Originally Posted By Tiggirl Ok, its time for me to pick your brains again. WHere would you suggest the best place to view Illuminations? And what time would you suggest getting there for a good spot. We'll be there in February. Thanks!
Originally Posted By trekkeruss This page on Deb's site has all the most often quoted "best spots": <a href="http://allearsnet.com/tp/ep/e_in.htm" target="_blank">http://allearsnet.com/tp/ep/e_ in.htm</a>
Originally Posted By RoadTrip Our favorite spot (and not mentioned at Deb's site) is at France near the outdoor wine kiosk. There is a group of 4-5 tables right at the rail surrounding the showcase lagoon that have an excellent view of Illuminations. Since this is a rare combination of seating AND view, it fills early. Plan on being there at least 45 minutes before the show even during the slow times of the year. If you are going to be at WDW during late January and early February 06, please forget what I just said. Actually, it really sucks. ;-)
Originally Posted By Tiggirl Thanks for the link! I'll check those out. And RT, I WILL be there then. LOL! We're arriving 2/3/06. I'll be sure to wave to you if I see you sitting there. LOL!
Originally Posted By LuLu Anyone who's rented a boat care to comment? I'd like to know if you felt it was worth it. I'm thinking of treating our group, but the one comment on Deb's page wasn't positive. I think they complained that smoke hindered their view.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss I did the pontoon boats with a group from RADP. It was a lot of fun but the view isn't better... you just don't have to stake out a spot. As far as smoke is concerned, it really depends on which way the wind is blowing.
Originally Posted By Minniemusician I've done Illumination boat cruise twice. Once as a birthday cruise (not worth the extra money they charge for the cake and beverages unless you have the boat full to capacity.) But did it again just as a regular cruise and we really enjoy it. Especially good if you can find another family to split the cost with you. Mike was our guide both times and he does an excellant job of narrating the story of Illuminations as it unfolds. I knew most of the story but it is such a well thought out program and most people have no idea what is transpiring as the show goes on. I've explained the story several times to people standing around me and they are always amazed to know what is actually going on. It is ashame that Disney doesn't publish it so more people can appreciate Illuminations more fully
Originally Posted By LuLu Thanks for the input! I was planning to do the Breathless cruise, for which we have a full boat (6 adults/teens). It sounds worth it if you get a good guide. Anyone else? I think Labuda and maybe vbdad have done this also?
Originally Posted By Labuda Like Russ, I've done it with a group from RADP. I had a great time, and wind wasn't blowing our way, so I really enjoyed it. Was fun to chat with the other boats on either side of us, too. Plus, I was in Randy Berbaum's pirate group, so we threatened to board the other boats! hehe
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Anyone else? I think Labuda and maybe vbdad have done this also?< yep I second Labuda in that it's like a family reunion out on the water....and the Breathless is worth doing at least once...it is amazing..... now I am a car/boat kinda guy ( DW will say lunatic)-- anything with a nice engine and beautiful finish will get and keep my attention also. Also no problem with smoke here either
Originally Posted By LuLu OK kewl, I'm gonna do it. I understand you reserve 90 days out, hopefully it's also from date of arrival so I get a bit of a headstart on it. Thanks!!
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<I understand you reserve 90 days out, hopefully it's also from date of arrival so I get a bit of a headstart on it. Thanks!!>> Make sure you call the FIRST day you are eligible. Last year I figured that there would be no rush since January is a slow time of the year. I waited until about 80 days out. Nothing was available for ANY night we were there.
Originally Posted By seanyoda << I understand you reserve 90 days out, hopefully it's also from date of arrival so I get a bit of a headstart on it. >> You can now make advanced dining reservations for your vacation 180 days before your arrival.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Yep - if you're 90 days out, a lot of the trickier things are gone at key times -- my June PS's are long since done
Originally Posted By LuLu Dining ressies done - I know this will be a lot harder to get tho! I just found out that my nephew will have to OK this, as my sis says boats are his remaining childhood fear. I'm emailing them a link to the boat pic. I hope he's OK with it, it does look a bit scary!
Originally Posted By AZDLDad <<anything with a nice engine and beautiful finish will get and keep my attention also>> especially if she smells of new leather! Great tips guys, thanks I will try to use in June to surprise the family.
Originally Posted By danyoung The only concern I've had about the boat trips is the sound. Are you close enough to any speakers to get direct sound? My favorite spot is in front of the Canada pavilion, just across from the stairs leading up into the pavilion. There are a couple of speaker towers that come up out of the rocks about 10 minutes before showtime. You have a great view, excellent sound, and you don't have to be there any more than 15 minutes before showtime to get a good spot.
Originally Posted By Labuda Well, I'm not the best person to answer this since I've not got the best hearing, BUT I recall hearing just fine when I was on the Illuminatins cruise.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom While I was watching Illuminations last week. I noticed that the speakers were not working in Mexico. Two members of my party promptly appointed themselves the Official speaker tech and told me all the speakers that were not working that night. We returned to EPCOT the next day and noticed that the speakers were working in the morning. EPCOT must do repairs at night.
