Illuminations..

[My2QTs]

What is this show? Do I definitely want to see it? When is it? How do you get the CD everyone is talking about, and what is on the CD?

 

[pomcoach]

You definitely do need to see it. It is amazing! You see it in Epcot, when Epcot is almost ready to close. We will be there this next week and it is usually scheduled at 9 pm. for our week. Sorry, I don't know anything about a "CD."
Pomcoach

 

[choirchic]

Illuminations is the nightly fireworks show at Epcot. It is one of my favorites...

It takes place on the lagoon in the World Showcase. It has Fireworks, Lasers, and this really cool globe (that's kind of hard to describe.)

The music is beautiful and can be found in pretty much any of the shops around the World Showcase, especially the American Pavilion.

I Highly recommend seeing it at least once!

 

[korzmom]

i highly recommend you see it, no words can descibe it and if you want a sneek peek just look it up on you tube. the cd is the music from the show.

 

[guitarob]

Beautiful show with a very moving musical score! It's definitely on the "Must Do" list!!

ENJOY!!

 

[CAJUNWDWFAN]

Yes I agree a must see for me each trip. Sometimes twice. My best suggestion is to view it from the mexico pavillion right past the outdoor gift shop. That is my favorite place to view the show and it's close to the margarita stand I would suggest getting there at least an hour early to get a spot next to the railing. Just sit back and have a snack or a drink and watch the people go by.

 

[Marcela]

I just saw it a couple of weeks ago for the first time, and it is a must see show. I wanted to give you a tip. Find a nice place to sit near the lake around 8:20-8:30pm, get you a nice crepe or any other yummy snack, and get comfortable. The place gets crowded, and you will be in the V.I.P. seats.

 

[richmo]

I don't necessarily agree with the stopping at 8:30 and camping out (although the ice cream snack isn't a bad idea!). But, if you're in Epcot, its definitely a "must see" and worth staying in the park until closing.

 

[dburg30]

I say watch it once, and decide for yourself if you'll take time to watch it again. While the story and idea are great, IMO it doesnt really do it for me. I'll take fantasmic! or wishes over it anytime.. That's just me though..

 

[sherreis]

Everyone has their favorites. I know some people who would recommend skipping Illuminations. For me - it is one of my favorites.

Can't wait - I'll be seeing it one week from today!

 

[lpizzuro123]

We have camped out for over an hour getting a great spot. IllumiNations is our favorite thing at Disney (maybe why we are getting married there next month and having an IllumiNations Dessert Party). Yes, you can see it from around the lake but I have to be right on top of it and make sure there are no overhaning trees where you are. The fireworks and lasers are up in the sky but we have had our vision limited due to trees.

I purchased the CD many years ago and it is always in my car and I listed to it often.

Enjoy the show.
Linda

 

[BradyBz12]

Wonderful show - definitely on our "must see" list!

One tip - don't camp out to view Illuminations somewhere if a decent breeze is blowing towards you or you will be pelted with debris and possibly have a lot of smoke blown your way. Nothing dangerous (just bits of paper - I assume from the shell casings), just not very pleasant.

 

[jimmalru80]

We see it two or three times EVERY trip.

 

[mary0305]

It is our favorite nightly show at WDW. We can't wait to see it 2 or 3 times next week!!

 

[Sandy Fisher]

To echo what other posters have said, you absolutely definitely positively want to see it. And if time permits, see it a couple times. It's amazing and you really can't take it all in when you see it just once.
I bought the original CD when it was Tapestry of Nations in addition to Illuminations, then bought the Tapestry of Dreams/Illuminations CD, and I have a couple copies of each that I bought on Ebay. One is always in the car so I can play it whenever. One is always at home so I can play it there. The music is fantastic. When you look at the CD case and insert, be sure to look at the recording information.
You won't see or hear anything like it at any other park or performance -- unless maybe you compare it to the 4th of July program in the larger cities.
When we are on Disney property to stay overnight (not as often since we now live within easy driving distance) we ALWAYS stay at Epcot for Illuminations.
Love it. Still miss the parade, but love Illuminations.

 

[NHTikiBeckie]

I think you got your answer You can see video of it in my EPCOT video below, too.

 

[Dmcuth]

Here's my video of it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbQmB5M3X3A

 

[JessicaFaye508]

YOu need to see it. It is amazing. And the music is personally the most beautiful music I've ever heard.

 

[dsiind]

I have been lucky enough to even see fireworks from ABOVE, and believe me, no show has ever, for me, matched this one. Even if you don't get a premium railing view, there is so much going on that you really feel a part of the experience.

Please see it at least once, if you can!

 

[madalex]

We have camped out for over an hour getting a great spot. IllumiNations is our favorite thing at Disney (maybe why we are getting married there next month and having an IllumiNations Dessert Party). Yes, you can see it from around the lake but I have to be right on top of it and make sure there are no overhaning trees where you are. The fireworks and lasers are up in the sky but we have had our vision limited due to trees.

I love Illuminations and have seen it dozens of times. We see it at least two or three times on each trip. I am going for a 3 night trip at the end of the month and am planning on seeing it twice then.

That being said, it is not necessary to camp out for over an hour ahead of the show to get a good spot. Pretty much any spot not blocked by a structure or a tree is as good as any other to watch the show from. There are lots of such spots all around the lagoon and many of them will still be available as little as 20 minutes before the show. So, enjoy all that Epcot has to offer, definitely go see Illuminations, but do not waste time by lining up too early for a good spot.