Wishes or Illuminations

[kaismahma]

If you could only do one or the other which one would you do and why? We only have 3 nights we can see fireworks. Trying to firm up our tentative plans.
Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

If you have never seen either, I would do both. Both are extremely unique unto themselves. Both are great. With 3 nights to do fireworks, you should be able to see both. On the third night, maybe repeat the one you enjoyed the most.

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

It's really a matter of opinion, but I personally would nearly always pick Wishes over Illuminations. They are both great, but Wishes seems to have more of the 'Disney Magic' for me!

 

[PantherPete]

Have you seen both or either before? If you have or haven't seen both, I'd choose Wishes. There is something about the Fireworks over the castle that makes Wishes way more special than any other show that Disney has. Illuminations is pretty overrated, IMO. Worth seeing if it is convenient, but I wouldn't make a point to see it unless you haven't done it before.

 

[subtchr]

Man, that is like choosing who is your favorite child.

If you have 3 nights, why not see them both? The Disney nighttime shows are spectacular. It's not just pyrotechnics, it's the story and music and how it all comes together. Anyone who is not moved by them is someone I don't want to hang out with!

If I REALLY did have to choose just one, for me, personally, my choice would be Illuminations, but I'd bet I am in the minority. I love the music, how it ebbs and flows and tells such an epic story. I also like how it's relatively easy to find a good spot not too far in advance of the show.

But Wishes is in many ways the essence of a Disney vacation. When that first single firework arcs across the sky, it evokes a feeling like none other. Although there are many good viewing spots for this show, kids on shoulders can be a huge problem for your view if you are stuck behind one.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[thr33boys]

I would pick Wishes and make sure you are in viewing area for Celebrate the Magic - not to be missed, in my opinion. We saw Iluminations once and never felt the desire to see it again. Mind you, Epcot is our least favourite park.

 

[amandals2007]

if you have three nights why cant you see both? i would HIGHLY reccommend both they are different shows and i wouldnt just call illuminations a firework show making them both unique and both much needed to be seen

 

[My3Princez]

But Wishes is in many ways the essence of a Disney vacation. When that first single firework arcs across the sky, it evokes a feeling like none other.

I agree with this wholeheartedly! I do like to catch Illuminations too, but if I HAD to pick only one of them, it would most definitely be Wishes. I can't imagine a Disney trip without seeing it!
I did manage once to see both in one night. I watched Wishes from the Poly beach with a Dole Whip, then caught the monorail to EPCOT in time to see Illuminations. Made me a happy girl!

 

[Marbel]

Wishes. We had a great spot in the middle of main street with the castle dead center. Wonderful and magical. Pure Disney.

 

[ABZDisneyFan]

It has to be Wishes for us, fireworks, the castle & the music all add up to something special.
It's not that we don't like Illuminations, we do & think it's amazing but just not as amazing as Wishes.

 

[CQuinn]

It looks like I have to make this choice on our vacation too, and I chose Wishes. I loveee Illuminations but it's been a while since I've seen Wishes while in the park.

 

[han22735]

Definitely wishes.

 

[kaismahma]

Thanks everyone. We have only been to Disney once at that was 6 years ago when DD was 4. We were rained out a few nights and never made it to any fireworks. We did see some from the OKW but I could not tell you where they were coming from. This trip it is just me and DD now 10. The plan is to see Wishes the first night with a FP but we are leaving our house at 3:30am to catch our flight. We should arrive at Disney by 2:30pm. I'm just worried we will be too tired to make it that first night. If that is the case trying to get everything we would like to do into 2 short full days. I would really like to see them both.

 

[WEDWDW]

If Wishes is at 10:00 PM,you could always watch IllumiNations and then catch the Monorail to TTC and watch Wishes there.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

Definitely Wishes over Illuminations. FWIW, I'd also pick Fantasmic over Illuminations.

 

[PeasandCarrots]

While I like both shows, if I had to choose one it would be Wishes hands down. It's really spectacular and doesn't have the long "slow" part in the middle like Illuminations.

 

[IWRBIE]

Illuminations. Really no contest to me. Better music, better visuals, more coherent show…and nothing beats the torches around World Showcase Lagoon being blown out like candles.

 

[DOOM1001]

Both are must sees.

 

[CQuinn]

On a random note, I love the "voice" that announces Illuminations is starting soon. Is that weird? It is, but that's okay.

 

[MischaOz]

As others have said, both are very good. But if I had to pick, I too would pick Wishes, partly because I love Celebrate the Magic so much.