Illuminations for free? Any advice?

[devoy1701]

Sorry magicmat, but I am not following you.

You said you will be going to Magic Kingdom and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. You also said you plan to watch Wishes once from inside the park and once from outside the park, and you also want to watch IllumiNations without paying a park admission, and you've tried the IllumiNations cruises and have had no luck getting one. You also said you will only be at WDW for 1 day of your trip.

Here's some things that don't line up:
1. Wishes is not shown during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party so you would need to go on a separate day to catch that.
2. If you are paying $100+ to go to MVMCP then why do you want to LEAVE in the middle of the party to see a couple fireworks from IllumiNations over the treetops?
3. If you are willing to pay the extremely huge amount required for an IllumiNations cruise, why are you not willing to add a park hopping option or second day to your ticket to see IllumiNations from inside the park?

Now, overlooking all of that it seems you want to know good locations for viewing both Wishes and IllumiNations from outside of the park. The best place to view Wishes outside of the park is sitting at a window table at 'Ohana or on the Polynesian beach. From any other location the fireworks will be crooked instead of framed on the castle like they are intended to be. As far as IllumiNations, you just can't view it outside of the park. Most of the action is down over the water and there are only a few bursts that are high enough to clear the treetops, and you won't be able to hear the music (which is the best part). I have "watched" IllumiNations from the Boardwalk before and there really was nothing to see. I just happened to be at the Boardwalk when the show started so I stopped for a minute and watched and saw just about nothing. You'd be better off watching it on YouTube if you don't want to pay for an admission.

agreed...at the rate they're going, they should probably skip the Christmas Party and Disney altogether. In my opinion, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is not worth the money and truly does not do the Disney Magic Justice.

Magicmat, you're definitely going to be missing so much being in the Orlando area for a week and hitting all of the other parks besides the Disney Parks. Epcot has not gotten more "outdated" as you put it. In the past 10 years it as added so much, you probably haven't yet experienced Test Trac, along with Mission Space and Soarin' as you mentioned. Spaceship Earth, The Living Seas are also fresh out of refurb. And during the christmas season they have a Holidays around the World story telling session in most of the countries that is pretty neat. Plus you'll be able to see IllumiNations in its entirety including the Holiday finale. My gf and I (both 20) went to Epcot probably about 20 times this past year alone and still have a great time...whereas we went to the Univ parks twice in June 07 and probably won't be back for another 10 years. The themeing, employees and upkeep of those parks just don't compete!

You're also going to miss out on your chance to see the Osbourne Specticle of Dancing Lights at Hollywood Studios, along with great attractions like Tower of Terror, Rock n Roller Coaster, Fantasmic, Toy Story Mania, etc...

 

[NewfieFan]

I have been to Epcot, and even then (10 years or so) it was pretty dated and tired. There are a couple of rides I would go back to for the retro element, and I would like the space one, and soarin', but thats about it. Bloomin' expensive firework display otherwise. I do appreciate its not the same if your not in the park, but "them's the breaks"! It would just be nice to see a bit of the action if we can....like I said, we will be seeing Wishes which is the main thing

I'd take cover if I were you! My advice... don't come to a WDW fan site and say that Epcot is dated and tired - that's like saying something about someone's religion around here!

But seriously, Epcot is an amazing park - perfect for two adults! I guess we're all entitled to our own opinions, though!:shrug:

 

[wdwmagic]

I have been to Epcot, and even then (10 years or so) it was pretty dated and tired. There are a couple of rides I would go back to for the retro element, and I would like the space one, and soarin', but thats about it. Bloomin' expensive firework display otherwise. I do appreciate its not the same if your not in the park, but "them's the breaks"! It would just be nice to see a bit of the action if we can....like I said, we will be seeing Wishes which is the main thing

Well it's up to you of course, but you are seriously missing out.

 

[larryl9797]

I'd take cover if I were you! My advice... don't come to a WDW fan site and say that Epcot is dated and tired - that's like saying something about someone's religion around here!

But seriously, Epcot is an amazing park - perfect for two adults! I guess we're all entitled to our own opinions, though!:shrug:

Agreed, The wife and I had 2 day hoppers and we spent much of the time at Epcot. Def NOT tired or played out. It was real interesting figguring what to go see cuz we definately could not see everything due to lack of time.

