Illuminations

[pinkgirlmommy]

Our first night at Epcot we are eating at Tepan Edo at 6:00, exploring Japan, then heading to Morocco after that to catch B'net Al Houswariyate possibly. Where should we head after this to watch Illuminations? It closes at 9:00 pm this night. Also, our second night we are ending at the Italy pavilion around 6 pm and are either going to rest or have dinner and wait for Illuminations. I am considering Via Napoli for dinner. What would be another good option for dinner a little later where we could watch Illuminations that night? It is at 9 pm. What is a good time to make a reservation so that you can view the fireworks from the restaurants?

 

[Robo]

Our first night at Epcot we are eating at Tepan Edo at 6:00, exploring Japan, then heading to Morocco after that to catch B'net Al Houswariyate possibly. Where should we head after this to watch Illuminations? It closes at 9:00 pm this night. Also, our second night we are ending at the Italy pavilion around 6 pm and are either going to rest or have dinner and wait for Illuminations. I am considering Via Napoli for dinner. What would be another good option for dinner a little later where we could watch Illuminations that night? It is at 9 pm. What is a good time to make a reservation so that you can view the fireworks from the restaurants?

There are so many places to view IllumiNations at Epcot's World Showcase
that are wonderful in their own way that its futile to try to list them... so I will.

• Bridge between UK and France
• Near the twin gift shops at the entrance to WS from FW
• Norway area
• Upper level (outside front terrace) of the Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan
• Italy, near the Gondolas
• Mexico, at the new Cantina
• Mexico, bridge to the right of the Cantina (as you face the lagoon.)
• UK, the Rose & Crown outdoor dining area (ressies required.)
• UK, just to the left of the Rose & Crown (as you face the lagoon.)
• Many, many more great spots.

Be sure to avoid any tree branches that block your overhead view,
and watch out for any "islands" in the water
that block your view of the "center" of the lagoon.

Best Tip:
Don't stand down-wind of the fireworks.
Their SMOKE will ruin the show.
So, If the wind is blowing into your face as you look towards the Lagoon, you are in the wrong spot.

-----------------------

 

[cigar95]

When you head to the water's edge, look for the big torches. Standing near #10, outside Japan, and #9, outside of Italy, both provide good viewing angles.

This assumes the wind is not a problem.

These locations have the further advantage that they are not "obvious" viewing spots, so they don't fill up as quickly.

 

[DemoBri1]

The last poster is correct in figuring out which way the wind is blowing first of all. Illuminations creates a bunch of smoke and if the wind is blowing into your face you're going to be catching a lot of it.

If the winds are favorable I like standing along the railing between Morocco and France. Pretty good viewing from there. There's a little nook area where the path gets a bit closer to the water in that area and that is where I like to view from. The other good spot I've always considered is the bridge between UK and France, although you have to stake out your spots well ahead of time if you're going to stand there.

 

[pinkgirlmommy]

Thanks! Tell me more about Mexico at the new cantina. Do we make reservations for dinner if we decide on this option? If they start at 9 what time should we eat?

 

[Dawnlight]

• Upper level (outside front terrace) of the Matsu No Ma Lounge in Japan

We watched from here and the view was fantastic. It had just finished downpouring, crowds had thinned, and it was just beautiful. The torii only added to the view, and I wouldn't consider it a distraction or hindrance in any way.