Well, I never thought I'd say this. I'm bracing myself right now. Here goes:
The MK fireworks show has now passed up Illuminations as being the best in the world (or at least on Disney property).
I have always been a lifelong Illuminations fan ever since its first incarnation in the early '80s. But Wishes is something special. It is unforgettable. It even beats out Disneyland's Believe!
Perhaps it helped that we wound up with a "perfect view". Although, from what I've been reading on other threads, for this show there seems to be no shortage of perfect views. We stood on the west (left facing the castle) side of the hub. So we had a perfect view of the castle with the fireworks behind it. To get the full effect, it helps to see the castle since various shapes and colors are projected on it during the show to synchronize with the fireworks.
As for the fireworks themselves, I had no idea that such shapes were even possible. Stars, hearts, waterfalls, multi-colored flowers. Incredible. And as usual, everything is in perfect synch to the soundtrack.
As for Illuminations: ROE, I may be in the minority, but I really think this version pales not only in comparison to Wishes, but even to earlier versions of Illuminations.
We visited WDW last in 2000 when ROE premiered. We had the same reaction then as we have now. Here's what we like about ROE: The flames are cool, both around lagoon and in the middle of the lagoon. The initial "comet" effect with the sound is cool. The "breath" blowing out the flames is a nice effect. The finale of white fireworks making it seem like daytime is great. That's about it.
What we don't like: As technologically advanced as the spinning globe is, I don't care for it. From most positions around the lagoon, you can't even make out what half of the images are. I know because one night, we literally walked around the lagoon during the show. And those portions of the show drag on soooo long. We wanna see lasers and fireworks!
My emotional attachment to Illuminations did not start with ROE. It started with the first version, which I consider superior. I would much rather have Illuminations feature each individual country around the lagoon, with lights, lasers and songs. I still remember seeing France light up with the "Moulin Rouge" sign on top, lasers pointing to the country, and hearing the sound of French music. I remember the strains of "Rhapsody in Blue" as the lasers finally pointed to the American Adventure. It was incredible. And of course, I always liked the spinning globe effect projected onto Spaceship Earth after the show from the American Adventure.
Oh well. Maybe I'll get my way in the future and Disney will go back to an individual nation salute show. But if they do, I certainly hope they will finally Illuminate Norway and Morocco. I always feel sorry for those countries during Illuminations.
Anyway, those are just my opinions!
The MK fireworks show has now passed up Illuminations as being the best in the world (or at least on Disney property).
I have always been a lifelong Illuminations fan ever since its first incarnation in the early '80s. But Wishes is something special. It is unforgettable. It even beats out Disneyland's Believe!
Perhaps it helped that we wound up with a "perfect view". Although, from what I've been reading on other threads, for this show there seems to be no shortage of perfect views. We stood on the west (left facing the castle) side of the hub. So we had a perfect view of the castle with the fireworks behind it. To get the full effect, it helps to see the castle since various shapes and colors are projected on it during the show to synchronize with the fireworks.
As for the fireworks themselves, I had no idea that such shapes were even possible. Stars, hearts, waterfalls, multi-colored flowers. Incredible. And as usual, everything is in perfect synch to the soundtrack.
As for Illuminations: ROE, I may be in the minority, but I really think this version pales not only in comparison to Wishes, but even to earlier versions of Illuminations.
We visited WDW last in 2000 when ROE premiered. We had the same reaction then as we have now. Here's what we like about ROE: The flames are cool, both around lagoon and in the middle of the lagoon. The initial "comet" effect with the sound is cool. The "breath" blowing out the flames is a nice effect. The finale of white fireworks making it seem like daytime is great. That's about it.
What we don't like: As technologically advanced as the spinning globe is, I don't care for it. From most positions around the lagoon, you can't even make out what half of the images are. I know because one night, we literally walked around the lagoon during the show. And those portions of the show drag on soooo long. We wanna see lasers and fireworks!
My emotional attachment to Illuminations did not start with ROE. It started with the first version, which I consider superior. I would much rather have Illuminations feature each individual country around the lagoon, with lights, lasers and songs. I still remember seeing France light up with the "Moulin Rouge" sign on top, lasers pointing to the country, and hearing the sound of French music. I remember the strains of "Rhapsody in Blue" as the lasers finally pointed to the American Adventure. It was incredible. And of course, I always liked the spinning globe effect projected onto Spaceship Earth after the show from the American Adventure.
Oh well. Maybe I'll get my way in the future and Disney will go back to an individual nation salute show. But if they do, I certainly hope they will finally Illuminate Norway and Morocco. I always feel sorry for those countries during Illuminations.
Anyway, those are just my opinions!
I was already so excited about seeing the new show...now I can't hardly stand it 
Move timer...MOVE! 
That's why I need you guys sooooo much 
