What is so great about Illuminations or Wishes?

[KingStefan]

There was a thread on where to watch from a while back:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=281365

Some folks swear by the "X". The place on Main Street where the trolley tracks split and form an X on the street. Right behind the hub.

I personally like the Tomorrowland bridge for the same reasons stated earlier. I don't feel the need to be within 30 feet of the centerline of the castle. However, I have to admit that would be the ideal spot. I watched an earlier fireworks show from a spot nearby there, maybe about 50 feet closer to the castle and off to the right a bit, near the garden there, and it was really awesome. Gotta do it at least once to get the full effect.

But I get a bit teary from the Tomorrowland bridge as well. I watched an earlier show from Toontown once as well, and it was kinda neat, cause we were real close to the fireworks on that side, but you are right, watching it from there is really nothing special.

 

[skeeder]

I dont even know how to explain it, but I can listen to Illuminations (back at home) and cry. It is very emotional for me. The same for Wishes. The music, the fireworks, the background. Listening to it at home just takes me right back to the moment of watching it at WDW.

 

[Chape19714]

Illuminations is the best, great story, and top notch pyro and technical design/direction.

As for Wishes, I used to work on Main Street, so it's pretty tired to me, but I still love watching and listening to reactions from others in the crowd.

The castle is a fantastic backdrop, but as far as painting a complete panoramic picture and sensory overload, Illuminations takes the cake.

 

[ejeremy98]

To me, any show at disney becomes emotional not only because of how amazing they are, but I am always seeing them with really close friends. When I see them again there's a feeling of nostalgia and happiness combined with the awe and excitement that just makes it all perfect.

I find myself in the happiest place on earth with my closest friends...life doesn't get any better than that.

 

[yankspy]

If you've been watching from Toontown, it's no wonder you don't get it. The entire show is centered around the castle. I mean, it's not even good if you're standing 30 feet to the side. You have to be dead smack in the center, as close to the Walt & Mickey Partners statue as possible for the best view. If you are too close to the castle you won't see the fireworks, if you are too far back you won't see Tink.

IllumiNations I absolutely love, though I've never been fond of the "globe" part. I love the music, but wish the no-fireworks section of the show was a bit shorter.

You hit the nail on the head there. The fireworks are nice enough on their own but viewing them in front of that beautiful castle is breathtaking. I could stare at that castle for hours, fireworks or not.

As far as ROE, it is such a unique show. First timers who are planning will ask me if Epcot has fireworks and I always have to say sort of. They give me a weird look and I tell them that they just have to see it for themselves. It is definately my favorite.

 

[dixiegirl]

I dont even know how to explain it, but I can listen to Illuminations (back at home) and cry. It is very emotional for me. The same for Wishes. The music, the fireworks, the background. Listening to it at home just takes me right back to the moment of watching it at WDW.

Perfectly put!!! The music set to the fireworks , well its just very moving, you really can't put it into words...I know hearing that certain part in Illumination (right before the music gets fast, the die hards know which part)
I get that fullness in my chest, very very emotional.....

Yeah either you get it or you don't......plain and simple.

And to me, nobody does it better than Disney!!!

 

[JediMasterMatt]

To me they are just fireworks shows, but I saw in another post that people seem to get pretty emotional about them? So, what makes them so great?

My thoughts...
Read this: http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=329868
Then look at this: http://picasaweb.google.com/JediMasterMatt1972/DisneyJanuary2008Part2#5222336920386822274

For me, it simply comes down to a summation of what makes Disney so very Disney. It's hard to put your finger exactly on. It's that instant connection to someplace deep down in your heart. A place of innocence that children have and adults all too soon forget.

When I am watching Wishes!, it isn't just a steel reinforced concrete building that's shaped like a castle... it simply is a castle.

Those aren't color filtered lights that cause it to change colors... it's the enchantement placed upon the castle.

Those aren't fireworks... it's a shooting star or it's a firebolt or it's the Blue Fairy.

I'm a grown adult. I live in a very logical world where I know these things don't exist; but, for 12 minutes or so, I competely forget about the real world. I hear Jiminy Cricket tell me that wishes can come true and I believe for a brief moment or two that it's possible.

The real question that you're asking is "why" do I (and others it seems) feel this way.

My theories are:

- The setting is top notch. A beautiful faux castle with colored lights that simply stand out against the night sky like nothing else around it.

- The music is the biggest cheat in the Disney arsenal. Music has a way of pulling emotions subconciously that put you off guard. Add bonus points for using classic Disney songs that already have emotional connnections to imagary from their classic films. Add even more bonus points for pulling out the childrens choir.

- The fireworks are very well executed. By themselves, they aren't necessarily the most spectacular bursts in the world; but, when you combine them in unison with the music and the setting - they are very effective. Watching Magic, Music, & Mayhem or HalloWishes! is more spectacular of a show; but, Wishes! is a more emotional experience.

- The theme. Let's face it, the thought that your dream is a wish away is pretty universal. Twinkle, twinkle, little star set to the Disney universe. This is what I think causes the show to really hit the emotional home. The message is what sells it and makes this a much better show than the other nighttime shows at other Disney parks.

- The time of day. Wishes! is typically the last memory people have when leaving the park. It's very easy to get emotional when you have to leave for the real world again.

Take all the above and mix it together and I think you've got Wishes! receipe for success.

As others have said, you really need to watch the show so you can see the "whole stage". Watch if from Main Street and see what it does for you. Although watching the show from other places in the park, the Contemporary, or the Polyesian beach are enjoyable, it really then just becomes "a fireworks show". You need to be in the right setting to get the full experience. Take a look at some of the pictures in my album to get an idea of what it looks like from some other vantage points.

 

[Gorjus]

I think Wishes is great because it empties the lines for most of the popular rides.

