Special Viewing Area For Illuminations

[Feralpeg]

Last night at Epcot, I noticed an area that was roped off in between the two shops at the entrance to World Showcase. Just before Illuminations, the CM let certain people into that area. I'm curious as to what you have to do to qualify for that viewing area. Anyone?

 

[Regina]

Was it a very large crowd? That's where they had the DVC Member Homecoming viewing for Illuminations.

 

[Ted and Holly]

I have seen that area reserved for guests in wheel chairs. If the area is not full with wheel chairs, 5 minutes before Illuminations, they will drop the rope and let anyone in.

One rule, you have to sit down on the ground.

Ted

 

[MinnieFan]

We saw the same area last year. The very nice CM told us that each night the fire marshal decides based upon wind conditions whether that area will be opened for viewing. He told us to wait in that area, as the decision is made just before Illuminations begins. We did wait, the wind conditions were fine, and our kids had "front row seats" to Illuminations! They loved it!

 

[safetymom]

All you have to do is show up. We always watch the fireworks from that location. As someone else posted it is up to the Fire Marshall whether that area will be open.

After everyone goes up and sits down we stand back and watch from there. If you don't mind sitting on the ground it is a great place to watch the fireworks.

 

[civileng68]

That area is specifically roped off for special functions.

My family owns a large company that works with launches of satellites in space. This past December, Charlie Ergin (Dish Network, Echostar CEO) was launching a satellite from Cape Canaveral for his company and as always my family was invited. Both of my sister in laws went for the occassion and were treated to an evening at Epcot and Illuminations from the roped off area as Echostart had reserved it.

 

[safetymom]

They may use it for special functions but most nights it is open and available for anyone that wants to sit there.

Are you sure you aren't talking about further down?

 

[Terry S]

Saftey Mom.... As Regina posted that is the area that was used for the DVC Member Homecoming for thier Illuminations Dessert Party. My understanding is that is one of the largest areas for Illuminations Dessert Parties, so it would only be if you have a real big crowd. The same goes for all the other areas that can be reserved for for Illuminations Dessert parties, if they are not booked for the evening they are great spots for viewing illuminations.

 

[safetymom]

I still think we are talking two different areas. The area I am talking about is directly behind the two shops known as Towers. There is a area further down that is used for the parties that I am aware of.

The area that I am talking about requires you to sit on the ground. Daughter was in the CP and that's where she worked.

It's where we still go when we want to watch the fireworks.

 

[Terry S]

That is the exact area. I remember when I was on the phone talking to Epcot Catering and Events because I was having an Illuminations Dessert party the same night as the DVC Member Homecoming. I was trying to decide between UK Lower and French Island Upper and I asked just out of curiousity where the DVC party was and he told me it was at the Towers. The night of the party, I stopped over there (before the actual start time) since I am a DVC member and just wanted to say hi and that is exactly where it was.

 

[safetymom]

Hmm. I guess I have been lucky then because that is where we always watch the fireworks. I haven't ever been turned away.

 

[Feralpeg]

It was the area if you walked straight toward World Showcase from Spaceship Earth. It was between the two tower shops. Last night, it must have been a special function area because they never dropped the rope for everyone. Only certain people were allowed in. Most of them stood through the entire thing. Sounds like it is luck of the draw.

 

[Tabetha]

I wonder if that is also the "preferred viewing area" for people on the silver, gold and platinum plans?

 

[cranbiz]

Tabatha,

The preferred viewing area for the gold, silver plan etc. is the boat ramp for the friendship boats at Morocco. I personally thought is was a crappy spot to see Illuminations from. If you are not there at least 45 minutes before, you will be standing behind a lot of people and the roof from the dock blocks your view. We watched from this spot one night and our last night , we watched from over near Norway and had a great view.

 

[Tabetha]

Tabatha,

The preferred viewing area for the gold, silver plan etc. is the boat ramp for the friendship boats at Morocco. I personally thought is was a crappy spot to see Illuminations from. If you are not there at least 45 minutes before, you will be standing behind a lot of people and the roof from the dock blocks your view. We watched from this spot one night and our last night , we watched from over near Norway and had a great view.

Wow, thanks for the heads up... Maybe we'll try and stake out a spot with the rest of the folks in the park, and skip this preferred viewing!

 

[SusanDK]

We saw a roped-off area near the Rose & Crown when we were there. It appeared to be for VIPs of some sort. If you are facing the Rose & Crown and the lagoon, it is to the right of R&C, right down to the water.

Does anyone know what this area is for and if the regular public is allowed entrance at the last minute?

Susan

 

[senecabeach]

BTW............

I found the "Illuminations Cruise"...also very..very..dissappointing!!

OK..we got the "breathless"..it was a classie cruiser..yes, big $$.
The ride around the waterways was nice, but, I live on the water with my boat in the back yard..so no big deal.

OK..time to go to the World Showcase, along with 5 other parties on pontoon boats. Here we go..passed the Gateway entrance to EPCOT..under the bridge..then STOP..under the bridge..tie up to the bridge .......
.....we're here!!

What?

This is it?

I dont know what I really expected..but..spending $175. to be under the bridge (remember..the people above me, on the bridge..have a better view..and FREE)!!

Never..Never..again!!!!!!!!