IllumiNations

[mshanson3121]

Say you're walking out of the WS during the time IllumiNations are going on, how good of a view will you get? Are there good viewing areas in China, Norway and/or Mexico? How crowded do they get? Do any restaurants in Mexico offer seating with a view?

 

[21stamps]

Say you're walking out of the WS during the time IllumiNations are going on, how good of a view will you get? Are there good viewing areas in China, Norway and/or Mexico? How crowded do they get? Do any restaurants in Mexico offer seating with a view?

I hope you don't take this the wrong way-

But, you are going to drive yourself crazy!! lol

If you plan down to these small details, by the time your trip comes around- everything could be different.

Just a little advice from one overplanner to another

 

[mshanson3121]

Amazing how asking questions for curiosity sake means someone is planning.

 

[Mikie]

I have enjoyed IllumiNations while literally meandering World Showcase, when we didn't feel like sitting just to watch. i cannot recall any places where it can't be seen as you stroll. Strictly depending on where you pause and who may be around you, you can stop pretty much anywhere and watch. I really can't remember great details because I genuinely never thought I've had a bad view.

We have found a bench or spot on the ground near the lagoon in China and in Canada - loved Canada because it was very uncrowded (at least that day) and closer to the front for exiting. Just had to make sure as we sat on the steps there that we didn't put ourselves right on eye level with view-blocking trees. The bridge in France was a great standing/leaning spot for us once.

I have seen posts that certain seats in LaHacienda have a view of the show, but the music isn't piped in, so you don't get that.

 

[jade1]

Mostly make sure the wind is at your back or at least the side.

We always walk now drink in hand, just play the wind. The Mexico/Noway spot has really been a good spot for us to end up at, but no seats anywhere really. Maybe a Norway bench.

Otherwise the spot out from Canada is pretty open usually, between the boulders. France bridge is good to, as is the soft serve stand there.

 

[21stamps]

Amazing how asking questions for curiosity sake means someone is planning.

I really wasn't trying to be rude. I've seen so many disgruntled posts lately from people with June and July trips- hours not being extended, new desert parties etc, reserved viewing areas,etc-that now I am trying to adopt a "patience" strategy with my own planning, in order to prevent stress and disappointment later on if the same happens to me.

There's plenty that I am still planning, so the stress factor unfortunately isn't gone completely.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

Definitely know which way the wind is going. The wind is usually from the South, so I have found watching in Germany to be a great location just to the right of the pretzel stand in front of the open grassy area where the holiday storyteller is located. That is favorite spot to watch with a beer or pretzel in hand

 

[wilkeliza]

You can see Illuminations fine from about halfway through China back to Mexico and to the plaza if you are headed to the front. Honestly the only time you start to get a bad view is once you are past the monorail since the rail will block part of it.

 

[mshanson3121]

I really wasn't trying to be rude. I've seen so many disgruntled posts lately from people with June and July trips- hours not being extended, new desert parties etc, reserved viewing areas,etc-that now I am trying to adopt a "patience" strategy with my own planning, in order to prevent stress and disappointment later on if the same happens to me.

There's plenty that I am still planning, so the stress factor unfortunately isn't gone completely.

Sorry

No, the only thing I'm planning really right now, is basically figuring out our budget, since we're going to do a monthly savings plan, and we want all money in place in 10 months. So, I have been toying around with things that would be OOP like special meals etc... And, I've narrowed it down to a 5 day pass, but other than that, nadda. I won't start that till much closer, like you say, way too many variables. My fingers will be crossed for Avatar to be open when we go

 

[mshanson3121]

Definitely know which way the wind is going. The wind is usually from the South, so I have found watching in Germany to be a great location just to the right of the pretzel stand in front of the open grassy area where the holiday storyteller is located. That is favorite spot to watch with a beer or pretzel in hand

I'm assuming the wind thing is because of the smoke from the fireworks?

 

[21stamps]

Sorry

No, the only thing I'm planning really right now, is basically figuring out our budget, since we're going to do a monthly savings plan, and we want all money in place in 10 months. So, I have been toying around with things that would be OOP like special meals etc... And, I've narrowed it down to a 5 day pass, but other than that, nadda. I won't start that till much closer, like you say, way too many variables. My fingers will be crossed for Avatar to be open when we go

That makes sense. The one positive thing about booking a trip far out is being able to have the time to budget for it- less of a shock when the time comes! I'm doing the same with an October '17 trip that I booked today

Re: illuminations, I'm following this thread anyway bc there are some great tips!

