Illuminations vs. Wishes

boilerbabe · Post by **boilerbabe** » Jul Sat 12, 2008 7:58 pm

I vote Wishes. My DH and I are not fans of Illuminations. If you don't have a good spot, you really can't see anything. I LOVE fireworks and there's something Magical about seeing it in the MK! It brings tears to our eyes every time!

agingerbugg · Post by **agingerbugg** » Jul Sat 12, 2008 9:52 pm

You know, it is really kinda sad that we are only having this debate about two of the firework shows. Why isn't the third one being mentioned? Just because it is more show than fireworks? It also is probably the most expensive firework show at all of WDW? I think Fantasmic at least deserves a mention. (But, I am still keeping my vote for Illuminations).

SimonTemplar · Post by **SimonTemplar** » Jul Sat 12, 2008 11:22 pm

It's a close call, but Wishes wins for me in a photo finish. Maybe it's the sentimental pick with the castle as a backdrop, etc., but it's always a must do on our first night in WDW. Now having said all of that, the score for Illuminations is among my favorite of all time. I love the show as well, it's just that Wishes is a great setting and worth my number 1 pick.

secondstar · Post by **secondstar** » Jul Mon 14, 2008 8:43 pm

I voted for Illuminations. It still brings me to tears the first time I see it upon returning to WDW. (We usually go to Epcot on the first night, so maybe I'm just crying because I'm back.)

I have to say, after all the hype, I was a little disappointed with Wishes. For one, I wasn't drawn into the music. I actually liked Fantasy in the Sky music better.

And it still doesn't have that intimate feeling you get with Illuminations: RoE. Just my opinion.

Post by **Len90** » Jul Tue 15, 2008 12:38 am

I would have to say wishes. I didn't plan on seeing Illuminations, but ended up seeing most of it when I stayed at Epcot for extra magic hours. I found the show to be good, but Wishes I felt packed a bigger boom. I definitely felt the emotional side to wishes and it was a really great show. I was able to see that from both in front of Cinderella Castle and from behind by Mad Tea Party - Snow White area in Fantasyland.

Sleepy90 · Post by **Sleepy90** » Jul Tue 15, 2008 2:08 am

I love them both but Wishes gets the vote. I just love MK at night.

Captain Schnemo · Post by **Captain Schnemo** » Jul Tue 15, 2008 3:11 am

Of these two, Illuminations, but the "Remember..." show from Disneyland stomps both of these.

Definitely worth YouTubing if you've never seen it.

IMFearless · Post by **IMFearless** » Jul Tue 15, 2008 8:12 am

Wishes, definitely. The globe in Illuminations was a poor choice, it's very hard to see. And, the show needs an update of some kind, it's kinda gone a bit stale by now. I would actually be happiest if the globe part was replaced by either more fireworks, or maybe water projections like Fantasmic. Just something that doesn't consist of five-ten minutes trying to make out whatever happens to be on some globe about 100 feet away. MY EYES THEY HURT.

spodie · Post by **spodie** » Jul Tue 15, 2008 9:25 am

IMFearless wrote:Wishes, definitely. The globe in Illuminations was a poor choice, it's very hard to see. And, the show needs an update of some kind, it's kinda gone a bit stale by now. I would actually be happiest if the globe part was replaced by either more fireworks, or maybe water projections like Fantasmic. Just something that doesn't consist of five-ten minutes trying to make out whatever happens to be on some globe about 100 feet away. MY EYES THEY HURT.

Yeah, I agree with you on that one. That's probably why people are saying that you have to get a good spot to see anything during the show. I can't really tell what they are trying to project most of the time, especially now with so many of those lights on it out (or maybe it was just when I was there last). I agree that they should update it, but not completely change it.

mwehttam · Post by **mwehttam** » Jul Tue 15, 2008 9:38 am

I have to choose Wishes as I have never seen all of Illuminations.

Hopefully that will change in Aug!

MetalRage · Post by **MetalRage** » Jul Wed 30, 2008 10:04 pm

Illuminations. I just love the World Showcase and ending my day at EPCOT by walking the World Showcase and watching Illuminations is really cool. At least for me it is!

Cazza and Livvie's Mum · Post by **Cazza and Livvie's Mum** » Jul Thu 31, 2008 9:58 am

I had to go with Wishes. I'm a sucker for all things at MK. And I don't know what it is, but the soundtrack for Wishes always gives me the chills and occasionally, a tear. Sappy, I know, but what can you do?

Illuminations is a fantastic show. The music, narration and pyrotechnics are out of this world....

BUT

Wishes is my favourite, it is enchanting, magical and always, always, always has me in tears and covered in goosebumps. Things can't always be made better in this horrible world so 15 minutes of escapism with Wishes is what I feel Disney is all about... Faith, Trust and a little bit of Pixie Dust

and the Mouse of course

Cheshire Cat · Post by **Cheshire Cat** » Jul Thu 31, 2008 10:03 am

While ths is close for me also, I went with IllumiNations just because there's so many show elements and it's a really moving message. I think I've seen IllumiNations from nearly every spot around the lagoon. The island in front of Itlay is one of my favorites, but for the full experience of the show I like to be in the plaza, well in front of the buildings. It's breathtaking when the countries light up being able to see them all.

PS... Question... I know Morocco doesn't light up because they're religious structures, but why doesn't Norway light up? I could have sworn it used to...

Captain Schnemo · Post by **Captain Schnemo** » Jul Thu 31, 2008 12:07 pm

Morocco and Norway are the "new" World Showcase pavilions and for whatever reason (probably financial), they were built without the lights. It's kind of surprising that they haven't done something about this by now, since it's so obvious during the show.

JWG · Post by **JWG** » Jul Thu 31, 2008 12:59 pm

Captain Schnemo wrote:Morocco and Norway are the "new" World Showcase pavilions and for whatever reason (probably financial), they were built without the lights. It's kind of surprising that they haven't done something about this by now, since it's so obvious during the show.

This has to do with the religious beliefs and other values of Morocco that are represented I believe. Not financially motivated from what I've heard. Norway because they're the compliment to Morocco and would destroy the symmetry.

Subsonic Radio

Illuminations vs. Wishes

Which fireworks display is better?