Would You Believe A Bad Illuminations Experience?

[JanetRose]

I've read somewhere that the view from World Showcase is the best place to watch as the show is directed to front of the park - that is the only place I will watch it now.

 

[KellyNY]

I've read somewhere that the view from World Showcase is the best place to watch as the show is directed to front of the park - that is the only place I will watch it now.

Be honest, there is no bad place to watch it. Just make sure there is no trees around. We do not keep spots, we walk, do shopping, eat and when it is almost time, we just walk around and grab a spot. I watched the show probably from every spot possible and found that every spot is good. We surely try to find spot without people in front of us because I just hate when people videotape the show and the bright light from camera annoys me a bit. Sure we all do it and never say anything to anyone but try to be first in a row.

 

[Robo]

I've read somewhere that the view from World Showcase is the best place to watch as the show is directed to front of the park - that is the only place I will watch it now.

There are other spots that offer special charms, too.

One thing to note is that the high-dollar "IllumiNations Cruise" boats tie-off to see the show from nowhere near "Showcase Plaza," but at a spot
below one of the bridges between the UK and France Pavilions.

Another is that when Disney offers premium corporate viewing, that is not done at Showcase Plaza, but from spots near (again) UK and France.

Another premium spot is near the gondolas in front of Italy.

I have a full video presentation of IllumiNations shot from 6 camera positions, not one of them from Showcase Plaza.

IllumiNations Reflections of Earth (Epcot) - In 2 parts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Uqu459qbjo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7Dt2wNH3Do

My principle angle is shot from near the Norway Pavilion.
(One of my personal favorite spots.)

So, while Showcase Plaza is a great place to see the show, there are MANY other spots... each with its own unique angle to offer.

 

[bobbiwoz]

After reading this, I'm rethinking the plan. Is it dark for the 6:45 show these days, or do you have to be at the last show to experience seeing CP in the dark?

Thanks.
Bobbi

 

[Praying Colonel]

We were there for the 6:45 show Thanksgiving weekend and it was dark.

 

[lpizzuro123]

We have watched from that area a few times but always make sure to get there early (at least 45 minutes before IllumiNations) and we get a spot right up front. I am disapointed to hear about everyone being so crammed in there.

Linda

 

[Geoff_M]

The only bad experience with Illuminations we've had was also at Showcase Plaza. We arrived at Epcot one night just to see Illuminations, so we opted to not walk deep into WS to one of our usual spots. We came upon Showcase Plaza and there was room left, so we all found a spot and sat down with everyone else and waited (see if you can tell where this is headed!). Well, then the narration started to begin the show... and then everyone stood up. The excellent view that we and our three kids had was instantly gone. My wife and I could see "OK", but the kids couldn't see a thing. I vowed that that was the last time we'd go there for our favorite WDW fireworks display.

One thing to note is that the high-dollar "IllumiNations Cruise" boats tie-off to see the show from nowhere near "Showcase Plaza," but at a spot below one of the bridges between the UK and France Pavilions.

I know... that's cracks me up. That bridge is our favorite spot to watch the show. I love it that we're basically in the same spot as the folks paying top dollar (though granted, they didn't pay park admission) about 10 feet below us.

 

[Robo]

That bridge is our favorite spot to watch the show. I love it that we're basically in the same spot as the folks paying top dollar (though granted, they didn't pay park admission) about 10 feet below us.

#6 & #7 below-

 

[Zeebs]

I don't think they OP was the most disappointed with the spot, just the fact they paid for a package that included preferred viewing. To me preferred viewing means, not having to show up an hour before hand to be able to see, not being jammed in with the amount of people that I read they would/could accommodate in that spot.

Having to leg it from one show to the next would also annoy me.

I guess if you have booked the package and have the 15 minute difference between both shows, it would be better to find a spot along the way.

Kirsten

 

[MinnieSummer]

When I booked I was told there were 2 viewing locations. I stressed that we would have a wheelchair person and couldn't make it to the front of the park in time to catch illuminations after the last show. Again I was told there would be 2 locations. Is it possible there will be 2 on Christmas Day as that is when we are going?

 

[KellyNY]

When I booked I was told there were 2 viewing locations. I stressed that we would have a wheelchair person and couldn't make it to the front of the park in time to catch illuminations after the last show. Again I was told there would be 2 locations. Is it possible there will be 2 on Christmas Day as that is when we are going?

There is area for people in wheelchair, it is prefered area to the right from 2 stores in a Showcase Plaza. Also I think they have wheelchair area somewhere around Italy(not sure). So you do not need to book dinner/show package, you will have good spot anyway.

