Viewing illuminations from outside Epcot

[AEGault]

Is there anywhere else you can view Illuminations? I'm trying to avoid 1) staying till 9pm+ when I have an early start at MK planned the next day or 2) buying the park hopper option and going back to Epcot just to see Illuminations another night.

I'm wondering if you can see it from somewhere else, like one of the resorts or a restaurant or something.

TIA!

 

[Robo]

"Outside the park " viewing:

MOST of effects of IllumiNations take place ON (or just a few feet above) the surface of the water of the WS lagoon.
Except for the very first "Comet" firework effect, and several other major "sky-blasts" (some quite LOUD), IllumiNations can't really be enjoyed from outside Epcot's World Showcase.
One favorite outside spot to view the few "sky-blasts" is on the bridge coming toward Epcot's International Gateway from the Boardwalk Resort. You can't hear any of the music track, which is a very important part of the show.
You can't see very much either, and there will be very long periods of time where you see nothing at all.

Some of the rooms at the Epcot resorts have a better view, but still not a good show compared to inside the park.

 

[goofy4tink]

You will not get even close to the full effect of IllumiNations if you view it fron anywhere other than Epcot. So, with that said...you can view it, sort of, from several other areas. As the previous poster suggested, the bridge between Boardwalk and the BC area, is okay, the bridge over by the Swan/Dolphin, the marina at BC/YC. Now, you can see the upper fireworks but that's it.
You can catch a glimpse of those higher up ones from some areas of CBR, as well as the 50's end of POP.
But, again..having given you these 'options' I have to say I think you are better off trying to catch them within Epcot. It's an incredible show, and one of the few I refuse to miss, each and every trip to WDW.

 

[AEGault]

Thanks, looks like I'll fit it into the schedule while we're at Epcot!

 

[pouncingpluto]

The thing to keep in mind is that, unlike Wishes, Illuminations isn't a fireworks show. It's a show that incorporates some fireworks (more similar to Fantasmic in that respect). That's why you have to be around the lagoon to see the show.