Where to watch EP July 4 fireworks?

[PrincessV]

I've been in the Italy pavilion the last few years and it's a pretty amazing spot, with the July 4 tag exploding nearly overhead! But we think we may want to try a different vantage point this year. Is there a particularly good spot or spots from which to see the full array over the American pavilion? We don't care about being able to see anything on the lake, just a clear view of the sky. @Robo any thoughts on this?

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

I have the fastpass+ location reserved for that day, but getting a spot on the right or left side of the fastpass+ area by the boat docks are great places and usually my favorite place to watch Illuminations. I stood their in 2011 on the 4th of July and it was great viewing of the American Adventure across the way and the finale.

 

[PrincessV]

Thanks @AMusicLifeForMe ! We generally like to grab a snack and sit more or less where we'll be watching, maybe 35-45 minutes ahead of showtime. Think that'll work for those locations?

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

Thanks @AMusicLifeForMe ! We generally like to grab a snack and sit more or less where we'll be watching, maybe 35-45 minutes ahead of showtime. Think that'll work for those locations?

Possibly. When I was there in 2011, I think I waited 2 hours for that location. I'm used to waiting though, because I go to Disney for the shows more than the attractions. So, two hours is easy for me. It also depends on how close you want to be to the railing.

 

[PrincessV]

Possibly. When I was there in 2011, I think I waited 2 hours for that location. I'm used to waiting though, because I go to Disney for the shows more than the attractions. So, two hours is easy for me. It also depends on how close you want to be to the railing.

Oy, way too much waiting for us, lol! Hmm, might be best to stick with the other side, then.

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

Oy, way too much waiting for us, lol! Hmm, might be best to stick with the other side, then.

Sorry. I hope I helped a little bit. I just know if you wanted a clear view of the American Adventure, you want to be on the other side of the lagoon. I don't know much about any other viewing locations, because that's where I always stand when I'm at WDW. If you want to hear about other great viewing locations for the fireworks, I hear the bridge between the UK and France is a great location. Also, maybe look and see if there are any viewing locations that don't have an island blocking on the sides of the lagoon. That can possibly have great views of the American Adventure as well.

 

[PrincessV]

Sorry. I hope I helped a little bit. I just know if you wanted a clear view of the American Adventure, you want to be on the other side of the lagoon. I don't know much about any other viewing locations, because that's where I always stand when I'm at WDW. If you want to hear about other great viewing locations for the fireworks, I hear the bridge between the UK and France is a great location. Also, maybe look and see if there are any viewing locations that don't have an island blocking on the sides of the lagoon. That can possibly have great views of the American Adventure as well.

This helps a LOT - thank you! We never care much where we wind up for IROE because we're frequent visitors, so I've never paid attention to the different sight lines.

 

[Robo]

There are literally dozens of A-1 IllumiNations viewing places in Epcot's World Showcase.

Just pick a spot with a clear view of the WS Lagoon and where no overhead tree limbs block your view.

ALSO... make sure that the WIND is not blowing toward your position.

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

There are literally dozens of A-1 IllumiNations viewing places in Epcot's World Showcase.

Just pick a spot with a clear view of the WS Lagoon and where no overhead tree limbs block your view.

ALSO... make sure that the WIND is not blowing toward your position.

Would you know if the fastpass+ location is ever closed off for this show due to the winds?

 

[Robo]

Would you know if the fastpass+ location is ever closed off for this show due to the winds?

The wind does blow in that direction, and no, CMs don't close it.
Guests must either find their own other viewing spots, or just endure the smoke and cinder-fallout.

Just one of the several potential disadvantages of choosing an IllumiNations FP+.

 

[mbh106]

Is the FP area pretty packed or is there room to breathe? Also, on a night like July 4th, would you need to arrive at the beginning of the window or does the entire viewing area have good views?

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

Is the FP area pretty packed or is there room to breathe? Also, on a night like July 4th, would you need to arrive at the beginning of the window or does the entire viewing area have good views?

I have no idea, but on days not on July 4th, I have seen it not full at all. I usually stand on the side of it and the fastpass area doesn't have any obstructions to my knowledge. With July 4th being one of the busiest and most popular days of the year, I would imagine that to be very popular, and more crowded than normal. The earlier you get there, the closer you will bear to the railing. I don't know how tall you are, but that can be an advantage. I'm pretty tall and plan on being as close to the railing as possible to film. I usually try to get on the sides of viewing areas that way my height doesn't necessarily bother everyone.

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

The wind does blow in that direction, and no, CMs don't close it.
Guests must either find their own other viewing spots, or just endure the smoke and cinder-fallout.

Just one of the several potential disadvantages of choosing an IllumiNations FP+.

I remember the fall out just from standing on the sides of the fasts area on July 4th back in 2011. I actually thought it was kinda cool.

 

[PrincessV]

There are literally dozens of A-1 IllumiNations viewing places in Epcot's World Showcase.

Just pick a spot with a clear view of the WS Lagoon and where no overhead tree limbs block your view.

ALSO... make sure that the WIND is not blowing toward your position.

We've enjoyed watching the regular IROE from France, but I'm thinking that may be too close to really see the July 4 bursts behind the American pavilion? Maybe Canada instead?

 

[Robo]

I remember the fall out just from standing on the sides of the fasts area on July 4th back in 2011. I actually thought it was kinda cool.

I'm just not understanding your post.

There was no FastPass area in 2011.
Do you just mean the World Showcase Plaza?

And, do you mean you stood downwind and enjoyed the smoke and cinders?

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

I'm just not understanding your post.

There was no FastPass area in 2011.
Do you just mean the World Showcase Plaza?

And, do you mean you stood downwind and enjoyed the smoke and cinders?

Yeah. Where the fastpass area is now, I stood to the right of the building looking toward the American Adventure. I don't remember getting smoke, but I remember the fall out from the fireworks. I think the fallout would be everywhere though with that finale.