Post-Illuminations

[3gr8boys]

Our third family WDW trip is coming up (previous in 2008 and 2014). I would really like to see Illuminations (for the first time!). I made 7:10 ADR at Via Napoli thinking that we (or whatever fraction of "we" that wants to) would have time to eat and then see the show.

1)is the viewing area worth a "4th" FP if we will be heading there from Italy? I know I have seen mention of some good views from the WS side.

2) what I really want to have a grip on is what it will be like after the show. Folks in my party like to know what to expect....especially when reviewing next-morning plans and deciding how late to be out. So, will we be in a slow, mass exodus and it will take forever to get to our resort? Is there anything we can do do make the experience more efficient? We are staying at CSR and are planning to depend on Disney transportation. However, we will have a car. (The day in question will be a HS morning with potential for an afternoon swim at CSR before heading to EPCOT.) .

 

[danielocha30]

is always a big exodus after any fireworks, just plan to linger for about 30 to 45 minutes after. Do a little shopping and let the rush die down to head back to your hotel. If you still want to leave right after, try to watch the fireworks close to the exit and head out right after with the first group.

 

[3gr8boys]

is always a big exodus after any fireworks, just plan to linger for about 30 to 45 minutes after. Do a little shopping and let the rush die down to head back to your hotel. If you still want to leave right after, try to watch the fireworks close to the exit and head out right after with the first group.

If there is no secret to avoiding/beating the crowd, certainly more fun to linger than stand in a bus line! Thank you for the 30-45 minute recommendation. That helps me.

 

[ajh88]

We have never done FP for Illuminations, so I can't speak to that question. I don't know if you could count on getting it as 4th FP though. I would think that with a 7:10 ADR, you would have time to get to whatever location you choose for Illuminations.

Yes, there will be a mass exodus of people. If you mosey just a bit, you might find it is easier to navigate - or just don't leap up and start moving as soon as the show is over. It actually isn't too bad walking out of the park in the exodus - EPCOT has such wide walkways - what is awful are the lines for the buses. If you want to avoid that, do as the PP mentioned and shop a bit, take some pictures, soak up the night time ambiance of EPCOT for a bit. You'll still be spending time, but at least it won't be standing in a bus line. Or, you could drive and hot foot it out with the crowd. You would certainly make it to your vehicle before all the bus riders made it onto buses.

 

[Jennasis]

I would do your ADR, then after the meal walk straight out from the restaurant to the waterfront right in front of the Italy pavillion to watch Illuminations. Then hang out for about 30 minutes post show before attempting to head out. The FP area was nice but not worth the hike around from Italy after your meal.

 

[3gr8boys]

Thanks, all! Now I feel like I can plan a little instead of completely "winging it."

 

[Moliphino]

If you do the fastpass for Illuminations you can be towards the head of the crowd leaving after and not have to wait long for a bus.

 

[3gr8boys]

If you do the fastpass for Illuminations you can be towards the head of the crowd leaving after and not have to wait long for a bus.

Will consider that! Thanks!

 

[Alesia]

If you fastpass IllumiNations, you'll be closer to the exit, but you won't be able to get there early enough to get a decent view. You really need to be there about 45 minutes early. Fortunately, there are plenty of locations around the lagoon and yoully be able to find a good spot about 15 minutes before the show starts.

Find a place upwind that has a clear view of the center of the lagoon.

 

[DisDreaming4116]

We really dislike doing the penguin walk out of the park after nighttime shows and Epcot is my favorite park to slowly meander out. We usually watch Illuminations from the Japan pavilion and slowly walk out. I have great videos of my daughter doing cartwheels in each country with not another person in sight. The shops are all closed but it's a relaxing way to finish the day. The bus lines are nearly non-existent by the time we make it there.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Find a place upwind that has a clear view of the center of the lagoon.

Emphasis on the ‘upwind’ part. That can be important, depending on the conditions.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would watch Illuminations from Italy (which has some great viewing spots!) and then slowly meander out from there. EP is beautiful at night so take the chance to enjoy it!

 

[Tomh]

Our third family WDW trip is coming up (previous in 2008 and 2014). I would really like to see Illuminations (for the first time!). I made 7:10 ADR at Via Napoli thinking that we (or whatever fraction of "we" that wants to) would have time to eat and then see the show.

1)is the viewing area worth a "4th" FP if we will be heading there from Italy? I know I have seen mention of some good views from the WS side.

