The Best Viewing Areas for Epcot's IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

Epcot at Walt Disney World is full of exciting and fascinating rides and shows. You can dive into the oceans below with Nemo and his friends at The Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion or blast off into space at Mission: SPACE. While these two rides consistently rate among the guest favorites at Epcot, there is one amazing spectacle that Epcot's guest rate as a must see, llumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

llumiNations: Reflections of Earth is the nighttime show presented on, and above, World Showcase lagoon. The show uses fireworks, lasers, water fountains, pyrotechnics, and fire set to an amazing soundtrack to create a show that is so amazing you must see it to believe it.

Unlike the nighttime firework shows at the Magic Kingdom, which mostly takes place in the sky above Cinderella Castle, llumiNations: Reflections of Earth takes place on or just above World Showcase lagoon so it's important to make sure you have a seat someone where you can see both the lagoon and the sky above.

Here are my suggestions for great viewing areas for llumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

International Gateway

the International Gateway is the large plaza at the beginning of World Showcase as you leave Future World and enter World Showcase. The large open space between the to buildings that house shops offers a spectacular view of all of the countries of World Showcase (and the countries become part of the show, too, so a view of all the countries will enhance your experience).

And the bonus to being at this spot is you're closer to the main exit than everyone else who is actually around the World Showcase lagoon. After the show, you can beat the crowds and traffic out of the park.

UK Pavilion
On the waterfront, just behind and to the right of the the Yorkshire County Fish Shop (next to the Rose and Crown pub) is a great place to see llumiNations: Reflections of Earth. The unobstructed views of the waterfront make it ideal to see all of the special effects done on the surface of World Showcase lagoon.

However, this spot is such a great viewing area that occasionally it's rented out for special events and closes an hour or so before llumiNations: Reflections of Earth starts and admittance is only for those attending the special event.

Italy Pavilion
In front of the Italy pavilion, there are several "islands" that you can get to via a bridge. Because they are out in fron of the pavilion and extend in to World Showcase lagoon, they make excellent vantage points for the show.

However, like the viewing area in the UK pavilion mentioned above, this are is sometimes reserved for special events. Be sure to check with a cast member earlier in the day to see if the area will be open for llumiNations: Reflections of Earth viewing.

A Private Boat
The best way to see llumiNations: Reflections of Earth is something very few people know about it ... It's to see it from your own private boat. That's right, by boat! You can charter a 21 foot pontoon boat that holds up to 10 people to take you and your guests out in to World Showcase lagoon to give you the ultimate viewing experience. The $319 price tag includes someone to drive the boat and light snacks and beverages. You can arrange for full catering at the time you make the reservation if you wish. The boat rentals option fills up fast, so be sure to call 407- WDW- PLAY at least 90 days in advance.