 

[MinnieSummer]

Thanks Kelley. I always book the CP package as that is our Christmas tradition. I was hoping this year we might get a good viewing location as, in the past, by the time the CP is over the wheelchair locations are usually full. Oh well. We will manage and still enjoy what we can as there is nothing better than being at WDW on Christmas Day.

 

[mareed]

The only bad experience with Illuminations we've had was also at Showcase Plaza. We arrived at Epcot one night just to see Illuminations, so we opted to not walk deep into WS to one of our usual spots. We came upon Showcase Plaza and there was room left, so we all found a spot and sat down with everyone else and waited (see if you can tell where this is headed!). Well, then the narration started to begin the show... and then everyone stood up. The excellent view that we and our three kids had was instantly gone. My wife and I could see "OK", but the kids couldn't see a thing. I vowed that that was the last time we'd go there for our favorite WDW fireworks display.

This was also our experience the one (& only) time we tried that spot. I can't imagine why people stood up, but once a few people did so, then everyone behind them had to stand to try to see anything at all. I think if everyone stayed seated, about 99% of the people would have had a decent view. Once everyone stood, I'd say only about the tallest 10% had a decent view, and the poor children had virtually no view at all!

We typically get a spot about an hour before the show and are either at the rail or just behind one group at the rail (i.e. in 2nd row). This way, it's extremely unlikely that there would be anyone standing in front of us. It's possible that someone right at the rail would stand, but we'd politely ask them to sit in that case.

 

[inkkognito]

I can definitely see being upset when you paid extra for something that is supposed to be "preferred." We had preferred Illuminations viewing once as part of a tour. We got there early and still got one of the only spots left. By the time Illuminations started it was PACKED. The late arrivals definitely did not get a good view even though the location itself was okay. We were confronted by some late arriving people who said, "We are with the wedding party," apparently expecting us to move. Uh, no. They repeated it twice and we just looked at them said said, "That's nice" and they finally went away. I'm sure they were really ticked because a wedding reception probably costs a lot more than our tour, but not my problem...take it up with Disney.

 

[KellyNY]

I can definitely see being upset when you paid extra for something that is supposed to be "preferred." We had preferred Illuminations viewing once as part of a tour. We got there early and still got one of the only spots left. By the time Illuminations started it was PACKED. The late arrivals definitely did not get a good view even though the location itself was okay. We were confronted by some late arriving people who said, "We are with the wedding party," apparently expecting us to move. Uh, no. They repeated it twice and we just looked at them said said, "That's nice" and they finally went away. I'm sure they were really ticked because a wedding reception probably costs a lot more than our tour, but not my problem...take it up with Disney.

You mean it was in this Italy area where they have special events?

 

[SandrA9810]

I think the tour group seating is in Italy. But there's also that area near the bride between France and UK that they use for reserved prime viewing.
If I was having a reserved seating, that I paid for, it would have to be the stage area at showcase plaza or on the boat.

 

[KellyNY]

I think the tour group seating is in Italy. But there's also that area near the bride between France and UK that they use for reserved prime viewing.
If I was having a reserved seating, that I paid for, it would have to be the stage area at showcase plaza or on the boat.

Agree, I do not see why to pay for something you can find for free. They should offer better spots for people who wish to pay and they need to make there will be enough space for people have a good view and not to form 5 rows. What is the point then.

 

[whamma]

I certainly appreciate hearing everyone's opinions. We'll be at the CP for the first time this year--at the 8:15 show on Christmas Eve--with a dinner package. IF we decide to head towards the "reserved" Illuminations area--I'll know to stop if I see a decent place somewhere along the way. I never thought about the time crunch between the end of the CP and the start of Illuminations. As JPN4265 said, "...now I have something else to worry about on this trip." But at least I'll be an educated worrier/planner!

 

[Melrosgirl]

Just found this thread...I did the package earlier this week. Ate at Rose and Crown (wonderful) and then stood in the huge line (we got in line near Morroco, LOL) at 7:45 for the 8:15 show. After the show, I asked two CM's where the special viewing area was and they both looked at me like I had two heads. They said you can see Illuminations anywhere around the lake. (Duh!). I do recall now one lady pointing to the WS Plaza (as I pointed it out on my CP sticker on my shirt) and she said, yeah but you can see it anywhere. Maybe she was trying to tell me it wasn't worth it. Of course, by this time it was 9:25.

Since we had seen Illuminations many times before, we just walked over to France, got a cocoa and sat on a bench and saw only the fireworks. We bought the package just for the CP "reserved seating". Reserved seating basically meant "buy this or you will probably not be sitting at the CP." It seemed like easily 80% of the theater had stickers on. Easily.

Overall, a nice experience though.