Where to view Illuminations at Epcot without a huge crowd?

[bcinohio]

We will be at WDW the first week of Aug. We are staying at ASMo resort. All the trips we have made to WDW we really have not seen Illuminations all the way through. I need to find a place to view it from that doesn't usually have a huge packed crowd. I get very nervous if I'm packed in with a lot of people. We will have 4 adults and 2 DS(10,7). If you have any advice on a good spot even if it isn't the best spot but is good please let me know. We would love to see it.

Thanks for your help. We can not wait to go. 32 More days!!!

 

[WDSearcher]

I'm afraid that during the first week of August, you're bound to run into a large crowd where ever you go. However ... if you go to China you'll notice lots of areas there that are partially blocked by trees. Those areas tend to be pretty empty during the show. You won't see much of what's going on directly on the water, although you'll be able to wander a bit, side-to-side to see the globe and water effects, but you'll see all the high fireworks and all the pavilion lighting and lasers.

 

[kandmwedding]

I also suggest China. We grabbed some food and sat down along the fence (not on a bench, although there are some there). We were there about 1/2 hour beforehand and had no trouble at all. We spread out stuff out a bit so no one would get to close, but not many people wanted to be near us anyway because there was a tree that they thought would block the view (it didn't). Having watched Illuminations from 5 different spots around the WS, China is definitely my favorite!

 

[Mickey_Maniac]

A couple of other suggestions. Try for a PS at the Rose and Crown Pub. If you get outside seating on the patio and linger a little, you should be able to watch the show from there.

You could also try going on the upper deck around China.

Last, you could try to book an Illuminations Cruise.

Granted the PS and the cruise will probably be hard to get and may be a little pricy, but you would get a really good view.

 

[Dznefreek]

Before you choose your spot check to see which way the wind is blowing. I have seen many people "clouded" over.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Last time DH and I actually sat at the outdoor tables at Tangerine Cafe and still had a decent view of Illuminations. That whole area, Morocco, Japan, and to some extent, France is a relatively low crowd area-so that's where DH and I usually head. Another neat spot, sometimes uncrowded, sometimes crowded, is upstairs at the Japan pavillion, on the deck in front of the Matsu-no-Ma lounge. I think the reason that whole area is not too crowded is that after Illuminations, it's not the place to be if you want to make a quick exit. But we always sit, mosey, take our time leaving.