Soarin' vs Illuminations

[cinderella29]

Need help deciding on my last fp+

It's just me and hubby so we can be there at RD and I have never seen illuminations because I always end up to far away (and I'm short!) so I normally give up and we park hop.

If I get the illuminations fp+, I don't mind getting up for RD for Soarin' as long as the line isn't an hour.

We are going the second week in December and it would be on a weekday.

So thankful you guys have all this knowledge!

 

[hsmamato2]

I am fairly short and b/c Illuminations is huge outdoor show, I have never 'not' seen it there are literally thousands of places to watch it from...... Soarin however always has a long line,and even the shortest wait means a 30 minute stop thru there...I would get the soarin' fp..... for the illuminations, sometimes if you stand a bit farther back from the crowds,you actually get a better view.

 

[skatalite]

How early are you willing to claim a spot for Illuminations? If your answer is "more than an hour before the show begins," then choose the FP+ for Soarin' (which you're not willing to wait an hour in line for).

Personally, I'd always choose a FP+ for Soarin' than Illuminations. There are so many great spots to view Illuminations from (like the steps in Japan) that I don't see the value of an Illuminations FP+.

 

[richmo]

I think you can do both. If you're there at RD, you could do Soarin', or use your Tier 1 for it. The PP is correct about Illuminations...there's a lot of places to see it and the FP area isn't necessarily the best. My usual advice on Illuminations is if you're standing somewhere and feel the breeze in your face, go somewhere else.

The best part of Illuminations, in my opinion, is in the sky. For that, it doesn't matter much where you are or how tall you are. Just stay away from trees or buildings. If you want a little height, some like to watch from up the stairs at Canada or on a bridge between England and France. (I was going to say Mexico, but that doesn't work anymore). Definitely try to see Illuminations though, it's worth it!

 

[cinderella29]

Thank you!

 

[jodyb]

I agree with previous posters - don't "waste" your FP on Illuminations. Many people who have viewed from the FP area have said it was not even as good viewing as many other places around the lagoon - especially since they still had to arrive an hour early in order to actually see well from the FP area. Don't worry about Illuminations - just find a spot around the lagoon about 30 minutes before they start (there are many threads on suggested spots for viewing) and use your FP for Soarin. In fact, if you're like me - get a FP and STILL come for RD - that way you can do Soarin (my favorite ride) twice in one day!

 

[nkereina]

We did an Illuminations FP once and still needed to arrive around 45 minutes early to get a spot along the railing at the water. And not all spots along the railing are optimal - some have a large bush in front of it which would obstruct the view for short people. Not worth it.

Have you considered doing dinner at Rose & Crown and aligning it with Illuminations time? Many seats have a view of Illuminations at Rose & Crown and for the ones that don't, the restaurant has a private viewing area for their guests to stand which would be a lot less crowded than the FP+ viewing area.

 

[LSUfan4444]

Test Track at Rope Drop, FP+ for Soarin.

Go to the bridge between the UK and France about 30 minutes before Illuminations starts. Send the hubby to France to get you a Grey Goose Slushie, then send him to UK so he can get a Black N Tan.

Relax then enjoy.

 

[Fratthouse]

When is your trip? I would say crowd levels will greatly affect how early you need to line up for Illuminations. When we were there in Sept, we found a PERFECT spot 10 minutes before the show started. But that's super low season. If you're going summer / holiday and it's a huge priority to have a completely unobstructed view, then your rope-drop plan should work for Soarin'. But I would say use your FP+ for Soarin' and find a good viewing spot for illuminations. Easywdw.com has some good tips for viewing locations on his cheat sheets.

 

[disnut8]

I'm five foot nothing (on a good day) and the only time I've seen Illuminations with people in front of me was when the people in front of us sitting down decided to stand up and one guy was like a tree. But I did move to the side and saw fine. Oh - and I've seen Illuminations about 30 times and I've waited for it more than 30 minutes just during peak holiday season. Don't waste the FastPass on the show - way too many places to view it. But, do see the show.

 

[Marthasor]

I'm 5'2" and can say honestly, the Illuminations FP+ is a complete waste. It is one big area and if you don't get there early enough, you still risk having people standing in front of you. Get the FP+ for Soarin, then, as another PP suggested, grab some drinks and snacks (or get a table at Spice Road) and stake out a spot (make sure there isn't a tree blocking your view!). My favorite spot is Italy. If Wishes is happening at the same time and you position yourself with a dead-on view of Spaceship Earth, you can see both fireworks at the same time!

 

[Eeep]

I just saw that all the Illuminations fp for my Epcot day are gone. I feel much better after having read this thread. Thank you all!

 

[imprimouse]

i've yet to find a bad spot to see illuminations from. find a spot about 30-40 minutes prior to the show and enjoy the pre-show music.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I'd def get the FP for Soarin, I've never had a hard time finding a spot for Illuminations if I showed up at least a half hour before.