Epcot Illuminations - does location matter?

[350chevy]

This trip we are planning, now our little ones aren't so little, to watch Illuminations for the first time. As they are over the lake, do you pretty much get a good view from anywhere around the showcase? And is it absolutely packed all around the lake? We once viewed the MK fireworks from inside the park and were overwhelmed by the crowds, but I'm sort of assuming that Illuminations doesn't get as busy...?

Basically, is it really worth staking a claim on a "good spot" an hour beforehand, or will we probably enjoy it no matter where we are?



Thanks!

[JessBlu]

It’s gets just as busy (imo) you can see them from above but stuff happens on the lake so best to get a good spot on the fence.

It does not feel as cramped I think due to being more space around the lake.

[Imagineer2802]

Watch from the bridge between future world and world showcase. It is the 'front' and where the show was designed to face.
As an added bonus, everyone tries to cram against the lake fence so the bridge remains pretty empty until the last minute. The spot also gives you a quick getaway ahead of the crowds around the lake too...its win win!

[Loulou127]

The best place to view seated is the Rose and Crown, but last week we watched the garden rocks concert then wandered to Germany and got a spot by the fence with a table to lean on and no one near us, this was about 8.50pm, perfect x

[350chevy]

Originally Posted by Imagineer2802

Watch from the bridge between future world and world showcase. It is the 'front' and where the show was designed to face.
As an added bonus, everyone tries to cram against the lake fence so the bridge remains pretty empty until the last minute. The spot also gives you a quick getaway ahead of the crowds around the lake too...its win win!

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I like the sound of that! I get a bit anxious with crowds sometimes so a quick getaway is always good

[HEMANCLOFTY]

You can use a fast pass to get into the preferred viewing area, which can be a bit less crowded.

It's a must watch for us every trip (it's my favourite thing to do in the world ever) and we usually watch from the "front" but last year we mixed it up a bit and watched it once from the USA pavilion (at the back) and once from China (about 1/4 round if you head clockwise, and it was great to see it from a different perspective (even with a tree creating a silhouette in our view line in China), but nothing beats front view in my opinion and it is well worth the wait.

My main tip would be to not bother about trying to film / photograph it (unless photography is your thing). Just enjoy the experience through your own eyes, there are plenty of amazing videos on YouTube and pics on the Internet so that you can relive your memory.

Ooh, and stay for the song that plays afterwards. It's called the Promise and if me and DH weren't already married it would be our wedding song.

Can you tell I really love Illuminations 😂

[Geordie boy 57]

In 2016 we had a table outside at Rose and Crown
My granddaughter 6 at the time was picked out to start the fireworks
Daughter went with her to film it
Made our holiday

[JessBlu]

I agree watching Epcot fireworks is my most favourite thing in Orlando and possibly the world !

We often sneak off on arrival day to watch them !

❤️❤️❤️⭐️

[Loulou127]

Hemanclofty and Jess, me too, maybe we’ll set up our own support group when it finally goes

[HEMANCLOFTY]

Originally Posted by Loulou127

Hemanclofty and Jess, me too, maybe we’ll set up our own support group when it finally goes

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Yes - I will need this as I'm just going down the full denial route - it simply cannot end

Finding it particularly tough to think about at the moment as its looking very likely that 2019 will be a non- Disney trip. I may have to get my fix by going to the Boardwalk and then getting as close to International Gateway as I can.

As long as they include Jim Cummings in the narration for whoever comes next - just hearing "Good evening..." Brings a lump to my throat