epcot's illuminations

caln · 02-05-2008

I'm sure this has ben asked a million times but I'll ask again. Where is the best place to watch illuminations? I was going to try to get a patio table at Rose and Crown but wasn't impressed with the menu so thinking against this now. Do you just stand along the railings around the world showcase or is there seating /benches ect.? And how early do we stake out a spot.? I want to be right in front.
Thanks!!

Boss Mouse · 02-05-2008

You will, no doubt, get a many opinions.

Personally I like The R & C but DW does not fancy the food. Last March we were able to get a table with out a dinner reservation (Light crowds). Mexico is a good spot, too. The bridge between England and France is good as well.

The best advice I can give (assuming you will exit the front gate) is to plan to wait and let the crowd depart. Then enjoy your stroll out.

Jennatrz · 02-05-2008

The Bridge is a really good spot. We love it there!

Soundgod · 02-05-2008

Anyplace at the top of World Showcase Lagoon from the Cantina all the way through Canada. Just try to not have any trees blocking your view. Between Lantern 3 and 4 by China. Lantern 7 by Germany, there's a little pier that extends over the water. Various areas by Italy, beware though, much of that plaza is roped off for exclusive viewing areas. Just to the right of the Japanese arch. There's an interesting view by Lantern 13, the line between France and Morocco between a pair of islands that lets you see the inferno barge and globe the whole time. The bridge between England and France, closer to England.
Depending on the time of year a half hour to an hour. The busier, the earlier. However, I've just walked right up to perfect viewing locations 5 minutes before. Just keep in mind if you're planning to video tape, you have to set up earlier to make sure you have the perfect view.
Germany, Mexico, and the area between Lantern 19 and Lantern 1, including the plaza between K-Mart and Wal Mart. (The two shops)

Soundgod · 02-05-2008

Other things:
If you tape, get a tripod. Also, once you roll tape, DON'T STOP until the show's over and the announcer says good night. Use manual focus and your camera's sunset/moonlight exposure setting. Don't ask me how, it's your camera. Read the manual, but you'll get to it through the advanced settings menu.

Rose and Crown's menu does leave a good deal to be desired, and I'm not the only person who's complained about really slow service there. I'd wait until after Illuminations and make reservations at your own hotel, DTD, or if transport works for you, at one of the places on the boardwalk, in the Swolphin, or Yachtsman's Steakhouse.
Also, if you do dine at DTD after park close, you'll need to walk out to either the Boardwalk or Beach and get the bus there. There's no service from parks to DTD, EVER!

Oh yeah, you'll just love this one more thing. The best viewing is standing, not seated.

Monique · 02-05-2008

There are benches and tables alongside the water by some of the countries. Last time we got a table by Rose & Crown and got food from their take-out window. It worked out perfectly. We started hunting around 90 prior to the fireworks which gave us enough time to go get food and have a leisurely dinner.

woohoo · 02-05-2008

when they dont close it off for a private party- we love the fence between the two gift shops at the end of the main road to WS- we have great luck there

Boss Mouse · 02-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by woohoo

when they dont close it off for a private party- we love the fence between the two gift shops at the end of the main road to WS- we have great luck there

Didn't I see you snorkeling in the middle of the lagoon one year?

**Dopey** · 02-05-2008

We were on the balcony of the Japan building. Great!!

woohoo · 02-05-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boss Mouse

Didn't I see you snorkeling in the middle of the lagoon one year?

But it was the BEST viewing place EVER!!!

(shhhhh and you are not supposed to tell people... they might allert the authorities!)

Tinkfan · 02-05-2008

We usually stand near Mexico. We've gotten lucky with the wind direction in previous years. The smoke from the fireworks was blowing towards England the two times we saw Illuminations.

dixie · 02-06-2008

A table at Rose and Crown was our very best viewing spot, however, I agree the bridge is great too.

Boss Mouse · 02-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by woohoo

But it was the BEST viewing place EVER!!!

(shhhhh and you are not supposed to tell people... they might allert the authorities!)

I tried that trick once.

