Best place to view IllumiNations

[Cosmic Commando]

I will be down in WDW Oct. 19-25 :yea: and after several years of saying "I'll get to it next year," I'm finally going to check out IllumiNations. I need some advise on a really good viewing area. I've heard the area behind the Rose & Crown, near the bridge to France is one of the best. What do you guys think?

[figment1986]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

The stage is great, when it's open...

Caps knows more....

[captsmith84]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

I suggest the area between the World Gateway buildings. (Or whatever they're called.)

The area sticks out over the lagoon and you're closer there to the inferno than any other place around the lagoon.

[TDLFAN]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

You must be the last person on Earth who has not seen IllumiNations. But to answer your inquiry... It Depends on the winds.. as you do not want to get caught in the cloud of smoke and ash that develops during the show. If the winds blow to the east, then grab a spot on the bridge between France and the UK, or in the central area between the World gateway shops (that's the stage area right across the lagoon from the American Adventure, with Spaceship Earth behind you.)
But.. if the winds blow to the west, then grab a spot between Mexico and Norway OR in the the World gateway area as mentioned before. If the winds are blowing south, the Gateway area for sure, But if the winds are blowing north.. then head for the forecourt area in front of Italy.
Use the flags on top of American Adventure or the gateway shops as reference for wind direction.

Enjoy the show, smoke free.

[bluntman]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

the winds have a tendencey to blow between UK and France. When that is the case, in front of/between the towers gift shops (between Canada & Mexico and where Future World meets World Showcase). That has the best perspective as you get to see all the countries and the full effects of the effects (??).

Regardless where you see it...it's the best show...EVER. You could find show notes by googling "IllumiNations: Reflections og Earth". THere are a few sites that have the story.

[TDLFAN]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

Regardless where you see it...it's the best show...EVER.

Oy! Someone needs to get out more often and check E-Tickets in the Sky..at least. How could being bored with a 4 minute revolving TV video be the best show ever???

[Cosmic Commando]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

Thanks everybody! TDLFAN, I will definitely heed your detailed advice.:bow: And yeah I must be the last person on earth not to see the show, but like I said I kept putting it off until the next year.:blush:

[Hakuna Makarla]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

Thanks everybody! TDLFAN, I will definitely heed your detailed advice.:bow: And yeah I must be the last person on earth not to see the show, but like I said I kept putting it off until the next year.:blush:

your not, I have not seen it eaither And I can not wait to see it either( TDLF do not tell me its crap I do not want to hear it!

[TDLFAN]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

TDLF do not tell me its crap I do not want to hear it!

It's Crap! Especially the 4 minute revolving TV 2nd act.
(Disclaimer: this post may or may not reflect TDLFAN's true feeling about Illuminations: Reflections of Earth)

[Cmash95]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

i will say it this way of the four make that five nighttime shows I have seen It's the best and that includes wishes, fantasmic and wdw and DL , and remember. I like most of the others but illuminations has always had a special place in my heart. I think it's the original music and how it all plays out and no disney characters involved.

[WDW1974]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

Unless there is a tree or whale-sized guest blocking view, I have never had a truly bad locale to view Illuminations. I have always enjoyed watching it from the porch of Japan ... and also from in front of the Odyssey complex when I am not dining at Rose and Crown.

[ti2gr]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

I've always felt the areas around Norway to be the best. If the Italy Isola is open, that is a great but usualy that is an area usually reserved for groups and special occasions.

[Jerren]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

I prefer the covered elevated view of the Japan Pavilion upper deck as long as the wind isn't blowing in my face... (which means smoke and all to follow)

[herb2linda]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

I have to say that if you get around the lake alittle early you should be alright, anywhere. Granted, don't get an early spot in front of a tree and then complain. If your late for a spot then expect to look over other heads but still, the view is still not that bad. Viewing is much easier in EPCOT the MK. As with alot of WDW, the early bird catches the worm.

[Cosmic Commando]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

Unless there is a tree or whale-sized guest blocking view, I have never had a truly bad locale to view Illuminations. I have always enjoyed watching it from the porch of Japan ...

The porch in Japan should be perfect for me, because I plan on shooting video of the whole thing and I don't want anyone in front of me.

I have to say that if you get around the lake alittle early you should be alright, anywhere. Granted, don't get an early spot in front of a tree and then complain. If your late for a spot then expect to look over other heads but still, the view is still not that bad. Viewing is much easier in EPCOT the MK. As with alot of WDW, the early bird catches the worm.

How early do you think is early?

[Dustysage]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

It's Crap! Especially the 4 minute revolving TV 2nd act.
(Disclaimer: this post may or may not reflect TDLFAN's true feeling about Illuminations: Reflections of Earth)

It certainly isn't "Crap" IMHO. However, I do agree that the 4 minute revolving globe thing is a bit boring. Same problem they had with LuminAria at DCA a few years ago - Great beginning and end but weak in the middle. Overall, it is an amazing show with great music and effects. A great end to any Epcot day.

[danyoung]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

I've heard the area behind the Rose & Crown, near the bridge to France is one of the best. What do you guys think?

Yes, it is a great area. So great that Disney uses it regularly for private events. It's rare that this area is open to the public.

Everyone has their favorite spots, as you've seen. Mine is right in front of the Canada pavilion, just at the base of the stairs. It's a great spot because there are trees there, and since it looks like your view will be blocked most people don't fill that spot up. As late as 10 minutes before showtime I can get a standing spot maybe a couple of people back from the railing, and ahve a perfects spot to view the show.

And while I'll agree with others that the video segment in the middle could have been better, it's still not at all bad, and the rest of the show more than makes up for it. The current version of IllumiNations is tied for me with DL's Fantasmic! as the best outdoor multimedia show on the planet. You'll love it!

[figment1986]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

It certainly isn't "Crap" IMHO. However, I do agree that the 4 minute revolving globe thing is a bit boring. Same problem they had with LuminAria at DCA a few years ago - Great beginning and end but weak in the middle. Overall, it is an amazing show with great music and effects. A great end to any Epcot day.

yes.. but notice how this period of time lets the smoke go away...

then you can enjoy a quick breath before the finale...

that, and think about it... the begining is the big bang, earth if forming... suddenly the earth cools....the end brings either world peace, or world war 3.....

[flynnibus]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

I like along the rail on the bridge to the outting between Italy and America. On the bridge you are up higher, and no one is infront of you, so you get a very clear unobstructed view of the waterline, and you are very near the center-line of the show.

Its viewable here

http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=28.368803~-81.549255&style=h&lvl=18&scene=3949838

[TDLFAN]

Re: Best place to view IllumiNations

It certainly isn't "Crap" IMHO. However, I do agree that the 4 minute revolving globe thing is a bit boring. Same problem they had with LuminAria at DCA a few years ago - Great beginning and end but weak in the middle. Overall, it is an amazing show with great music and effects. A great end to any Epcot day.

That is true. "Crap" may be too harsh a word. "Boring" fits better. If they could only eliminate that revolving screen or improve the act with new and improved fountain systems such as Mythica's and/or Fantasmic! mist screens, it would improve the show tons for me.
One thing though... as Dustysage mentioned.. The MUSIC is what makes the show for me.