Japan for Illuminations

[sebastianf561]

Does anybody know how early we should arrive to get a spot on the balcony in Epcot? We have seen the show many times from other places and wanted to try it here next time. Thanks for your help

 

[danny1649]

I would, be there at least 30 minutes ahead of time in my opinion.Good luck

 

[MakiraMarlena]

if you can't get there, try it standing behind and to the far right of the pagoda.

 

[kgreen]

I can't remember 100% but I think I got there maybe an hour early. With intentions of taking pictures of the fireworks from the balcony. People didn't start showing up until mabe 30 minutes prior to the start. It was a really cool spot. Maybe an odd night but there wasn't many people on the balcony.

 

[illinidp]

 

[pixxi]

How do you get on the balcony? I've never seen people onit.

 

[MomofKatie]

Depends on when you will be visiting. We have arrived 15 minutes before Illuminations began and had the whole balcony to ourselves (a weeknight in early November, F&W going on). We have arrived 45 minutes early and the place was more than half full (Spring Break, not Easter weeks, though).

The balcony is one of the best spots, IMO, to see Illuminations from.

 

[MomofKatie]

How do you get on the balcony? I've never seen people onit.

Just walk up the stairs like you are going to enter Tokyo Dining/Teppan Edo. Turn right, and the balcony is right there. It isn't really a balcony per se, more of the second story wraparound porch of the building.

 

[WDWLODGE]

Are there any obstructions when you watch from the balcony?

 

[sebastianf561]

Are there any obstructions when you watch from the balcony?

Look at the picture above.

 

[sebastianf561]

Depends on when you will be visiting. We have arrived 15 minutes before Illuminations began and had the whole balcony to ourselves (a weeknight in early November, F&W going on). We have arrived 45 minutes early and the place was more than half full (Spring Break, not Easter weeks, though).

The balcony is one of the best spots, IMO, to see Illuminations from.

going in September, so pretty low crowds. I think I will show up about 30 minutes early.

 

[Robo]

Are there any obstructions when you watch from the balcony?

Look at the picture above.

Yup, and I call those MAJOR obstructions.

There are so, so many great UNobstructed views of IllumiNations, that I don't consider the
area we're discussing as one of the better locations.

But, it has its particular merits for those who do choose it, so consider that.

 

[elgerber]

We have watched there a few times, and show up maybe 15 minutes early, in August. We only watch from there if we have seen it earlier in the trip from a prime spot, due to the giant obstruction shown in the photo above.

 

[trivial]

I was hoping to see Illuminations from a window table at Tokyo Dining. I wonder, would I be better off going outside to the balcony?

 

[Robo]

1. I was hoping to see Illuminations from a window table at Tokyo Dining.

2. I wonder, would I be better off going outside to the balcony?

1. Unlikely.
2. Yes.