50% epcot + illuminations (if you are not at the lagoon watching, you are just watching a fireworks show IMHO)
25% MK - Only hit the major attractions
15% MGM - TOT, RNRC , Lights Motors Action Stunt show)
10% AK - Again Only the major attractions. EE was the highlight of AK

 

[marni1971]

Epcot has changed out of all recognition. Even in the past 5 years most of the signature attractions have been updated.

Regarding RoE, you won`t see the show from outside of the park. You`ll only see some high level pyro - when most of it, as well as the lighting, video globe and other effects are low down. Even from the Gateway gate you won`t see - the promonade bridge rises up to block your view. Kind of like watching Wishes from the MK Parking lot. As in next to your car, on the tarmac. But not as good.

 

[magicmat]

Wow! I have stirred up some interest! I love the internet! And yes, I can see that coming onto here and saying Epcot was dated was probebly not the best move! In fact, I actually think MK is more dated than Epcot from the looks of it, but Mickeys thing seemd quite a nice day to get a slice of Disney, without taking up a whole day, and lots of money! (and without too many iritating ankle biters!). Originally we didnt plan for ANY Disney action, so MVMCP is just a "token gesture". This holiday is part relax/part sunshine/part themepark/part "learn how to skydive"....no time for everything! In fact, yes, if i had to go to any park for the day it probebly would be Epcot (I did MGM 3 years ago) (Its still MGM to me!). However, I will probebly leave that, and AK for anouther year...hopefully I can take my neice and enjoy it from a whole different prospective!

So...yes...I am trying to "freeload"....and see some of the fireworks at Epcot. I know its not the same...I know its much better inside...and I will see again soon I am sure!

Now I feel I want to start anouther Disney debate!:goodnevil Who would win out of a fight between Mickey And Bart? What about Buzz and Shrek?

In the words of Harry Hill (UK)....theres only one thing for it.....FIGHT!!!!:sohappy:

 

[magicmat]

Here's some things that don't line up:
1. Wishes is not shown during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party so you would need to go on a separate day to catch that.
It is a Christmas version of Wishes though isnt it? As long as its big fireworks in front of the castle, with cheesy Disney music, then Im happy (although i may have to do a "hotel viewing" on anouther night too!
2. If you are paying $100+ to go to MVMCP then why do you want to LEAVE in the middle of the party to see a couple fireworks from IllumiNations over the treetops?
We won't do it on the same day! now THAT would be dumb!
3. If you are willing to pay the extremely huge amount required for an IllumiNations cruise, why are you not willing to add a park hopping option or second day to your ticket to see IllumiNations from inside the park?
The illuminations cruise would be a whole different experience...and divided by 10 people, it brings the cost down to being pretty reasonable.

As far as IllumiNations, you just can't view it outside of the park. Most of the action is down over the water and there are only a few bursts that are high enough to clear the treetops, and you won't be able to hear the music (which is the best part). I have "watched" IllumiNations from the Boardwalk before and there really was nothing to see. I just happened to be at the Boardwalk when the show started so I stopped for a minute and watched and saw just about nothing. Hmmm, i had some people say it was quite a nice way to view bits of the show without being in the park thats all. If we can go take a look, get some drinks, dinner, and take in a few bangs and flashes, then I will be happy

 

[magicmat]

Agreed, The wife and I had 2 day hoppers and we spent much of the time at Epcot. Def NOT tired or played out. It was real interesting figguring what to go see cuz we definately could not see everything due to lack of time.

50% epcot + illuminations (if you are not at the lagoon watching, you are just watching a fireworks show IMHO)
25% MK - Only hit the major attractions
15% MGM - TOT, RNRC , Lights Motors Action Stunt show)
10% AK - Again Only the major attractions. EE was the highlight of AK

Hmm, that was our only other thought, and i may look at the costs again, but it would be at the expense of some "chil-ax" time which we really want too....so Disney may have to wait a couple more years...fingers crossed they stay in business :ROFLOL:

Sounds like you did exactly what we would look at doing though, so its good to know that 2 days is enough.

 

[TikiBeckie]

My advice would be to skip one of those other parks and go to Epcot. Without being inside the park you wont really get anywhere near a good IllumiNations experience. You wont see the Earth barge, the fountains, most of the low pyro, the inferno barge, or any of the audio. You will really just be seeing a colelction of random fireworks over tree tops. You mention you are two adults - Epcot is definitely for you!

