Opinions on Illuminations Fastpass

[MommytoaPrince]

Is this worth using a FP+ for? What are the benefits or drawbacks?

Anyone that has experienced can you tell me how it works and where the viewing location is?

TIA!

 

[DebbieB]

Is this worth using a FP+ for? What are the benefits or drawbacks?

Anyone that has experienced can you tell me how it works and where the viewing location is?

TIA!

The biggest drawback starting next week is you will not be able to get a 4th fastpass during the day. You have to use the first 3 before getting another one. Unless you are going to dash to another park still open, you will not be able to.

 

[DOOM1001]

I've never used FP+ for it but I believe the viewing location is by the front of the WS between the two gift shops.Having seen it before from that location I can attest that it is a good location as the show feels very up close.However I believe Illuminations FP+ uses a tier 1 FP+ which basically only allows you 1 pick in this tier so if you get a FP+ for Illuminations that means you cant get FP+ for Soarin or Test Track,the tier 2 attractions basically are a joke and don't need FP+ so using it for Illuminations will shut you out of the two main attractions.I know starting April 28th you can get a 4th FP+ after you use your third but I guess that wouldn't work if your 3rd FP+ is at park closing time.If you however use your three Fp+ picks during the day not picking Illuminations and go to a kiosk to get a 4th FP+ for Illuminations that should work provided it's still available.

 

[morethananyonex]

I think the FP+ is worth it if Epcot is your only park that day and you have absolutely no desire to ride Soarin' or TT. Good spots for Illuminations can be found pretty close to the start of the show, so you're better off skipping the long lines at either of the headliners at Epcot (if you want to ride).

 

[ems_mom]

We did this before the tiers were introduced. My best advice is to use this option only if you are a huge fan of Illuminations. (As I am.) We used FP+ for this in early October last year, still early goings in FP+ implementation.

Having read all I could about how it worked, we got in line to enter an hour before the FP time opened and had a long line behind us. When they opened the viewing area, everyone had to have their bands scanned (slowing things down). This is the only reason we got to the rope/tape line first. And then we had to wait another hour. Everyone was lying down on the pavement resting.

Well when the show started we all stood up (allowing small children in front) and the view was perfect. I've never seen the globe so clearly, so close. It was magical!

But given the current FP+ situation, and that there are decent viewing locations throughout the WS, I'll wait to do this again when I have a guest who has never seen it before.

 

[DOOM1001]

We did this before the tiers were introduced. My best advice is to use this option only if you are a huge fan of Illuminations. (As I am.) We used FP+ for this in early October last year, still early goings in FP+ implementation.

Having read all I could about how it worked, we got in line to enter an hour before the FP time opened and had a long line behind us. When they opened the viewing area, everyone had to have their bands scanned (slowing things down). This is the only reason we got to the rope/tape line first. And then we had to wait another hour. Everyone was lying down on the pavement resting.

Well when the show started we all stood up (allowing small children in front) and the view was perfect. I've never seen the globe so clearly, so close. It was magical!

But given the current FP+ situation, and that there are decent viewing locations throughout the WS, I'll wait to do this again when I have a guest who has never seen it before.

Even though it is a good view if you're telling me to get in the Illuminations FP+ area you have to get in a line like an hour before to wait to get in then I just don't think it would be worth it.I mean there are good spots to see it all along WS and you can get them 5-10 minutes before the show begins.So if you have to make an hour line for Soarin,another one for Test Track because you can't get FP+ for them and finally you have to get in a line an hour before to see Illuminations then getting a FP+ for Illuminations sounds like a really bad idea.

 

[cmwade77]

Personally, we found a favorite way to watch Illuminations on this last trip is to get a late reservation at the new restaurant in Mexico, try to get a waterfront table (not the end of the world if you don't) and watch the show from the comfort of your dinner table.

 

[mesaboy2]

Is this worth using a FP+ for? What are the benefits or drawbacks?

Anyone that has experienced can you tell me how it works and where the viewing location is?

TIA!

See the green link in my signature. It is a poor use of FP in my opinion, unless you have already used your first 3 FP and nothing else interests you (and it is still available).

 

[Meriweather]

That is our favorite viewing spot for Illuminations.
We only entered about 10 minutes early and were at the "wall".
It is a good use for us because we go on Soarin' at rope drop and then over to TT for single rider.

