We went to Epcot, Disney World last December for a winter vacation. We had seen the Illuminations 2000 firework show once and decided we wanted to see it again. Who knows - maybe you’ll want to see it after reading this:

Where & When?

The IllumiNations 2000 firework show is located in the lake in Epcot. This lake is located toward the back of the park where the different fake nations exist (such as Norway, Canada, Mexico). You can view the show from any of the nations. It starts at 9:00 and always starts on-time.

Get to your viewing spot about 20 minutes before the show starts. Though there are fireworks, there is also a light show in the lake which will not be visible if there is a huge crowd in front of you.

We viewed the show in the nation of Mexico after grabbing a bite to eat. There are benches, but we ended up sitting on the ledge of the bars which protect you from falling into the lake. You can also sit at the tables which the restaurants own. You don’t have to order any type of item from the restaurant to sit at their tables.

Hey, you don’t have to be at Epcot to see the show! Once we were sitting outside of the Twilight Zone at MGM and it was 9:00pm. We saw most of the fireworks from where we were and we could see some of the light show.

At the end of the show, all rides close down and the park closes. Therefore, you have to exit Epcot as soon as the show ends. The traffic jammed Epcot streets make it almost impossible to get out before 10:00 which is the actual time which the park is supposed to close.

Be warned that your kids will not be happy waiting to get out of the park and may scream or cry in the process of exiting the park. The lines for the tram to the parking lots are also very long.

The Attraction

The fireworks come in all different colors and go to all different levels. They also come in different sizes. There is never a moment in the show where fireworks aren’t being used. The fireworks light up all of the nations and are visible by anyone in the park who is outdoors. The fireworks start off the show and there is also a blend of music to go with it.

About five minutes into the show, the different colored lights started shining. The lights are all different colors and blend in with the fireworks. The lights also dance to the music at different parts.

At one point of the 13 minute show, all the restaurants and buildings located in the nations light up, and everyone gasps! This part of the show gave me goosebumps both times I saw it - it’s spectacular! However, that’s not the best part...

Toward the end, an earth sculpture comes out of the center of the lake. It revolves and lights twinkle of it. Then the earth opens and a screen plays showing different cultures around the world. The earth is lit up and hundreds of fireworks are shot out of the inside of the earth. This is probably the coolest moment - how does Disney do it?

My Thoughts

Illuminations 2000 is an excellent firework show. Though it takes more time to find a spot for the show than the show actually runs, it is worth your time. The fireworks are excellently displayed and are always set off at the right time. There was never a time that I felt that the fireworks and lights were overdone or were too little. The next time you are at Disney’s Epcot, check out Illuminations 2000!

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Recommended: Yes