Where can you watch illuminations?

[DIS~n~JAN]

Our passes don't start till the next day and we arrive at 5pm, so I thought we could go somewhere to watch. Any suggestions. Thanks

 

[mtdevine615]

There's no place you can go that you'll be able to see the entire show, but the bridge leading to BW is about as good as you can do. You'll be able to see all of the higher fireworks. We had great vies from BC, YC and BW.

 

[DIS~n~JAN]

Thanks

 

[bicker]

Since 2000, the vast majority of Illuminations has been below the tree-line, so we've found watching the show from outside the park to be pretty-much a waste of time for us. I don't think Illuminations, by itself, is worth buying an extra day on a pass, but if I were entering Epcot at 5PM I'd definitely consider buying an extra day on a pass -- the four and a half hours would be well-worth it for me.

 

[mtdevine615]

What might be a better option is to head over to CR and watch wishes from the observation deck or for that matter the Poly on the beach is great also. Plus if you time it right you may be able to see the Electric Water Parade in the lagoon.

 

[justlikeeyore]

I remember reading somewhere that they let people in w/0 passes close to 9:00pm has anyone else heard of this

 

[kathymc]

we watched it last week from the bridge over by the swan dolphin and had a very nice view. we also had a fantastic view from our BCV room that we looked left to see MVMCP fireworks and then right to see Illuminations - very cool!

 

[Deb & Bill]

I remember reading somewhere that they let people in w/0 passes close to 9:00pm has anyone else heard of this

Nope, don't do that anymore.

 

[Dznefreek]

I remember reading somewhere that they let people in w/0 passes close to 9:00pm has anyone else heard of this

I have done it many times. It all depends on who is at the gate at Intl. Gateway. Go stand in the area and if you see people just walking in by all means go . . .

 

[TnTsParty]

We just watched part of Illuminations from the ground at POFQ. We are planning to go to Epcot tomorrow night but we watched what we could tonight from our resort (obviously we couldn't see all of it but its a GREAT intro to what we will see tomorrow -especially with the holiday add on that they are doing now.

 

[bicker]

We used to note that the gates to Epcot at the International Gateway were opened a 9PM so folks without tickets could get in and see most of Illuminations. They no longer allow that.

BTW: You cannot see Illuminations from the Polynesian beach.

 

[Saxsoon]

Well my favorite place to see the show is the crown and pub in england. but to each his own.

 

[J&J]

A good place is from outside the BC or BW will not be as crowded. You can see the high fireworks no place except inside the park could you see the ground fireworks. We have done this in the past to save on a day pass.Still you are in Disney and seeingthe fireworks in the sky is so wonderful. Have a great time.

 

[DIS~n~JAN]

Thanks everyone for the help! We'll be at WL that night so we might take the bus to boardwalk check things out over there. And then save the show for the night we are at Epcot. Funny how I thought I had everything figured out, but now that it's getting closer I start thinking of other little things to do.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I would also suggest watching it from the Rose & Crown if you can get in. It's a great view and you're right there at it. I've heard the flame barge is out of commission for the near future but it should be great anyway.

 

[Eljay]

Thanks everyone for the help! We'll be at WL that night so we might take the bus to boardwalk check things out over there. And then save the show for the night we are at Epcot. Funny how I thought I had everything figured out, but now that it's getting closer I start thinking of other little things to do.

Just to let you know, there are no resort-to-resort busses. You can get the bus from DTD, any of the parks (except Epcot) or from the TTC to the Boardwalk, Beach/Yacht Clubs or Swan/Dolphin.
Have a wonderful time!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks everyone for the help! We'll be at WL that night so we might take the bus to boardwalk check things out over there. And then save the show for the night we are at Epcot. Funny how I thought I had everything figured out, but now that it's getting closer I start thinking of other little things to do.

You could take a bus from the WL to Disney Studios. Then ride the boat or walk over to the Boardwalk/YC/BC area.

 

[Eljay]

Check to see what time MGM closes, the busses & boats usually run one hour after the park closes.

If you stay on the Boardwalk late, you might have to take a taxi back to the WL. Believe me, it's much better than the alternative of a bus to DTD then a bus to the WL.