Should I add Illuminations to my list?

[IBLarsen]

Making my plans for our March trip (myself, dh, ds11, dd9). We always stay at least one night for the fireworks at MK, but have never seen Illuminations. If we only plan ONE late night, would you rather see Wishes at MK or Illuminations at Epcot?
If we stay for this, where is a good spot to watch? And what is it like exiting the park after? As bad as MK?

 

[Kae]

Making my plans for our March trip (myself, dh, ds11, dd9). We always stay at least one night for the fireworks at MK, but have never seen Illuminations. If we only plan ONE late night, would you rather see Wishes at MK or Illuminations at Epcot?
If we stay for this, where is a good spot to watch? And what is it like exiting the park after? As bad as MK?

We never miss it. We like to watch by Italy. We have never had a bad spot.

Kae

 

[mrsbicewdw]

I have to see every time. I used to work at Y&B Club (right by Epcot) and still never got tired of it, I would walk over to a tree break on a loading dock where I had a good view from the hotel. I love how the fireworks are right there with you, in the middle of things. I love wishes, but I find Illuminations to be more exciting.

 

[PSUGuy]

By staying at the BoardWalk, mostly, we catch Ill. multiple times per trip, sometimes just watching the aerials from the 'boards.

Bill From PA

 

[RustManFan]

I much prefer Illuminations and we also generally locate a spot near Italy. It is hectic getting out but not obnoxiously so...

 

[MrInfinity]

Making my plans for our March trip (myself, dh, ds11, dd9). We always stay at least one night for the fireworks at MK, but have never seen Illuminations. If we only plan ONE late night, would you rather see Wishes at MK or Illuminations at Epcot?
If we stay for this, where is a good spot to watch? And what is it like exiting the park after? As bad as MK?

I think you answered your own question. You've seen Wishes before but not Illuminations so it's time to see it so you know for yourself.

Exiting the park after is a mob. But the busses do seem to get ppl outta there. I would say it's not as bad as MK.

 

[Mikie]

I don't know the sequences by heart or remember all the music to the various fireworks shows like some do. Although they are very different experiences, I am content to see one nighttime show per trip, and happy if we happen to make more. I thoroughly enjoy a Wishes, Fantasmic and Illuminations. I like the globe/screen on the lake in a Epcot - really makes it different than "just" fireworks.

InMK, you are likely to be much more crowded and need to stake out a spot earlier than necessary in Epcot. Due to sheer size of Epcot, you can get good views of Illuminations from many places and therefore not have to claim your spot all that early. It's crowded leaving after the show, but I don't find it quite the shoulder-to-shoulder madness of MK. If you're heading to buses, I like to watch from Canada (very close to the front of the park) so that you're in the bus lines before all the people who watched from the back of world showcase. If you choose one of the many lovely places further back, I'd take my time, walk slowly, admire the park at night, because you'll just be facing a long stand in the bus line anyway.

 

[IBLarsen]

Thanks! I think I'm convinced to forgo Wishes for Illuminations. We are creatures of habit and have our favorites, or traditions, that are almost set in stone so it seems! I'm excited to watch Illuminations now

PP says it's not as important to stake out a spot quite as early as in MK...so how early would you stake out your spot for Illuminations? Does everybody have to stand like in MK or do people sit on the ground?

 

[W.E.D.]

We never miss it. We like to watch by Italy. We have never had a bad spot.

Kae

If you've never seen it, you need to try it. Our favorite by far, but you will get a lot of differing opinions on here.

And as Kae said, we have had great luck over in the Italy, Germany, African Outpost area. It seems like people don't filter that far over into the park for the show.

 

[IBLarsen]

If you've never seen it, you need to try it. Our favorite by far, but you will get a lot of differing opinions on here.

And as Kae said, we have had great luck over in the Italy, Germany, African Outpost area. It seems like people don't filter that far over into the park for the show.

Thanks! If you're in mentioned areas for watching, how soon do you need to stake out a spot?

 

[richmo]

I'm surprised Illuminations is dominating the responses. And I'll pile on. I enjoy Wishes, but to me a trip isn't complete without Illuminations. I/We will usually make sure we hit Illuminations on our final night.

I've never been one to stake out a spot for Illuminations. In fact, I like to walk around World Showcase after dark until about 5 minutes before it starts. It's a great atmosphere. The best part of Illuminations is in the sky, so as long as there isn't a tree blocking the view, you should be in good shape.

There are many good places to watch it from; some have been mentioned in earlier posts. But here's the most important thing: If you feel the breeze or wind in your face when looking out at the lake, go somewhere else.

As far as exiting the park, it is crowded going out the main entrance, but its nowhere near the trampling feeling you get leaving Main Street at MK after Wishes.

 

[Stasieki]

I would see it for sure! It's one of our favorites. We like to go the bakery in France and split a tray full of thier yummy desserts.

I have heard a rumor that it could be going away. Not sure if completely or they will change it again.

 

[heidijanesmith]

Thanks! If you're in mentioned areas for watching, how soon do you need to stake out a spot?

We like to get out spot about 30min prior to the start. I love Illuminations, one of the best night time shows!

 

[soniam]

If you haven't seen it, then you should do it. It's as good as, if not better than, Wishes.