 

[mesaboy2]

That is our favorite viewing spot for Illuminations.
We only entered about 10 minutes early and were at the "wall".
It is a good use for us because we go on Soarin' at rope drop and then over to TT for single rider.

, though you may want to reevaluate based on the new rules going into effect tomorrow.

 

[andyman8]

I agree with Mesaboy in that it's a poor use of a FP+ for multiple reasons.

First, you can see the show for a variety of ways, you just need to show up a bit earlier (think around 8:20 or so for a 9pm IllumiNations showing) and if you really don't want that, you can dine at Rose & Crown or even do the dessert party (trying it late next month so I'll report back!) if you have some cash to burn. The dessert party offers the same (less-crowded) viewing area as one of the FP+ locations (there are two) and R&C offers, in my opinion, an equally as good location.

Another reason is that you then must go standby for Soarin and Test Track. This may not be a big deal if you get there early and only want to ride each once or you have no one in your party interested in riding them, but if you don't care for a rushed rope drop filled with criss-crossing the park, you're going to want a FP+ for one of those.

Finally, the newest and most compelling reason for me not to do the IllumiNations FP+ is that you lose access to that fourth "revolving" FP+ for the rest of the day.

 

[mesaboy2]

I agree with Mesaboy in that it's a poor use of a FP+ for multiple reasons.

First, you can see the show for a variety of ways, you just need to show up a bit earlier (think around 8:20 or so for a 9pm IllumiNations showing) and if you really don't want that, you can dine at Rose & Crown or even do the dessert party (trying it late next month so I'll report back!) if you have some cash to burn. The dessert party offers the same (less-crowded) viewing area as one of the FP+ locations (there are two) and R&C offers, in my opinion, an equally as good location.

Another reason is that you then must go standby for Soarin and Test Track. This may not be a big deal if you get there early and only want to ride each once or you have no one in your party interested in riding them, but if you don't care for a rushed rope drop filled with criss-crossing the park, you're going to want a FP+ for one of those.

Finally, the newest and most compelling reason for me not to do the IllumiNations FP+ is that you lose access to that fourth "revolving" FP+ for the rest of the day.

All good reasons. I would add another: a southerly wind would make the viewing area a poor viewing area.

 

[JeremyGNJ]

First, you can see the show for a variety of ways, you just need to show up a bit earlier (think around 8:20 or so for a 9pm IllumiNations showing) and if you really don't want that, you can dine at Rose & Crown or even do the dessert party (trying it late next month so I'll report back!) if you have some cash to burn. The dessert party offers the same (less-crowded) viewing area as one of the FP+ locations (there are two) and R&C offers, in my opinion, an equally as good location.

Isnt this the equivalent to saving yourself a 40 minute standby line? Doesn't sound like that bad an option to me.

 

[Meriweather]

, though you may want to reevaluate based on the new rules going into effect tomorrow.

Nope....we really didn't need any other fast passes.

But everyone has to decide what is best for them.

 

[mesaboy2]

Nope....we really didn't need any other fast passes.

But everyone has to decide what is best for them.

Fair enough, just making sure you are aware of the implications of the changes.

 

[Radiorox]

Did the FP Illuminations earlier in April.

The FP+ For Illuminations is just behind the gift shop on the right if you are facing American Adventure Pavillion. We lined up around an hour before Illuminations and you are let in about 40 mins before the show starts, I believe. I say this because I remember that the torches weren't lit and the "pre-show" music hadn't started.

You are not right at the rail to the lagoon like you can be in some spots. You're "roped off" a good 5-10 feet back.

We we're right at the rope,sat on the floor and relaxed until the show started and then we stood through it. NO trees in the way.

Would I use it for a FP+ again? Depends. If I can get there early enough to sit at the rope and wait, yes. If not, I would use it on something else. When I turned around some folks were no better off than if you found another spot around the lagoon.

Illuminations is awesome and my fav firework show at the World. If you want a good spot, just get to some point of the Lagoon around 8-8:20 and you should be fine if you keep the trees away from you. Also, make sure that the wind is not blowing towards you if not you'll be taking home an unwanted Disney souvenir called ash. Ash will find its way onto your hair, clothes, eyes and so forth. I have twice seen Illuminations with sunglasses on because of ash.