I've never seen Illuminations. Best secret spot?

[DisDreaming4116]

I love watching from the raised deck at the Japan pavilion, just outside Tokyo Dining. Great view but get there a few minutes early as there isn't room for more than 20ish people there.

 

[cgattis]

Personally, the tip about making sure the wind is not in your face is the best tip. Usually the wind will be out of the south, so anything along the south side of the lagoon would be good. I like the spot between Germany and the African outpost. It is the farthest from both exits, so not many people are stationed there. Also, the closer you are to the pretzel cart, they start handing out free pretzels about 10 minutes before the show. That is my little secret. So if you want to watch the fireworks with a pretzel in your hand, that is your best bet.

That may be the best Disney tip of all time!! Thanks!!!

 

[disneygolfer1985]

That may be the best Disney tip of all time!! Thanks!!!

It is my favorite spot. I watched illuminations 3 times over Christmas and got a pretzel two of the three times. Also, there are benches there you can sit on as well and watch at least the fireworks.

 

[richmo]

Doesn't matter too much, but as several have posted...if the wind or breeze is blowing at you as you face the lagoon, go somewhere else.

I've always just enjoyed walking around World Showcase until about 5 minutes before it starts, then pick a place with decent visibility. Seems like I'm often near Mexico somewhere.

I do like the Fastpass viewing area, but as others have mentioned, definitely do not use that as one of your first three. I've been successful getting that even into the evening, and if you can't, there's plenty of places to watch from. Enjoy!

 

[WEDWDW]

We saw them take Wilson Phillips out on the Germany Friendship Dock once-that had to be an awesome experience watching out on the water like that,but alas it is not open to "regular" people!lol

 

[FastPasser.]

We saw them take Wilson Phillips out on the Germany Friendship Dock once-that had to be an awesome experience watching out on the water like that,but alas it is not open to "regular" people!lol

Actually the Mexico boat dock is used just about every night for viewing by "regular" people. But you need to be either a VIP or family member or friend of a CM that knows who to call in order to make it happen.

There's also a small VIP viewing area at the UK Lochside called "The Wall". This is also for VIPs, or friends and family of CMs in a certain department. However, when it's not full, which is most nights, CMs working the Wall will make Magical Moments for random Guests walking by and invite them in for the show. CMs working events around the lagoon can and do invite random Guests as well.

 

[WEDWDW]

It is my favorite spot. I watched illuminations 3 times over Christmas and got a pretzel two of the three times.

Great tip!

Buy a beer and,to quote the great Stacey Oswad,you have "Pretzels Und Beer"!lol

 

[WEDWDW]

There is a marker in the concrete there designating the best view.

Awesome info-never knew there was a marker there!

 

[WEDWDW]

What the other posters have said regarding being upwind of the show is correct and SO important; not only that the smoke will obscure your view, but one year when we were viewing Illuminations from near Rose and Crown, my DD got a spark in her EYE during the show. Thankfully, we had a water bottle handy and immediately flushed her eye but it was very scary and potentially very dangerous.

It really is crazy how big some of the "fireworks debris" can be-we've gotten it in our hair before!lol

They need to make a "wind direction" announcement warning for First-timers each night!lol

 

[summerskye]

Actually the Mexico boat dock is used just about every night for viewing by "regular" people. But you need to be either a VIP or family member or friend of a CM that knows who to call in order to make it happen.

There's also a small VIP viewing area at the UK Lochside called "The Wall". This is also for VIPs, or friends and family of CMs in a certain department. However, when it's not full, which is most nights, CMs working the Wall will make Magical Moments for random Guests walking by and invite them in for the show. CMs working events around the lagoon can and do invite random Guests as well.

Could we be friends? I'm heading over Thanksgiving week. hint hint

 

[GPC0321]

I've only seen it three times, and I've "wasted" a FP+ on it every time. Actually, I don't do it as one of the original 3, but have never had trouble adding it later on once I've FP+ everything else I wanted to do that day. I can't compare it to non-FP+ views, but I love having a good view of the projections on the globe and all of the countries lighting up around the lagoon. So pretty!

 

[FastPasser.]

Could we be friends? I'm heading over Thanksgiving week. hint hint

Yes we could, but unfortunately I'm retiring next week and will be a former CM after Saturday.

 

[summerskye]

Yes we could, but unfortunately I'm retiring next week and will be a former CM after Saturday.

I have a great idea buddy. We could grab a cold adult beverage and enjoy British Revolution. Then we could dance around the world and try a few snacks. And then we could finish off with a perfect viewing spot for Illuminations. We could call it a retirement party...

 

[FastPasser.]

We could grab a cold adult beverage and enjoy British Revolution. Then we could dance around the world and try a few snacks. And then we could finish off with a perfect viewing spot for Illuminations. We could call it a retirement party.

Sounds really great, but I have a sneaky suspicion that I may not be anywhere near WDW during Thanksgiving week.

 

[Catvondita]

I love the front gate area of Mexico. A lot of people by the gate near the lagoon tend to sit so everyone can see. Also more recently I watched just outside the left side gift shop (near the Fastpass reserved area)

 

[LizGirl]

Personally, the tip about making sure the wind is not in your face is the best tip. Usually the wind will be out of the south, so anything along the south side of the lagoon would be good. I like the spot between Germany and the African outpost. It is the farthest from both exits, so not many people are stationed there. Also, the closer you are to the pretzel cart, they start handing out free pretzels about 10 minutes before the show. That is my little secret. So if you want to watch the fireworks with a pretzel in your hand, that is your best bet.

In all my trips I've never experienced this. Thanks for the tip!

 

[LizGirl]

It really is crazy how big some of the "fireworks debris" can be-we've gotten it in our hair before!lol

They need to make a "wind direction" announcement warning for First-timers each night!lol

We were at Epcot for NYE this year and, unfortunately, didn't get to think about wind direction like we normally do. We just had to grab a spot where we could get it. The debris from the massive ball of fireworks at midnight was raining down on us and put a damper on our enjoyment of the show. It was still great but I'd love to see it again on the other side of the smoke and shredded paper cloud.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

In all my trips I've never experienced this. Thanks for the tip!

I go during Thanksgiving and Christmas and every time about 10 minutes before the show, they start handing out free pretzels close to the cart across from Werther's. I assumed they do this all the time. Whatever they haven't sold, they either throw away or hand out. I'm seen cast members go almost all the way to the African outpost to hand out pretzels.

 

[Carol unsworth]

Yes we could, but unfortunately I'm retiring next week and will be a former CM after Saturday.

Ah Fastpasser I am so sad about that! We are going to FEA Dessert Party on October 11 th and was hoping you would be there!

Anyway I’m sure everyone here would like to thank you for your assistance( and humour!) on these forums and wish you well in your retirement ( It’s great!)

 

[FastPasser.]

Ah Fastpasser I am so sad about that! We are going to FEA Dessert Party on October 11 th and was hoping you would be there!

Anyway I’m sure everyone here would like to thank you for your assistance( and humour!) on these forums and wish you well in your retirement ( It’s great!)

Thanks for the kind words, and I am sad as well. But I'll still be here as I have many contacts on the inside and will still chime in whenever I can.