Show Me: Illuminations (& Tell Me: Where You Set Up)

[annnewjerz]

So I don't necessarily intend for this to be one of the normal "Show Me" threads, but I would like to see some shots of Illuminations and also tell me where (what country) you were in/around when you took them.

Trying to figure out the best country to camp out in during our trip. I would like Mexico so I can down a margarita (or two) while waiting for the fireworks to start---but don't know if the view there is the best.

I've been told lots of different places (and even given some suggestions for secret locations to take them from ), but don't really have any pictures to match them up to.

Thanks!!

Ann

 

[zackiedawg]

Here's a range of what I've got...

Old shot, taken from right up the middle - actually a bit to the west of the stores that sit right at the World Showcase entrance:

View from the UK/France bridge:

View from the wall in front of France, behind the little face-painting kiosks:

View from the bench at the smoking-designated area near Odyssey, between the Mexico bridge and the World Showcase entrance:

That's all the views I've got! I'd say the right-up-the-middle is best, though the France area has some nice views if you can just move a little right or left of where I was so you can see the globe in the middle. If the globe isn't as important, the France wall affords a beautiful view of fireworks, water, and laser. Germany's lakefront area, which juts out and has nothing blocking the view, is fantastic, but you have to get there seriously early to get that spot!

 

[Steve's Girl]

Canada

 

[Gdad]

From Japan on the platform by Tokyo Dining @ 50mm (FX)

From directly acroos from USA on the top of the slope @ 16mm (DX)

Same place @ 11mm

 

[annnewjerz]

Great shots so far everyone, you are all going to make it very hard to decide!

Jeff---I love the inclusion of people in the shot, it's making me re-think getting somewhere 1.5 hours in advance to secure a spot against the rail.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

View from the wall in front of France, behind the little face-painting kiosks:

Normally we watch from somewhere close to Norway/Mexico. Gotta get the dessert and coffee from Norway while waiting for the show!

But this past Dec. we had this view from France. We were walking trying to find a decent spot when the show started and this was practically empty - probably b/c you can't see the globe. I actually like the tree silhouette rather than the globe so I was happy about it.

 

[oogieboogieman]

This is where I set up, I don't recall if it was in China or Japan. f/8, 25mm, 6 sec.

f/8, 24mm, 4.5sec.

f/8, 25mm, 3 sec.

f/8 29mm (because Gorillapod slipped on railing and then I had to scramble to get the camera set back up)

This was my first attempt at Illuminations with DSLR and using Bulb mode.

 

[thesimson01]

I took this from the ''mexico'' bridge.

Great thread

 

[thesimson01]

From Japan on the platform by Tokyo Dining @ 50mm (FX)

From directly acroos from USA on the top of the slope @ 16mm (DX)

Same place @ 11mm

[/QUOTE

As usual, fantastic pics

 

[boBQuincy]

From the top of the stairs in Canada:

From between Norway and Mexico:

and one you may not have thought about, from our balcony at Boardwalk Villas:

Mexico is a good place to see Illuminations but the seats go early, maybe 90 minutes before the fireworks.

 

[Evad]

These were taken from the Canada pavilion. Just up the stairs and turn to your left.

 

[WDWFigment]

Both taken from the lower area down behind the fish and chips stand in the UK.

 

[oogieboogieman]

Everytime we go to Epcot and see Illuminations we will always find a place so that we are not down-wind of the fireworks. Years ago, DW chartered one of the pontoon boats for the show and I couldn't figure out why the captain put on sunglasses at night. Let me tell you, all of our eyes were stinging because of the debris and smoke.

 

[BBQMonster]

Everytime we go to Epcot and see Illuminations we will always find a place so that we are not down-wind of the fireworks. Years ago, DW chartered one of the pontoon boats for the show and I couldn't figure out why the captain put on sunglasses at night. Let me tell you, all of our eyes were stinging because of the debris and smoke.

I agree. Check the wind, and then find your location. I have had good luck in Canada between the Beer stand and Le Cellier. I use a mini flexible tripod and setup on a trash can.
BBQMonster

 

[dmccarty]

Illuminations Cruise UNDER the bridge near France. No tripod or Gorillapod though I had one. ISO 3200.

The day of the cruise Central FLA had Tornado warning/watches. At AKL we had dime and pea size hail! 35+ MPH winds. We thought for sure the fireworks and/or the cruise would be canceled. A CM for one of the bus boats at Beach and Yacht club said the boats had to stop running since they could not dock at some docks due to the wind.

We went to Japan to eat and had to walk which was not a big deal. During dinner I was watching the trees and about 30 minutes before we were finished the front had moved through and wind just died. Dead Calm!

Got cold though for some members our our group.

But no wind so we saw the fireworks!

Worth every penny.

Later,
Dan

 

[MOmousefan]

We have watched the show the last two times in front of the Mexican pavillion right next to the outdoor food court.

We have watched from the International bridge and did not like that location.

 

[handicap18]

From the area below the bridge between France and The United Kingdom on the France side:

 

[WDWFigment]

Another of my Illuminations shots:

Clicking the picture takes you to its Flickr page.

 

[kaffinito]

Another of my Illuminations shots:

Clicking the picture takes you to its Flickr page.

Nice shot!!!

I have to check out the exif for this one.