IllumiNations

[Hippychickali]

Does anyone have a favourite spot to watch IllumiNations? I'm looking for a comfortable spot from which to watch the show. Any suggestions?

Ali

 

[mommystieg]

I don't really have a favorite spot yet - just be very aware of wind direction before the show starts. If you pick the wrong spot you could end up drowning a huge cloud of smoke

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Almost everywhere has great spots- My fav was over towards mexico between mexico and the gateway- But over near Italy is good or watching it back by the American Adventure was good too--


-em

 

[KimR]

My favorite spot is near Mexico, too. Even better is if you can get a table near the railing at the Cantina, but we've never gotten there early enough to manage that.

 

[luvsTink]

We liked it near Italy because there is a booth there that serves GOOD (read NOT Nescafe) coffee.

Anne

 

[kda]

Check out where the trees are. I've staked out some great spots and didn't realize the view would be partially blocked by the trees.

 

[Mickey527]

My favorite spot is just past the Margarita booth in Mexico. Oh does that sound great right now, a Fiesta Margarita and Illuminations. Illuminations is my favorite part of the entire WDW experience.
I have been lucky enough to get a table along the fence in the cantina, which also is a great view.
You can make ressies for dinner or dessert in UK and hope for a table outside but every time I have done that the wind blows right in my face.
The area between the stores at International Gateway is also a great view but they rope off the area and drop the rope a few minutes before the fireworks start. I waited here for an hour once on the right side. The CM dropped the rope from the left and all the people behind me ran to the fence. I was stuck way in the back even though I was the first here. If you go here make sure to stand near the hooks on the rope so you can make the dash fast.
If you are handicapped there is a great (the best) view toward the left side of International Gateway. They rope off this area and only let handicapped individuals and their family in. Go early and get an area near the fence.
I have also gone to China and stood on the balcony of the building. Great view but some of the water stuff is blocked because of the trees and that wooden thing in the water.
The bridge between France and the UK is also a great view, but again, the wind seems to blow this way alot. Peggie

 

[alliecats]

It has been 10 years since I got to see this. Do they still light up each "country" and play music of that nation? Like "Rhapsody in Blue" when they light up America? We had a hard time getting close enough to see all that we would have liked, but I think it is amazing wherever you might be.

 

[MLAinVA]

One time we sat on the cement benches under that "arch" near the lake in Japan and had a great view. Our best was once during the brief time that there was an AP only roped off area near Italy.

 

[solotraveler]

My hands down favorite spot is Japan.

You really don't even need to be flush up against the railing. My preferred spot is about 20 feet back or so to better make out the globe. Relatively uncrowded there, too. China is another good spot.

But I agree to DEFINATELY check the wind direction. Low level pyrotechnics and a stiff breeze and you might be watching through a cloud of ash.

Solotraveler

 

[GarrettJD]

alliecats, they have changed Illuminations since you saw it... in 1999 they premiered a show called "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth". People seem to be divided over which they prefer... but as I never saw the original version, I have nothing to compare it to. I did see Reflections of Earth last year, and it was stunning and beautiful. We're going to try to see it twice this trip.

Last time we were right along the railing on the north side of World Showcase Lagoon, between Mexico and the bridge to Future World. It was nice, but we're going to try for a spot on the southern end next time so we can see the "globe" better.