People started throwing me sardines.

smee57 · 02-06-2008

We stood near Italy and it was awesome. We claimed our spot early, though, so we could be in the front.

lovemysons · 02-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by woohoo

when they dont close it off for a private party- we love the fence between the two gift shops at the end of the main road to WS- we have great luck there

That is our favorite spot as well. We can duck into the shops for Mickey Bars, and then eat them while we wait for the show to begin!

02-05-2008	#1 (permalink)
caln Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: VT Posts: 116	epcot's illuminations I'm sure this has ben asked a million times but I'll ask again. Where is the best place to watch illuminations? I was going to try to get a patio table at Rose and Crown but wasn't impressed with the menu so thinking against this now. Do you just stand along the railings around the world showcase or is there seating /benches ect.? And how early do we stake out a spot.? I want to be right in front. Thanks!!

02-05-2008	#2 (permalink)
Boss Mouse Gearing Up Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Coolsville Posts: 4,348	Re: epcot's illuminations You will, no doubt, get a many opinions. Personally I like The R & C but DW does not fancy the food. Last March we were able to get a table with out a dinner reservation (Light crowds). Mexico is a good spot, too. The bridge between England and France is good as well. The best advice I can give (assuming you will exit the front gate) is to plan to wait and let the crowd depart. Then enjoy your stroll out. __________________ 1979 - Wilderness Campground 1980 - Off site - I don't remember where. It was the 80's. 1999 - AllStar 2001 - Beach Club 2004 - Saratoga Springs 2005 - Beach Club 2006 - Saratoga Springs 2007 - Boardwalk 2008 - OKW 2009 - A Tree House! ___________________________________________ The Jungle VIP. "We did not inherit the world from our ancestors; We are borrowing it from our children." My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Monkeying around in a tree house Swinging w/the king

02-05-2008	#3 (permalink)
Jennatrz Free Dining 2009! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cape Coral, FL Posts: 1,658	Re: epcot's illuminations The Bridge is a really good spot. We love it there! __________________ Jenna 76 off Site,77 off Site,79 off Site, 82 off Site, 84 Contem, 86 Poly,89 off site, 93 POR, 97 CBR, 00 Marriott GV, 03 CBR,05 OKW, 06 SSR, 07Marriott GV, 07 CBR, 08 POR,Next 08 trip off to POP My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Weekend trip!! Great time at the Mouse House

02-05-2008	#4 (permalink)
Soundgod Squirrel! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Laughing on the Laughing Floor Posts: 8,810	Re: epcot's illuminations Anyplace at the top of World Showcase Lagoon from the Cantina all the way through Canada. Just try to not have any trees blocking your view. Between Lantern 3 and 4 by China. Lantern 7 by Germany, there's a little pier that extends over the water. Various areas by Italy, beware though, much of that plaza is roped off for exclusive viewing areas. Just to the right of the Japanese arch. There's an interesting view by Lantern 13, the line between France and Morocco between a pair of islands that lets you see the inferno barge and globe the whole time. The bridge between England and France, closer to England. Depending on the time of year a half hour to an hour. The busier, the earlier. However, I've just walked right up to perfect viewing locations 5 minutes before. Just keep in mind if you're planning to video tape, you have to set up earlier to make sure you have the perfect view. Germany, Mexico, and the area between Lantern 19 and Lantern 1, including the plaza between K-Mart and Wal Mart. (The two shops) __________________ Do you live to eat or do you eat to live? My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Instant Single Digit Dance 3 days 17 hours 16 minutes

02-05-2008	#5 (permalink)
Soundgod Squirrel! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Laughing on the Laughing Floor Posts: 8,810	Re: epcot's illuminations Other things: If you tape, get a tripod. Also, once you roll tape, DON'T STOP until the show's over and the announcer says good night. Use manual focus and your camera's sunset/moonlight exposure setting. Don't ask me how, it's your camera. Read the manual, but you'll get to it through the advanced settings menu. Rose and Crown's menu does leave a good deal to be desired, and I'm not the only person who's complained about really slow service there. I'd wait until after Illuminations and make reservations at your own hotel, DTD, or if transport works for you, at one of the places on the boardwalk, in the Swolphin, or Yachtsman's Steakhouse. Also, if you do dine at DTD after park close, you'll need to walk out to either the Boardwalk or Beach and get the bus there. There's no service from parks to DTD, EVER! Oh yeah, you'll just love this one more thing. The best viewing is standing, not seated. __________________ Do you live to eat or do you eat to live? My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Instant Single Digit Dance 3 days 17 hours 16 minutes

