Illuminations vs. Wishes

[theBIGyowski]

Another plus for Illuminations is that you can view them from any angle...to get the full effect from Wishes you need to be standing on Main Street USA.

It's awesome regardless...but the angles are better for Illuminations.

[Mousekedude]

Another plus for Illuminations is that you can view them from any angle...to get the full effect from Wishes you need to be standing on Main Street USA.

It's awesome regardless...but the angles are better for Illuminations.

Very good point.
Another advantage is the flames, and the reflections on the water. Makes it more awe-inspiring.
But again, I keep going back to mood: if you want excitement and drama, it's gotta be Illuminations, but if you want the "lump-in-your-throat-and-tear-in-your-eye, truly-traditional-Disney-magic" experience, then it's Wishes.

[theBIGyowski]

Another plus for Illuminations is that you can view them from any angle...to get the full effect from Wishes you need to be standing on Main Street USA.

It's awesome regardless...but the angles are better for Illuminations.

Very good point.
Another advantage is the flames, and the reflections on the water. Makes it more awe-inspiring.
But again, I keep going back to mood: if you want excitement and drama, it's gotta be Illuminations, but if you want the "lump-in-your-throat-and-tear-in-your-eye, truly-traditional-Disney-magic" experience, then it's Wishes.

yes...Wishes is packed full of DISNEY...while Illuminations is more about pretty fireworks and awesome music

Hearing all of the different Disney characters make their wishes gives you chills. (as I listen to it right now!)

[Jacca5660]

Another plus for Illuminations is that you can view them from any angle...to get the full effect from Wishes you need to be standing on Main Street USA.

It's awesome regardless...but the angles are better for Illuminations.

Very good point.
Another advantage is the flames, and the reflections on the water. Makes it more awe-inspiring.
But again, I keep going back to mood: if you want excitement and drama, it's gotta be Illuminations, but if you want the "lump-in-your-throat-and-tear-in-your-eye, truly-traditional-Disney-magic" experience, then it's Wishes.

yes...Wishes is packed full of DISNEY...while Illuminations is more about pretty fireworks and awesome music

Hearing all of the different Disney characters make their wishes gives you chills. (as I listen to it right now!)

To me Illuminations IS Disney!!

[jlpeaches255]

Illuminations....no Wishes...No Illuminations. Definitely Illuminations. Wishes only makes me cry a little. Illuminations keeps the tears coming.

[northernmousefan2007]

I like both of course but Illuminations is my favorite piece of music ever, followed closely by EPCOT entrance music.

[mkfan1992]

..i don't think they are comparable. They're two different shows with two different stories, and two different purposes. They're both great. Wishes has more of the Disney magic and IllumiNations has that modern flare that Epcot has. Plus IllumiNations is more of an effects show as opposed to just fireworks..

[joeyflds]

I'm not a huge fan of Illuminations, but i love wishes!

[packwingfn]

Back when I used to work at EPCOT, I was a big fan of Illuminations but now working Magic Kingdom and seeing Wishes almost every night, it has become my favorite now haha

[Amy]

Back when I used to work at EPCOT, I was a big fan of Illuminations but now working Magic Kingdom and seeing Wishes almost every night, it has become my favorite now haha

Oh. how I am envious that you get to see the fireworks at Disney almost every night!!

[Polynesian Princess]

Well, I had a long debate and finally settled on Wishes. It was definitely a hard choice because I got engaged after Illuminations and we used Promise in our wedding, but I had to agree with the comments about if you aren't where you can see the globe, there's a really big dead section in the middle. I also like viewing Wishes from Splash Mountain or the Polynesian - I watch is several different ways over the course of a trip.

Though if Fantasmic had been an option, I would have gone for that.

[Satchel T]

There's just something about Wishes ... "Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight..." It just feels like Disney to me.

[bravetaylor]

Illuminations, no question. Best part of my Disney trips is watching it after a great day at Epcot. Awesome music. The audience surrounding the spectacle makes it seem so communal which is the point of the theme. It's a wonderful feeling. Wishes never touched me. I actually enjoyed Fantasy in the Sky better. The line that J. Cricket says in wishes has always bothered me: "And the best part is you'll never run out of wishes". To me that translates to: "Good news folks, You'll never stop wanting things." Not very ZEN, is it. It sure goes against the first noble truth: Life is suffering, the cause of suffering is desire. Then again Disney is in the business of distraction just like any other company and most companies message is "Consume".

[SplashMountaineer]

I think I'd have to say Wishes...I get all mushy just hearing the first few seconds - ♪Starlight, Staaaar bright...♪ Ohhhh but Illuminations!The music, the energy, the goosebumps!

Ah WDW, making everything so perfect it's pretty much impossible to pick a favorite!

[Soarin08]

I hate Wishes. I'm just going to be blunt. It's too sappy and too over-the-top. I always have to exit the park or go ride something during it, seriously... yuck!

IllumiNations is the definition of Disney greatness at its finest. I've seen it probably 50 times and it never gets old.