Wishes or Illuminations

[loves to dive]

Another vote for trying them both but if I had to choose it would be wishes hands down. As a matter of fact, I usually go for 4 or 5 nights (twice a year) and stay at an Epcot resort and I can't tell you the last time I went to Illuminations. I'm not crazy about the whole earth/ball opening up thing, just seems strange to me but I love a good fireworks show and you can't beat seeing Tink fly. If possible, I'd do Fantasmic over Illuminations.

 

[theyoungs07]

Wishes for sure, Illuminations is kinda neat...but Wishes is iconic Disney. If you love Disney characters and movies, then Fantasmic. We always make sure to do Wishes and Fantasmic once during our 10 day trips. Illuminations is not something we enjoy enough to stop to watch.

 

[DrivenByDisney]

I believe that Wishes is what Disney is all about. As others have stated ... Standing on Main Street USA, gazing at the castle watching the fireworks bursts and Disney music is something that is truly unique to Disney.

Having said that ... We tend more towards Illuminations than any other show on Property. Nothing to say it is the "best" as I do believe Wishes is the best Disney show on property. I like the almost social atmosphere that Illuminations and World Showcase provides to wind down the evening.

We've met and had some great conversations with people from around the world waiting for Illuminations to begin. Sitting around World Showcase as the sun sets. Enjoying the company of family, friends & new friends as the torches light around the lagoon. There is something magical about that feeling as well.

Which ever you choose to view, if not both, I am sure you will enjoy your experience and form your own memories and opinion on the shows.

 

[Catvondita]

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!

Completely agree with this! Both make me tear up and I HAVE to see both on every Disney Trip. I love to be able to go to Mexico and grab myself a margarita and park my booty to the floor and just sit and watch Illuminations. Its such an amazing experience, however, Wishes is the best for me. You are hearing Disney Music with fireworks and they've added the castle projections.

My vote is for wishes! Starlight, star bright..

 

[Hopefully]

Illuminations hands down. We love it. I agree Wishes is special, but to us Illuminations is more than fireworks. It is water, fire, lasers, music, fireworks - it is wonderful.
We never go to Fantasmic - just not our thing.
Have a Great Trip.

 

[ciera321]

Both, if at all possible. If only one, then I would absolutely go with Wishes! Can't imagine not seeing them both, though....

 

[JRawkSteady]

Personally, I think Wishes is my least favorite out of all the nighttime spectaculars. IllumiNations is #1 hands down. The music is so powerful, so moving...the multimedia experience is great too - the lighting, the movement of the earth ball like a ballroom dance around the Worls Showcase...but in addition to that, the only time you are going to see a better actual firework display is during Hallowishes. The fireworks here are massive - double what you're going to see at Wishes. I think IllumiNations is worth the price of Epcot's admission alone...
I think Wishes is just below Fantasmic! because: a) Fantasy in the Sky was MUCH better, b) Wishes is super disjointed and doesn't really touch into any sort of emotion, c) the guests always make it hard to see the castle projection (holding up giant IPads in front of your face, putting their kids on their shoulders so now the slew of adults behind them cannot see anything at all), and d) the pre-show is much more interesting than the show itself. Again, just my family's personal opinion...

 

[GreatLakes]

What are you doing the three days you are seeing fireworks? As far as I know outside of special occasions there are only two fireworks shows at Disney, Wishes and Illuminations. There is a stage show that also has some fireworks, Fantasmic, but I have never considered that a fireworks show and wouldn't pick it over either Wishes or Illuminations. Even if you are counting it there are three shows and you have three nights so I'm confused.

Having said all that even though I prefer Illuminations I would choose Wishes if I hadn't seen either before because it is quintessential Disney. I have seen both many times and Illuminations is on track to be replaced so if you have seen both I'd go Illuminations.

It's one of those questions that is hard to answer for someone else.

 

[rebekahw]

Wishes, hands down! I think I could watch it every night and not get sick of it. Finally saw Illuminations this summer and both my 8 year old niece and I found it boring.

 

[jsrj21]

Sitting around World Showcase as the sun sets. Enjoying the company of family, friends & new friends as the torches light around the lagoon.

Couldn't have said it better!

 

[kwdw]

Wishes, hands down. I rarely make Illuminations. That globe thing in the middle is BORING as all get out.

 

[huskies90]

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

We have done this several times. You can also stand at the International Gateway and go to the Beach Club bus stop after Illuminations and easily make it to the MK by 10PM, especially if you time the bus right

 

[TeamSy]

I want to pick Wishes, because of the castle and MK, but I just can't - I dunno what it is, maybe the actual fireworks themselves - but Illuminations is AMAZING. It's hard for me to admit, but Illuminations is superior to Wishes.