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epcot's illuminations

02-05-2008	#6 (permalink)
Monique Mouse Meister Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,374	Re: epcot's illuminations There are benches and tables alongside the water by some of the countries. Last time we got a table by Rose & Crown and got food from their take-out window. It worked out perfectly. We started hunting around 90 prior to the fireworks which gave us enough time to go get food and have a leisurely dinner. __________________ 06/79 Contemporary Resort, 06/91 Carribbean Beach, 08/97 Doubletree Guest Suites, 06/03 Coronado Springs, 09/03 All Star Movies, 02/04 POP Century, 07/05 POP Century, 02/06 POP Century, 08/07 POP Century, 03/08 POP Century 11/08 POP Century Birthday Trip June 8-17, 2009 My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Thank Goodness For Buy 4, Get 3 Free!! Having A Blast At WDW!!!

02-05-2008	#7 (permalink)
woohoo Newest DVC Neighbor!!!! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Twains World Parytime Excellent Posts: 3,752	Re: epcot's illuminations when they dont close it off for a private party- we love the fence between the two gift shops at the end of the main road to WS- we have great luck there __________________ avitar a day at the castle with Mama "Dorkman" and her little "dorkmans" My Disney Countdown Counting down to: WDW Easter Basket Bonanza 121 days 23 hours 16 minutes

02-05-2008	#9 (permalink)
Dopey eleventwentyten Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: In the middle of the madness Posts: 11,489	Re: epcot's illuminations We were on the balcony of the Japan building. Great!! __________________ WDW Theme Parks Moderator - moderating with a twist x´¨) x¸.•´ ¸.•´¨)xxxx¸.•¨) (¸.•´ Adventures of an Innkeeper ´¨) Limser was my first MB friend ~ Pepperstink is my cheesy friend Doughnut, HB and Limser are my Michigan Martini Madness cohorts MissDisney is the better cookie baker Pu is back eleventwentyten Every morning is the dawn of a new error My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Going to meet Mickey and Friends

02-05-2008	#11 (permalink)
Tinkfan Big Cheese Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: DelCo, PA Posts: 522	Re: epcot's illuminations We usually stand near Mexico. We've gotten lucky with the wind direction in previous years. The smoke from the fireworks was blowing towards England the two times we saw Illuminations. __________________ Sharon YAAAAAY!!!!! I finally met some MBers Arielmom ~ Dac921 ~ MissSmig ~ Val 32 ~ Princess Alyssa My mind works like lightning, one brilliant flash and it's gone. 1977~Disneyland 1978~Disneyland 11/2001~Off-site 12/2003~POR 05/2005~POFQ 11/2006~POR~Grand Gathering http://www.myspace.com/scl1122 I'm still workin on it My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Goin Back to my Disney Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

02-06-2008	#12 (permalink)
dixie MB'S BRITISH AMBASSADOR Join Date: May 2002 Location: England Posts: 2,272	Re: epcot's illuminations A table at Rose and Crown was our very best viewing spot, however, I agree the bridge is great too. __________________ STRASBOURG- AUG/SEPT O9 MED CRUISE- NOV 09 NEXT DISNEY?? WHO KNOWS My Disney Countdown Counting down to: POR VACATION AT WDW GONE TO ENJOY THE MAGIC

02-06-2008	#14 (permalink)
smee57 it'S MEE Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,935	Re: epcot's illuminations We stood near Italy and it was awesome. We claimed our spot early, though, so we could be in the front. __________________ "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be." Anne Frank "Middle age is when you've met so many people that every new person you meet reminds you of someone else." Ogden Nash *Is there anyplace happier than Disney World?*

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