No visit to Disney World is complete without seeing Epcot’s spectacular fireworks display Illuminations – Reflections of Earth. But this is more than just a fireworks display. We all know that Disney is the master of entertainment and Illuminations is likely to be one of the highlights of your vacation. Illuminations features fireworks,music, pyrotechinics,lasers and a 350,000 pound globe. This really is one of the must see attractions at Disney World.

So what is the first thing that you have to think about when choosing a viewing spot for Epcot’s Illuminations? Well as the show is always run just before the park closes you have to think about how you are going to get to the exit! At busy times there may be as many as 30,000 people leaving Epcot at the same time as you are. So when you are choosing a viewing spot always remember that some places make for a quicker exit!

If you are staying at one of the Disney Epcot resort hotels or have parked in the Boarwalk parking lot then you should think about picking a viewing spot close to the World Showcase exit. The bridge between the United Kingdom and France Pavillions is good for this.

If, like most people, you are parked in the main parking lot then the further around the World Showcase Lagoon you are then the longer it will take you to get to the exit. So you might want to think about watching from somewhere between Canada and France.

The best place to watch Illuminations? In my experience probably Cantina de San Angel terrace in the Mexico Pavilion area. A table near the lagoon is an ideal spot. The disadvantage? Many people know about this and so at busy times you may find yourself having to lodge yourself at a table for up to 2 hours before the show! Only you can decide if that kind of wait is worth it. Personally I just wouldn’t sacrifice that much time in the park and devote it to getting the ‘perfect’ spot. There are plenty of other viewing places that give you a great view.

What do you look out for when choosing a viewing spot for Illuminations? Most places are good but some are blocked by trees and other structures. Viewing around the American Pavilion is not great as it is difficult to get an unobstructed view. The boat dock in Germany, the walkway between China and Germany, most places in Japan, including the balcony of the restaurant, the Rose and Crown restaurant in the United Kingdom – these are all good viewing spots for Illuminations.

Learn more details and see some great pictures of Epcot Illuminations – Reflections of Earth
Photos used under Creative Commons from Carlos

Tags: epcot, epcot illuminations

Spaceship Earth is to Disney’s Epcot as Cinderella’s Castle is to Magic Kingdom. Think of Epcot and you will most likely conjure up the image of the 180 foot tall geodesic dome. This is one of my very favorite Disney World rides although was once a part of one of my most difficult moments at Epcot, when the Spaceship Earth ride broke down and I had to climb down a lot of rather narrow stairs right down to the exit. Not one of my better moments, but I wished that I had my camera with me as at least I had a rare glimpse into the complex systems behind the ride.

Spaceship Earth takes you on a journey through time from the prehistoric era right up to the present day. The theme is learning through advancements in communication.  You all board a slow moving time machine which runs on a constant circuit. Since the 2007 refurbishment there is now an interactive touch screen in each vehicle. Now I won’t spoil the surprise of what happens with this but don’t get too excited about this element of the ride – it is I think a little disappointing and will not hold your attention for very long!

Having said that, this 13 minute journey through time is one which is well worth taking. The use of audio animatronics and the commentary by Dame Judy Dench make this one of my favorite places to spend some time in Epcot. But beware. The lines can be very long. What guests typically do is start to stand in line for the ride as soon as they arrive in the park.  At busy times this is a mistake as the line can be very long. There is no Fast Pass for Spaceship Earth so you may want to try waiting until later in the day to ride when the lines are usually much shorter.

Learn more about this Epcot ride and find out how it was designed and see some pictures of what is inside by reading my new Spaceship Earth Guide.

Tags: epcot, epcot spaceship earth