Hey Gang - Where is your favorite spot to watch Illuminations? I know this topic has been "covered" before, but I haven't been on the boards in a long time and I know there are new people to poll. Plus, what's the latest on the globe? Is it going away for refurbishment or what? We're coming August 17-24, and I'm hoping that the globe will be back by then (Illuminations is my very favorite and we only make it to WDW every couple of years). Plus, we're bringing a WDW "newbee" with us, and I want him to get the full effect!

Now I'm going to go get caught up on reading trip reports :geek:

From what I've read, the globe will be going away "this summer". No time was given on how long it'll be gone, but I'm guessing you'll be out of luck. They've done a pretty good job of editing the show music and adding in other fireworks to make up for it.

My favorite viewing spot is in front of the Canada pavilion, across from the steps leading up to the pavilion. It looks like it'd be a bad spot, what with trees around and no speakers, so there's never a crowd there. Five minutes before showtime 2 speaker towers come rising up out of the surrounding rocks, and you're now in a perfect spot to see and hear the show without waiting any longer than 15 minutes or so.

Thanks, Dan - you always have good advice. I guess a clear view of the globe won't be quite as important this trip, as there probably won't be a globe. But aren't the trees in the way?

Nope, and that's the beauty of this spot. It really does look like your view will be blocked, so no one stands there. The only thing that's blocked is maybe a view of Britain and maybe France. You see the globe (if it's there), you see the fountains, you see all the fireworks no matter how high they shoot. Great viewing spot!

Excellent! We'll be there. If you are in WDW in August, Dan, we'll scoot over and make room for you, too :)

Have fun, but unless someone comes through with a free trip, you'll NEVER see me in WDW in August! Way too hot, way too crowded! Much nicer in October up to mid-December. But if that's when you're going, have fun anyway and drink lotsa liquids!!!

Yup, I know. But I have two kids in high school and one in middle school and I just can't pull them out of school anymore. We try to time our trip so that most of the East coast is back in school, but we can still get home in time for that all important 1st day. HOWEVER, when I come out by myself, it's a different story! I kinda like January - nice break from the SD winters.

I liked watching between Germany and Italy. We got there about 10 minutes before Illuminations, and there was no one. Eventually people showed up, but there was plenty of room, and no obstructions at all. I liked being away from the masses.

We watched in FRONT of Germany once, but I think there were trees and stuff (if I remember correctly). Plus, we were standing next to one of the cannon things, and my oldest son was NOT happy - he's extremely sensitive to loud noises. We'll check out the spot between Germany and Italy. Nice to have options!

The last time, we got a good spot near Japan.