Although some folks may really love the show, I think fireworks are fireworks.....and when you can buy/listen to the soundtrack whenever you want, I just don't find it that special....

Flame On....:fork:

dave

No flaming.

I wish I could quote your tag line refering to how you love Dole Whips.

I hate Dole Whips. Citrus Swirls are infinitely better.

Please ride the rides so that the crowds are less for fireworks.
Please watch the fireworks so the lines are less for the rides.

Ditto for parades.

Please go see characters so the ride lines are shorter.
Please go on rides so the lines are short for the characters.

Disney has something for everyone. I'm thrilled when I find someone doesn't agree with me...less lines.

Miracles: Yesterday I walked on Soarin' and had no line when I wanted an ale. Only waited in line for Pooh and friends because I wanted Eeyore to be in a specific mood. Alice had time to sign my mask, chat with me, and then come and color at Kidcot with me. I was able to arrive at my favorite Illuminations viewing point 5 minutes before show time and still get my favorite spot.......The first few week in September are fabulous at Epcot

 

[Wilt Dasney]

IllumiNations I absolutely love, though I've never been fond of the "globe" part. I love the music, but wish the no-fireworks section of the show was a bit shorter.

:fork::fork::fork:

 

[Laura]

:fork::fork::fork:

The arrows coming out of your butts are a nice touch.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

I think Wishes is great because it empties the lines for most of the popular rides.

Although some folks may really love the show, I think fireworks are fireworks.....and when you can buy/listen to the soundtrack whenever you want, I just don't find it that special....

Flame On....:fork:

dave

It's funny because that statement is basically the same way I feel about Wishes ("fireworks with a soundtrack" is how I've described it before), but then I guess you can listen to the Illuminations soundtrack anytime too, and I love that show.

I'm not sure exactly why, but Wishes has always left me cold. :shrug:

 

[PhotoDave219]

There was a thread on where to watch from a while back:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=281365

Some folks swear by the "X". The place on Main Street where the trolley tracks split and form an X on the street. Right behind the hub.

It really is the "Sweet Spot" for fireworks shows over the Castle. (Its why the hub trees got chopped down almost 5 years back.) I've photographed MK shows from ... well everywhere but Toontown... and that spot has that "look" that Disney fireworks shows are meant to have. Hallowishes, Spirit of the Season, and P&P. All great spots although for perimeter i prefer about 100 feet forward for those.

(And for those that choose to drag a tripod to that spot, the insant that show is over, grab the tripod and get over to the side as a mass of humannity isnt waiting for you to close up shop)

 

[rainfully]

If you've been watching from Toontown, it's no wonder you don't get it. The entire show is centered around the castle. I mean, it's not even good if you're standing 30 feet to the side. You have to be dead smack in the center, as close to the Walt & Mickey Partners statue as possible for the best view. If you are too close to the castle you won't see the fireworks, if you are too far back you won't see Tink.

IllumiNations I absolutely love, though I've never been fond of the "globe" part. I love the music, but wish the no-fireworks section of the show was a bit shorter.

:lol: I refer to that part as "nap time" :snore:

 

[sublimesting]

Well, this year I will watch Wishes and the Hallowen shoe and Illuminations appropriately. See, I aw a discussion somewhere and someone said the best place was the train station in Toontown. Why would they say something like this?!!

 

[Chape19714]

Well, this year I will watch Wishes and the Hallowen shoe and Illuminations appropriately. See, I aw a discussion somewhere and someone said the best place was the train station in Toontown. Why would they say something like this?!!

Cause it's not a bad place to see the actual fireworks, but ask any Imagineer and they will tell you what sets Disney apart from the rest is story. You won't get near the story standing near toontown. I suspect your friend did see a great view of the actual pryotechnics, but completly missed the story of the show.

 

[Scooter]

While we rarely miss these two shows because my wife absolutely LOVES them both, I'm not a big fan of either.

I do Love a good fireworks display, but these two shows seem to bring out the worst in Disney Guests.

The people pushing and shoving and trying to get in front of me with their video cameras after I have stood quietly for an hour to get a good view always seem to put me in a fowl mood and ruin the magical experiance for me.
I once stood on main street for 45 minutes to watch Wishes, only to have the guy ruin the whole show by insisting on talking business loudly on his cell phone throughout the whole thing.

Luckily, my wife and I have seen both shows uninterrupted at least once, so we can skip them altogether now and not feel too bad.

 

[daverube]

No flaming.

I wish I could quote your tag line refering to how you love Dole Whips.

I hate Dole Whips. Citrus Swirls are infinitely better.

Please ride the rides so that the crowds are less for fireworks.
Please watch the fireworks so the lines are less for the rides.

Ditto for parades.

Please go see characters so the ride lines are shorter.
Please go on rides so the lines are short for the characters.

Disney has something for everyone. I'm thrilled when I find someone doesn't agree with me...less lines.

Miracles: Yesterday I walked on Soarin' and had no line when I wanted an ale. Only waited in line for Pooh and friends because I wanted Eeyore to be in a specific mood. Alice had time to sign my mask, chat with me, and then come and color at Kidcot with me. I was able to arrive at my favorite Illuminations viewing point 5 minutes before show time and still get my favorite spot.......The first few week in September are fabulous at Epcot

Opinions happen....some are just better than others....

Do you know the 2nd best thing about Dole Whips???? They make more.....unlike the strawberry swirl........ :lol:

Next on the chopping block, the citrus swirl..... :lookaroun

As for my Dole Whip tag lines, feel free to use them any way you want....you could be the Citrus Swirl Samarai.....

dave

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

The opportunity to get a stiff neck and go ooooooo and aaaahhhhhh without fear of being branded a nutter