having to get fastpass, or secure a spot hours in advance?

Not a big fan of FP for Illuminations. My opinion is you can see it pretty much form anywhere. The big thing to remember is if you feel the wind or breeze in your face, go somewhere else to watch....FP or no FP. A disclaimer on my initial comment: we're all adult size now, so seeing over other people isn't an issue. The best part of the show is in the air anyway. (Actually, we enjoy just walking around World Showcase at night and just stop wherever we are about 2-3 minutes before the show, keeping in mind the wind comment)

The noise issue varies child to child. When my daughter was young, noise at Disney was a big issue...there's lot's of surprisingly loud attractions/shows. With my son, no issue at all. Answer is: it depends...there are some loud bangs during Illuminations, especially at the very end.

 

[figment_jii]

I'm considering getting a fastpass for IllumiNations. I have 10month old and 5yr old! 5yr old won't mind the loud noise, but is it too loud for the baby?! Other question, can u see it from most areas in the showcase without having to get fastpass, or secure a spot hours in advance?

As the PP said, IllumiNations has moments of loud noises (e.g., fireworks) and some softer parts (like the scenes on the globe). I recommend searching for a video of it on YouTube to get a sense of the noise level and then you can decide whether or not it's okay for you children. Noise is something that varies from child-to-child. I've seen you kids watching the show avidly and seen other kids doing everything they can to run away.

In terms of the view...as the PP said, if you feel the wind on your face, it means the smoke is going to blow towards you. That will affect your view and can smell/taste unpleasant. The show can be seen from most locations around World Showcase, but not all because of the three islands that get in the way. If you can see the center of the lagoon, then you'll be fine. If part or all of the center is blocked, you'll miss out. I think some of the area by the African Outpost and between Morocco and France might have limited/obscured views.

 

[LoveMickeyMouse]

My son was 3 years old when he saw the fireworks at Epcot. Because they fire off the fireworks in the middle of the lake, and we all stand right next to the lake to watch, it is VERY LOUD! My son was very scared and upset! Plus, we would get the smoke off the fireworks. I would not recommend taking a baby to the fireworks at Epcot.

 

[Crystal824]

I love Illuminations. With that being said on DD's first trip at 9mo., we realized the fireworks (all of them) were too loud for her. She really freaked out crying when we attempted to watch Wishes so we skipped all the rest of the night shows that trip. Actually, I skipped Wishes too because once she started crying, I just grabbed her and took her down Mainstreet into the shops.

On her next trip at 1 1/2 , she LOVED the fireworks...all of them. It really depends on the kid.

 

[Zeebs]

my 11 month old, who use to wake at a pin drop, slept through the entire Firework display, clearly he was very tired.

Kirsten

 

[canadianamanda]

Thanks everyone decided not to fastpass the show! Will just go with the flow and try to find a space near by and if they like it cool, and if not we will head out! 24 more days!!!