So... where can I NOT stand for Illuminations?

[myadventurebook]

We are heading to WDW from 12/12-12/19 and stopping at Epcot twice. We haven't tried to view Illuminations since 2012 and it seems like a lot has changed since then regarding where you are allowed to stand. With FP+, the dessert party and other things I have read about, it seems a lot is now blocked to the general public. I have not been able to find an updated map that shows viewing areas that include these areas as no-nos and I am unaware as to where they are located.

Does anyone know of such a map or can tell me exactly where we are NOT allowed to go? We've been on a few day trips in between our 2012 trip and this trip but always seem to skip out on Illuminations for some reason, even though it was always my favorite thing in WDW as a teen. Because of this, I really wanted to make it a point to try to catch it this trip, especially because we only get to do a long one every few years. Thanks so much in advance for any help!

 

[nilla]

Not sure about dinner parties, but the FP+ section is next to and behind what used to be the Duffy store, right when you enter World Showcase.

 

[Robo]

We are heading to WDW from 12/12-12/19 and stopping at Epcot twice. We haven't tried to view Illuminations since 2012 and it seems like a lot has changed since then regarding where you are allowed to stand. With FP+, the dessert party and other things I have read about,

1. it seems a lot is now blocked to the general public. I have not been able to find an updated map that shows viewing areas that include these areas as no-nos and I am unaware as to where they are located.

2. Does anyone know of such a map or can tell me exactly where we are NOT allowed to go? We've been on a few day trips in between our 2012 trip and this trip but always seem to skip out on Illuminations for some reason, even though it was always my favorite thing in WDW as a teen. Because of this, I really wanted to make it a point to try to catch it this trip, especially because we only get to do a long one every few years. Thanks so much in advance for any help!

1. That is an overstatement, as only a couple of areas have been added to the reserved
locations. So very many other prime viewing spots are still open to all guests.

2. No because some areas (other than the #13 and #14 (FP+ and/or Dessert Party) areas I marked below) may or may not be used for private IllumiNations events.
(Those "sometimes reserved, sometimes not reserved" areas include the 2
#8 areas and the gondola dock area of Italy.)

Most Important Tip:

Don't stand down-wind of the fireworks.
Their SMOKE will ruin the show.
So, If the wind is blowing into your face as you look towards the Lagoon, you are in the wrong spot.
-----------------------

 

[AngiTN]

If there is a Dessert Party on the night(s) you are there it is in the twin spot to the FP area, behind the other gift shop, closer to where Daisy is now (former Duffy spot)

 

[disneygolfer1985]

As long as the wind is coming from the South, I think Germany is one of the best locations. I usually like to stand closer to the African Outpost.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

It's going to depend on how many areas are roped off for private parties...it's not the same every night and they are not permanent "no nos." The popular places for parties are 1) the patio in Britain to the right of the Rose & Crown 2) the large overlook on the way to France 3) the patio area in Italy. The publicly available Dessert Party takes a portion of the large area between the two stores on the Future World side. I think it's taking place 2 days a week at this point (Wednesdays and Saturdays). Fastpass takes another portion of that area.

 

[myadventurebook]

1. That is an overstatement, as only a couple of areas have been added to the reserved
locations. So very many other prime viewing spots are still open to all guests.

2. No because some areas (other than the #13 and #14 (FP+ and/or Dessert Party) areas I marked below) may or may not be used for private IllumiNations events.
(Those "sometimes reserved, sometimes not reserved" areas include the 2
#8 areas and the gondola dock area of Italy.)

Most Important Tip:

Don't stand down-wind of the fireworks.
Their SMOKE will ruin the show.
So, If the wind is blowing into your face as you look towards the Lagoon, you are in the wrong spot.
-----------------------

Thanks all. Robo, thanks a lot for the map! I guess the comments I was reading about lots of places being closed off were just some over-sensationalist posters. Glad to hear that's not the case! Thanks again everyone.

 

[wilkeliza]

Thanks all. Robo, thanks a lot for the map! I guess the comments I was reading about lots of places being closed off were just some over-sensationalist posters. Glad to hear that's not the case! Thanks again everyone.

In years past, during the holidays you would see several spots because Candlelight Processional dinning use to include Illuminations but now it doesn't. There also can be a lot of private parties during that time and then there are celebrity VIP viewing spots.

It is hard to tell you before hand what is going to be unavailable but even when the areas right up against the lagoon are roped off you can see illuminations pretty clearly on the side of the walkway closer to the buildings.

 

[Jennasis]

In front of me.

 

[ktlm]

Thanks all. Robo, thanks a lot for the map! I guess the comments I was reading about lots of places being closed off were just some over-sensationalist posters. Glad to hear that's not the case! Thanks again everyone.

It was probably from posters that used to always stand in areas that are now FP+ or dessert party reserved. I've never posted about lots of places being closed up, but for years we stood somewhere in the area behind, between, or right next to the two gift shops that almost entirely is now reserved. So for us, that has been a big change to our view. Our first FP+ trip it was fine because it was pre-tier so we got a FP+ and stood were we always stood, but since tiers were instituted we have been locked out of the area we had utilized since 1999 when Illuminations was new to watch Illuminations (and probably for whatever shows pre-dated Illuminations), and the area to the sides of that which was about as far away from that spot we ever stood is more packed than ever because of the reserved areas. While there are still good spots to watch Illuminations all around World Showcase, but that has been a really big change for us, and while we are fine with the other spots, we really don't like any other spot we have tried as well as what was our "usual" spot. It is not a big enough deal for us to give up either our Soarin or TT FP+ to be in that spot though!

 

[disnut8]

Thanks all. Robo, thanks a lot for the map! I guess the comments I was reading about lots of places being closed off were just some over-sensationalist posters. Glad to hear that's not the case! Thanks again everyone.

The World Showcase Pavilion waling area is 1.2 miles around (or thereabouts so I can shield myself from the exact measurement ) and the area(s) that are "closed" for regular guests might be less than 1/10 of that distance. So I guess 5,733 feet would be enough to find a spot