Preferred viewing for wishes & illuminations

Cumbley

Mouseketeer
Joined
Apr 13, 2011
Messages
185
Hi all, although we have been to WDW a few times, I have never booked the preferred fireworks viewing - just wondered whether those who had done it thought it was worthwhile - I realise I may have left it too late but would be interested to hear views - if you do book - how soon do you then need to take your place etc.

Thanks
Cheryl
 
I was wondering this too. I've never been and Wishes is one of the things I'm most looking forward to so don't want to end up in a bad spot. We're thinking of doing the dessert party instead if the preferred viewing isn't great
 
For wishes we stood in Main Street opposite to the ice cream parlour and we had a great view! :)

For illuminations we stood directly opposite to the American Section of World Showcase I mean across the water so literally right opposite facing it! Sorry, that isn't a very good description :)
 
OhanaSam said:
I was wondering this too. I've never been and Wishes is one of the things I'm most looking forward to so don't want to end up in a bad spot. We're thinking of doing the dessert party instead if the preferred viewing isn't great

We did the dessert party last time - really enjoyed it and did consider doing it again - desserts were lovely and we had a good view even though people do gather at the railings.
 

kittykitty87 said:
Sorry, I misread your post so my answer isn't relevant! Whoops!

That's Ok - always good to have input into where to watch!
 
Illuminations: Viewing area on the bridge at the Morocco Pavillion. Very nice view in my opinion. Twice we've been the only guests there; once it was PACKED! Depends when you go and what the weather is doing, but you must book.

Wishes: It's the area down the steps outside the Plaza restaurant. If you get there early, it's worth it. If not, your view is relatively obscured by hanging flower pots, lamps and branches of trees. It is only the small section, when facing the castle, to the left. There are about 6 or so tables with chairs. We went down 2 hours before wishes this year and had we not gone so early, we would have had a difficult time finding a decent vantage point within the area. If you skip one, this is the one to skip as you really do need to get there early anyway so there is no time advantage over staking out your own spot in my opinion.

I managed to get some fireworks photos from both so for me it was worth it as that was my main objective on said nights.


Wishes by 2Tiggies, on Flickr

The reason you only see the top part of the castle is there are trees, bushes and all kinds of other stuff in the way below the bottom of the frame of this picture. It gives you an idea of your view. That was standing right up against the railing (I literally had the tripod legs pushed through the railing onto the grass on the other side).

For Illuminations it was great. I do have photos of the actual area but would have to sift those out. It remains the better of the two locations; if you must pick one, go with Epcot. :thumbsup2


Illuminations from Morocco by 2Tiggies, on Flickr
 
Standing in the roped off area, this is the view directly behind you


Morocco: Vew to the rear of Preferred Viewing location by 2Tiggies, on Flickr

If you look right, this is what you see - as you will notice you are further 'out' towards the water. The folk pictured behind the wall are not in the viewing area. You can see the boat landing for the launches as well


Morocco Preferred Viewing location (View to the right) by 2Tiggies, on Flickr

Straight ahead, prior to the start of the fireworks


Before Illuminations by 2Tiggies, on Flickr

Hopefully this will give you some idea of where you are. I like this location for Illuminations :)

Sorry, last link just doesn't want to work but you get the idea
 
Those are great pictures. I think we will book the EPCOT viewing area. Not sure I fancy having to wait 2 hours at MK though, so I think I will take pot luck for that one.
 
2Tiggies said:
Illuminations: Viewing area on the bridge at the Morocco Pavillion. Very nice view in my opinion. Twice we've been the only guests there; once it was PACKED! Depends when you go and what the weather is doing, but you must book.

Wishes: It's the area down the steps outside the Plaza restaurant. If you get there early, it's worth it. If not, your view is relatively obscured by hanging flower pots, lamps and branches of trees. It is only the small section, when facing the castle, to the left. There are about 6 or so tables with chairs. We went down 2 hours before wishes this year and had we not gone so early, we would have had a difficult time finding a decent vantage point within the area. If you skip one, this is the one to skip as you really do need to get there early anyway so there is no time advantage over staking out your own spot in my opinion.

I managed to get some fireworks photos from both so for me it was worth it as that was my main objective on said nights.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2tiggies/7987152599/
Wishes by 2Tiggies, on Flickr

The reason you only see the top part of the castle is there are trees, bushes and all kinds of other stuff in the way below the bottom of the frame of this picture. It gives you an idea of your view. That was standing right up against the railing (I literally had the tripod legs pushed through the railing onto the grass on the other side).

For Illuminations it was great. I do have photos of the actual area but would have to sift those out. It remains the better of the two locations; if you must pick one, go with Epcot. :thumbsup2

http://www.flickr.com/photos/2tiggies/7990660796/
Illuminations from Morocco by 2Tiggies, on Flickr

Fantastic pictures! Thanks for posting - will see if we can get in for our Epcot days!
 
Those photos are amazing! I think I need to invest in a good camera before we go :rotfl:

We'll definitely be booking Epcot, that view is incredible!
 
Fantastic pictures there - may be looking to invest in a better camera!!!

We had preferred Wishes viewing this August. We ended up watching the light parade first from near the Liberty Tree Tavern, but when this passed around 9:35pm, we struggled to get through the crowds and only scraped into the preferred viewing area just as the The Magic, The Memories and You show started. We did end up standing on the ramp that led down to the viewing area, but TBH it wasn't a bad view.

On another night in MK, we ended up in a spot just in front of The Plaza Restaurant which gave us quite a decent view as well.

With regards to Illuminations at EPCOT, we didn't make our preferred viewing date, but visited on another nigt and just strolled up to the waterfront at France around 20 mins before the foreworks started and got a decent spot without any problems.
 


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