2) what I really want to have a grip on is what it will be like after the show. Folks in my party like to know what to expect....especially when reviewing next-morning plans and deciding how late to be out. So, will we be in a slow, mass exodus and it will take forever to get to our resort? Is there anything we can do do make the experience more efficient? We are staying at CSR and are planning to depend on Disney transportation. However, we will have a car. (The day in question will be a HS morning with potential for an afternoon swim at CSR before heading to EPCOT.) .

1) I have gotten the Illuminations viewing as a 4th FP. It was ok, but not fantastic. It is on the opposite side of World Showcase from Italy. With a 7:10 ADR, figure it will be around 8:30 by the time you get out of dinner. I don't think I would be tempted to hike across World Showcase for the FP viewing area. There are indeed good viewing spots all around the World Showcase, and getting one of those would be my plan. One of our favorites, though it is sometimes reserved for special groups, is the little landing area by the bridge between France and the UK. At about 8:30, you should be able to grab a pretty good spot for Illuminations.

2) After the show, it is a mass exodus, it will be slow going, and there will be a line at the bus stop. I love to linger at Epcot after Illuminations. Slowly work your way around World Showcase, taking the opportunity to soak in the atmosphere, and maybe get some pictures with very low crowds left in the park. Once you make your way back towards Future World, the fountain outside Mouse Gear has a show, which features colored lighting after dark, making it a special treat if you've never seen it at night before. Mouse Gear is typically open well after Illuminations as well, giving you another option for burning a bit of time. The idea is to meander to the bus stop long enough after the masses so that you don't spend 45 minutes standing in the line there.

 

[3gr8boys]

1) I have gotten the Illuminations viewing as a 4th FP. It was ok, but not fantastic. It is on the opposite side of World Showcase from Italy. With a 7:10 ADR, figure it will be around 8:30 by the time you get out of dinner. I don't think I would be tempted to hike across World Showcase for the FP viewing area. There are indeed good viewing spots all around the World Showcase, and getting one of those would be my plan. One of our favorites, though it is sometimes reserved for special groups, is the little landing area by the bridge between France and the UK. At about 8:30, you should be able to grab a pretty good spot for Illuminations.

2) After the show, it is a mass exodus, it will be slow going, and there will be a line at the bus stop. I love to linger at Epcot after Illuminations. Slowly work your way around World Showcase, taking the opportunity to soak in the atmosphere, and maybe get some pictures with very low crowds left in the park. Once you make your way back towards Future World, the fountain outside Mouse Gear has a show, which features colored lighting after dark, making it a special treat if you've never seen it at night before. Mouse Gear is typically open well after Illuminations as well, giving you another option for burning a bit of time. The idea is to meander to the bus stop long enough after the masses so that you don't spend 45 minutes standing in the line there.

The FW fountain/sidewalk lights are on my after dark to-do list....thanks for the reminder and the viewing advice. Going to plan for viewing from WS but will assess wind direction before settling in!

 

[sachilles]

We like to exit at the international gateway, and get a taxi from the beach club. If your party is small enough, it makes a fair amount of sense to do that. We sometimes stroll the boardwalk for a snack then get the taxi from the boardwalk.
It's a more comfortable stroll than to the front of the park for a bus ride.

 

[hsmamato2]

I'd never get a FP for illuminations.... its way too easy to just watch from wherever around the lake. buses after are slammed,so plan accordingly.

 

[JennyMP03]

We like to exit at the international gateway, and get a taxi from the beach club. If your party is small enough, it makes a fair amount of sense to do that. We sometimes stroll the boardwalk for a snack then get the taxi from the boardwalk.
It's a more comfortable stroll than to the front of the park for a bus ride.

I was going to ask about this. Sounds perfect. I'm thinking we may try Jellyrolls after Illuminations at Rose and Crown, then get an uber from the boardwalk area. Do you guys just walk over or are the boats running at that time?

 

[sachilles]

We walk over. The boats aren't usually a quick option.

 

[Crystal824]

If you are concerned about getting out, I would watch Illuminations in the World Showcase and then exit at the International Gateway and then go to Beach Club and get an Uber. It will cost a few bucks but will probably save a lot of time.

 

[heidijanesmith]

We like to exit at the international gateway, and get a taxi from the beach club. If your party is small enough, it makes a fair amount of sense to do that. We sometimes stroll the boardwalk for a snack then get the taxi from the boardwalk.
It's a more comfortable stroll than to the front of the park for a bus ride.

I was just going to say this! We like to watch Illuminations by the IG and then walk to the Boardwalk afterwards. We stroll around, get a drink and do some people watching. If your really up to staying out later, you can check out Jellyrolls or Abracadabra bars. We take a taxi back to the resort. It's a fun way to cap the end of the night.