Good Illuminations Viewing Spots

[bandtrumpet]

Hi all,
I will be in the world in one week and cant wait to see illuminations. What are all of your favorite viewing spots?
Thanks

 

[CaptainMichael]

The entrance to WS on either side of the store right there. That's also the best place to stand if you intend on going to see Wishes.

 

[sbkline]

Hi all,
I will be in the world in one week and cant wait to see illuminations. What are all of your favorite viewing spots?
Thanks

I'm not sure if I have a favorite. When we went in 2003, we were close to Germany. But I think I would perhaps prefer a spot which allows me to see the world showcase on the other side of the lagoon.

Just bring your own folding chairs, as it is hard to get a good seat...unless you don't mind standing. They have benches, but some shmuck will just come and stand in front of you, requiring you to stand up as well.

I bought some of those fold up chairs in a bag and figured will use those next time. Just leave them in your room all day, then go back and get them when you're ready to stake out your spot for the fireworks. That way, you just throw it over your shoulder and carry it comfortably into the park and set it up right in front of the iron gate surrounding the lagoon. That way, some doofus can't come and stand right in front of you and block your view.

I got the chair idea after our trip last year to EPCOT. We sat down around 6 or 7 on a bench so as to stake out a good seat ahead of time, before everyone else started staking out spots. It was such a pretty day, but as it got dark and almost time for the show to start, it came pouring down rain, so we missed it. But then I got the idea of taking in your own seating so that you don't have to stake out a bench an hour or two ahead of time.

 

[Tuddle]

showcase plazza for me, you can see all of world showcase, and better view of all the show effects

 

[CSUFSteve]

This is really a tough one. For me, it depends on what vantage point I want to get in the video camera.

- If I want great reflections of the fireworks in the lagoon, or the best view of the sphere, I view it from Italy, to the left of the bridge if you're looking toward SSE, in the corner tip of the section that juts out.

- If I want the broadest view of WS buildings (with all their lights on), I view it from the Mexico Cantina patio, water's edge

- If I want the best view of the laser effects, lighting effects boucning off the smoke clouds, and just good general mid-close range views, I view it from dead center between the two Showcase Gifts shops directly across the lagoon from American Adventure (forgetting the name of that area at the moment)

- If I want the best "bird's-eye" view (a bit higher up, crowd reaction shots, big picture), I view it from the Canada landing just outside the 1st shop to your left when you go up the stairs)

Morocco also has some interesting views (by the water garden) but I've never taped from there.

 

[Firewolfe51]

The best place for us happened just a few weeks ago. We stood in front of the store, just inside the entrace way to WS. It was truly a better experience. The inferno barge was really hot. Usually we move on into WS to one of the countrys, but this was by far the greatest spot. And we visit WDW 2-3 times a year. Illuminations is a fave!

 

[wdwmagic]

The best viewing spot is one that doesnt have smoke heading towards it.
Check out http://www.wdwmagic.com/weather_wslagoon_wind.htm for live smoke predictions, and historical data of which pavilion is more likely to be affected.

 

[Manders]

Outside the Rose and Crown is my favorite, but I'm happy anytime I can find a seat around the lagoon!