I agree! Honestly, EPCOT is amazing, and seeing only part of Illuminations, while missing some of the best parts, it just doesn't seem worth it to me. The best parts you cannot see from outside of the park. You should definitely not miss EPCOT!

 

[magicmat]

Well, I think Ecpot may have to wait anouther yeah by the sounds of it! As i said, we will see the Christmas version of Wishes during Mickeys Very Merry Christmas, but it might be nice to see it again, from a different venue. The view from the Polynesian Beach sounds lovely, is this somewhere we can just drive to and go for the evening for drinks? We wanted to go and have a look at a Disney hotel anyway, see how a high budget holiday would have been The light show starts an hour before the fireworks, does that start in the big lake outside then? Doesnt appeal to me but might be worth a look-see!

Illuminations then starts an hour later...would it be worth going over to Boardwalk for more drinks and a nosey? I guess we would have to drive between the 2....is that do-able? Do you have to pay for parking at the 2 hotels? Is it possible to get onto the monorail outside of the parks without a Disney ticket?

Forgive all my questions...its all new to me! Im hoping some Disney pros can help! Thanks!

(Oh and don't shoot me down for not doing any other Disney parks, I will...just not on this trip!)

 

[blackthidot]

Yeah most of illuminations is not "high" enough to view from anywhere than around the Lagoon.

 

[Pseybert]

Are you implying that you are planning on spending four different days at Universal, IOA, Sea World, and Aquatica? Seriously? How can anyone be this bad at planning a vacation?

Universal and IOA can be done in one day. One day easily. I don't even know what to tell you about Aquatica. It's a mediocre water park, and you'd be better off going to a Disney water park.

If you're only watching the in-the-sky-pyro portion of illuminations, you're doing it wrong. Especailly during the holidays! The holiday ending to this show is one of the most beautiful things to see in any theme park or most other places.

 

[magicmat]

Are you implying that you are planning on spending four different days at Universal, IOA, Sea World, and Aquatica? Seriously? How can anyone be this bad at planning a vacation?

I KNOW! Apparently there is a world outside the plastic ears and birght colours of Disney! Crazy huh?! Who would have thought it....! :hammer:

Seriously...I'm not going to start justifying my holiday choices...coz i dont need to! I'm not starting a "Disney Versus Universal debate". However, yes, thats how I would much rather spend my vacation thanks. :ROFLOL: Personally I've planned a FANTASTIC holiday, and can't wait!

Thanks for your positive useful input though....

:sohappy:

 

[DivineMadness7]

haha! Also going to Universal, IOA, Seaworld, Aquatica, Beaches, etc ...I think thats enough for a week! We're 2 adults, and MK evening is just to get a touch of the Disney "magic"...I think thats all that we could take! (except for the fireworks, of course!).

In all fairness, if we could get a sensibly priced hopping ticket for 2 days, we would go to the 3 or 4 rides in each park that we fancy, but can't justify the prices! Give me Universal anyday :ROFLOL:

Seriously? Why are you even here? :lookaroun

Then again, I'd pay for a park hopper pass before I would go to Universal for free...You're spending enough money to spend 8 days down there but the 2 day ticket is just a bit too much, huh? Ok, I'm gonna stop because I will never be able to follow your logic...

 

[gardenia]

And there is no need to lie when attempting to park at the boardwalk. Since it is a public space (shopping, dining & entertainment) you can park there without being a resort guest.

Not always. During the Food & Wine Festival, which runs through November 9 this year, the public can't park at the Boardwalk "overflow" lot, nor can they park at any of the Epcot resort hotel lots. You'll be told to park at Downtown Disney and take a bus to the Boardwalk. One year they wouldn't even let us in when we had dining reservations.

 

[magicmat]

Seriously? Why are you even here? :lookaroun

Then again, I'd pay for a park hopper pass before I would go to Universal for free...You're spending enough money to spend 8 days down there but the 2 day ticket is just a bit too much, huh? Ok, I'm gonna stop because I will never be able to follow your logic...

Maybe lets agree to drop it?! My plan is as it stands :king:

Soooo...if anyone can offer any help to my list of questions, that would be great, thanks