Tips for IllumiNations?

beautybutafunnygirl

beautybutafunnygirl

Member
Hi everyone! I have been to WDW before (coming up in August will be my third trip to the World), but I've never stayed at Epcot late for IllumiNations! I'm planning to stay and watch it this trip, but I have a few questions about how to get the most out of it.
1) What is the best place to watch it? I've heard the suggestion of the Rose and Crown in the UK pavilion, but it is obviously now impossible to get in, since the trip is next month.
2) At what time do you have to scout out a spot? We're planning on watching the 9:00 show on August 20th, which is a Tuesday.
Thank you so much for your time and any other tips you can give me!
 
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Mukta

Mukta

Well-Known Member
I get a spot at 8:15 to 8:30 because the pre illuminations music is amazing.

I use this website to see which way the smoke is blowing. I try to stay opposite of that. Steve has it on the front page of wdwmagic.

Good spots are in between Mexico and Norway, the spot between the World Showcase and Future World. I also like the lower level near France, but that is because I stay in the BC and I can exit easily through the international gateway.
 
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docdebbi

docdebbi

Well-Known Member
world show case plaza seems to be a favorite, and when to stake out your spots depends on several things. if you are one of those need to be in the front row guys, it will be a lot earlier than if you are willing to be a few rows back. also depends on how crowded the parks are that day. obviously, the more crowded, the earlier you need to get there if you want front row.
i see some folks staking out the good spots up to 2 hours ahead, many just show up 30 min ahead, but at world show plaza, that 's a little too late, no matter what time of year it is.
if you want a good spot, why not show up as soon as you see some folks starting to plop down on the ground and send someone to go to a good country and bring back some dinner for you and have a picnic while waiting
 
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luv

luv

Well-Known Member
If you can see up, you're in a good spot. If there are trees or whatever blocking your view, it isn't as good a spot.

My favorite spots turned into spots that disney now rents out, so i watch from anywhere, really. Some people prefer to be near Future World to beat the crowd out of the park. Some have other spots they like.

But as long as you can see UP, you're good to go.
 
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coachwnh

coachwnh

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
No
We stand below the bridge between France and uk. It's where the private illuminations boat cruises dock for the show. We've arrived as late as ten minutes to show time without any trouble getting a great spot to see. Enjoy!
 
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jw24

jw24

Well-Known Member
There's a lot of answers for the best viewing spots. Some say the bridge between UK and France, others say between Germany and Italy (An American Adventure CM suggested that on my last trip.) or between Mexico and Norway or even Canada but for me, World Showcase plaza, the area between Future World and World Showcase is where I saw it. It's a closer walk to the buses or monorail so keep in that mind because the show is always at 9 when the park closes. As for the best time to find a spot, that depends. If you want a front row seat, the early bird gets the worm so to speak so probably at least an 45 minutes to an hour in advance. If you don't mind standing behind other people, then time isn't really much of an issue. Just make sure you don't have unobstructed views from buildings, light poles or trees.
 
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ajrwdwgirl

ajrwdwgirl

Premium Member
I've watched between Norway and China and that was good viewing. Just make sure there aren't a lot of trees around to block the view. I have heard that the balcony area around the Japan department store is good but fills up early.
 
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