Yeah...last minute mini trip

[lac628]

I am so excited! DH is putting tile down in our kitchen/dining room. I had plans to stay at a friends for the weekend so DS (age 2 1/2) won't be walking all over the tile while it dries. Well, my Mom decided that we should go to WDW instead! I wasn't sure she'd be able to get a room, but she got 2 rooms at AS Movies for Sat. night. We haven't been since Jan/Feb., so I am super excited!
So I have a couple questions. DS hasn't seen Illuminations since he was an infant, which he obviously doesn't remember. Where is the best spot to view Illuminations and how early should we set up camp? I also want it near something (like a store) so my Mom and I can alternate taking him places close while the other holds the spot.
Also, He is now into Toy Story,so I really want to do TSM. Should we go to DHS at opening on Sunday at get a Fast Pass right away, or maybe go Saturday right before closing and hope we can get on? I know it will be a long line, so I want to minimize it as much as I can.

 

[Master Yoda]

My favorite place to watch Illuminations from is the R&C in England. They have a roped off area that is for their patrons only. If you can get an ADR for about 8 or later you can access this area. This will avoid you having to line up an hour before the show only to have someone weasel in front of you at the last minute. I also know that sitting in one place for an hour with a small child is about as fun as a root canal.

If an ADR at R&C is not available there is a counter service restaurant in Mexico with outside seating called Cantina de San Angel. You will need to get there about an hour before showtime.

If that does not work out the bridge going into Mexico is another great viewing spot.

At DHS get there before park opening get a fast pass and then get in the stand by line. It is not uncommon for all of the fast passes to be gone before noon so riding it at park close is not the best option.

 

[H20Babie]

The R&C and Cantina are my favourite places as well. As I have not been to DHS since TSM opened, I can't help you there. But Master Yoda would know

 

[krankenstein]

I like watching Illuminations in front of Italy, on the little island. You have to cross the bridge in front of the pavilion to get to it.

AS far as TSMM, make sure you are at DHS for rope drop. Go directly to TSMM, let one person take your tickets to get your group Fastpasses while everybody else gets in the stand-by line. This is the only way you can guarantee that you will get a couple of rides without waiting an hour or two.

 

[Master Yoda]

I like watching Illuminations in front of Italy, on the little island. You have to cross the bridge in front of the pavilion to get to it.

AS far as TSMM, make sure you are at DHS for rope drop. Go directly to TSMM, let one person take your tickets to get your group Fastpasses while everybody else gets in the stand-by line. This is the only way you can guarantee that you will get a couple of rides without waiting an hour or two.

This is an incredible place to watch Illuminations from but it is frequently reserved for private parties. In my dozens of trips to Epcot the only time I have been lucky enough to be able to get on that little island was during C25 when we were part of the group that had booked it for that night.

 

[krankenstein]

This is an incredible place to watch Illuminations from but it is frequently reserved for private parties. In my dozens of trips to Epcot the only time I have been lucky enough to be able to get on that little island was during C25 when we were part of the group that had booked it for that night.

Really? I guess I must get pretty lucky. I've never had a problem watching it from there. Sometimes I go in front of Germany on the little part that juts out into the lagoon and watch. Normally though I am in front of Italy.

 

[Master Yoda]

Really? I guess I must get pretty lucky. I've never had a problem watching it from there. Sometimes I go in front of Germany on the little part that juts out into the lagoon and watch. Normally though I am in front of Italy.

I am there mostly on weekends which I am sure plays a significant role in that little piece of heaven in Italy always being roped off.

 

[krankenstein]

I am there mostly on weekends which I am sure plays a significant role in that little piece of heaven in Italy always being roped off.

Ahh..ok, I normally try to go in the middle of the week to avoid the local traffic on the weekends. Even though locals amount to very little, it makes me feel like I am trying to avoid some people.

 

[imamouse]

I like watching Illuminations from Canada - you're super close to the action which increases the "wow" factor. There are also shops, refreshments and rest rooms near-by.

I agree with the advice for TSMM - arrive at DHS 30 min before the posted park opening and go directly to the attraction ASAP (get FP, then get into the stand-by line). Have fun!