Best place to watch Illuminations?

Rose and Crown has great views but as you might expect is a nightmare to get a table around the at time. You can just get there really early and keep your table though.

The deck of Japan is a great place to watch. We just discovered this lately. We've been looking for years for a really good place. This is it.

For Rose and Crown in England, make an ADR as close to 7:00 as you can. When you get the podium, let them know that you'll wait as long as possible for a table on the patio with a fireworks view. (They'll tell you that you can only wait for 1 hour before forfeiting your reservation. This is fine. If, after an hour, you haven't been seated, just decide if you're willing to take first available or if you want to go find another place to watch the show.)

The very best place I've been to watch Illuminations is from a specialty fireworks cruise. They're expensive, but worth it.

Check this link for information on the best places to watch Illuminations and more info on specialty cruises.

Absolutely Japan! (Until everybody discovers it!) Most nights there are fewer than 20 people on the deck and most just "happened to be there." Great view and a great angle!

We have done the Illuminations cruise once, and I have to say:

On some occasions the round area across the channel from the Rose and Crown is open to normal (non-VIP) guests. I'd have to say that in many ways watching from there was as good as the cruise. Sadly most of the time its roped off for people more important than I.

Same thing with the area across the channel from that one (by France). It's a great spot if you can get it, but it's often roped off for private parties and fills up fast when it's not.

Yeah I always wonder if it's worth the amount of time you often have to spend to get a 'good spot' for the fireworks. The last time I was there though, we were a little pooped anyway so sitting for a bit to reserve our spot was okay with me.

Never been able to get a table at the Rose and Crown for Illuminations, but I bet that would be great. I love watching "Wishes" from the Polynesian. You can relax and be comfortable.

I agree totally with the Rose and Crown but at times it gets crowded there really fast so, as an alternate spot, you might want to try the Cantina in Mexico. Get there early, have a light supper, snack,or beverage and snag a table near the water on the right hand side of the Cantina.

I'm always worried about "creepers" when I've been waiting forever for the fireworks to start. You know--the people who didn't get there as early as you, but who think they need to muscle their way into that front position just before the fireworks.

My favorite place is Japan. If you get there early enough there are a couple of benches.