 

[disneygolfer1985]

I'm assuming the wind thing is because of the smoke from the fireworks?

Yes, it is because of the smoke. The area between France and the UK on the bridge can get smoke during the winter months if the wind is from an easterly direction. I have found the area in Germany to a great location. Also, it is one of the farthest points from the exits (main or the back entrance), so fewer people are back there as well.

 

[mshanson3121]

That makes sense. The one positive thing about booking a trip far out is being able to have the time to budget for it- less of a shock when the time comes! I'm doing the same with an October '17 trip that I booked today

Re: illuminations, I'm following this thread anyway bc there are some great tips!

Yes, last year, we decided to go about 6 months out. But, we also had an unexpected "windfall" I guess you could say, so we had the money all in one lump sum, so we didn't have to save or plan for it financially at all. This time around, we need to be intentional about saving for it, and we're also working with a smaller budget.

 

[jade1]

Yes, it is because of the smoke. The area between France and the UK on the bridge can get smoke during the winter months if the wind is from an easterly direction. I have found the area in Germany to a great location. Also, it is one of the farthest points from the exits (main or the back entrance), so fewer people are back there as well.

 

[disney world dreamer]

our personal favorite spot to watch from is just as you enter world showcase from the restroom/first aid/odyssey restaurant pathway.
we go right up to the fence at the lagoon.
we generally arrive 30 minutes prior to ensure we are in the front with an unobstructed view of the water.

 

[JerseyJanice]

We happened to walk out of the Biergarten after dinner one night when Illuminations was just about to start. Best view we ever had. The globe is fairly close to you there, and you can see the images on it perfectly.

We used to watch near Canada or Mexico to be closer to the exit, but after seeing it near Germany, that's where we watch now. Then we meander out of the park to let crowds get ahead of us instead of trying to beat them.

 

[disnut8]

We happened to walk out of the Biergarten after dinner one night when Illuminations was just about to start. Best view we ever had. The globe is fairly close to you there, and you can see the images on it perfectly.

We used to watch near Canada or Mexico to be closer to the exit, but after seeing it near Germany, that's where we watch now. /QUOTE]

I agree 1000% although that will narrow down our "choice spot" back there that I will not reveal to anyone. We just watch it all its' glory (bathrooms and drinking spots, both alcoholic and non are right there). Then after the show, we stretch, wait until others have left the immediate area, then slowly walk to the front, stop for a bathroom break (we used to use Norway but that's not going to happen now) and then walk through Future World and out to our transportation. And, if you are staying on Disney property and need to get a bus, our longest wait has been------ten minutes.

 

[ChloesDaddy]

Since we were able to watch from inside the park early in our stay, my favorite spot became the bench 20 yards from our patio at the Yacht Club. You can't see all the show on the water, but you don't have to deal with the crowd and you can walk up at the last minute (however, we did have to wait for a tree frog to vacate the bench on one occasion).

 

[Nancyg56]

We happened to walk out of the Biergarten after dinner one night when Illuminations was just about to start. Best view we ever had. The globe is fairly close to you there, and you can see the images on it perfectly.

We used to watch near Canada or Mexico to be closer to the exit, but after seeing it near Germany, that's where we watch now. Then we meander out of the park to let crowds get ahead of us instead of trying to beat them.

I usually watch from Mexico, but that sounds lovely!

 

[JerseyJanice]

I have to tell you guys about this--last trip, we had the deluxe dining plan so booked an ADR at Flying Fish Cafe for the latest time I could get (9:15 I think). We were planning to exit via the International Gateway right after the 9:00 Illuminations show ended to walk to the FFC.

Instead of watching from my new favorite spot in Germany, we moved up to Italy where we found a rope separating the lake front terrace from the walkway. We watched Illuminations next to that rope with Heinz Ward and his GF and their 2 kids in front of us behind the rope.

Not sure if the waterfront of the Italy pavillion is where Disney brings most of its celebrity guests, but it sure looked like it that night, and I will be watching out in that place from now on.