Wishes vs. Illuminations

[tjkraz]

OK, I hate to pit these two shows (and their fans) against one another, but I'm curious to hear what others have to say.

Which is your favorite and why?

I've been partial to Illuminations before Wishes ever debuted, and still feel the same. I'm certainly not a music critic, but I know what I like. The score for Illuminations always gives me chills, and the wonderfully-synchronized fireworks are just perfect. The finale, with dozens of white shells blanketing the night, is the perfect end to any Disney day.

Wishes never quite gives me the same feeling. I've only seen it twice, and on my last opportunity we chose to ride BTMR instead. Of course, riding BTMR during the fireworks is a surreal experience all its own. Everybody needs to try that once. ;)

What do you think?

[cobbler]

I can't decide because to me they are two different night shows. Wishes is all fireworks and I am love fireworks. Illuminations is very different to me but I love them both. Kind of like kids, can't have a favorite but love them both differently.

Although taking the Illuminations cruise was very very cool!

[PoohsPal]

I like WIshes and Tink and the castle and teh music. However, I'm and "in your face" fireworks kind of person so I love Illumiations. The lit buildings, the music that you can feel. I think dh would back me on that one too.

[jnrrt]

It's all Illuminations for me. I agree, the music is great, and I love the ending. It's a bit slow for me occassionally in the middle, but I love that show. After Tink flies, I think Wishes is just fine. I like it, but no chills.

My cousin-in-law is stagemanaging there now (Epcot), and her husband (the cousin) is waiting to hear if he got a job in pyrotechnics (how cool is that!?), and she told me that they have a 3 minute "window of safety" twice during Illuminations where they can take a boat in to try and fix things and get out. Sometimes they can't fix it and get out, so the boat drops a person off on the pyro barges and , yes, LEAVES THEM THERE! She said there's a one-person type shelter they can duck into so the won't die. My cousin said that the smallest shell they use MIGHT not kill you, but all the rest would. So you're sitting there in the middle of the water with shells going off 2 feet over your head. But they've never had an accident in their history and have an awesome safety record. Not for me, but my cousin thinks it's would be cool. That's why he's applying for the job and not me, I guess!

[jiggerj]

It's all Illuminations for me. I agree, the music is great, and I love the ending. It's a bit slow for me occassionally in the middle, but I love that show. After Tink flies, I think Wishes is just fine. I like it, but no chills.

My cousin-in-law is stagemanaging there now (Epcot), and her husband (the cousin) is waiting to hear if he got a job in pyrotechnics (how cool is that!?), and she told me that they have a 3 minute "window of safety" twice during Illuminations where they can take a boat in to try and fix things and get out. Sometimes they can't fix it and get out, so the boat drops a person off on the pyro barges and , yes, LEAVES THEM THERE! She said there's a one-person type shelter they can duck into so the won't die. My cousin said that the smallest shell they use MIGHT not kill you, but all the rest would. So you're sitting there in the middle of the water with shells going off 2 feet over your head. But they've never had an accident in their history and have an awesome safety record. Not for me, but my cousin thinks it's would be cool. That's why he's applying for the job and not me, I guess!

Wow thats very interesting! I never knew that someone was actually on the barges. I thought that it was "remote controlled"

I would have to say that this is a toughie question. Both shows I cry like a baby but right now I would say its Illuminations. I cant even drive when I have the soundtrack going in the car! I am more dangerous than cell phone drivers when Illuminations is playing and Im crying away! What the other drivers must think... oh my!

[jnrrt]

Sorry for the confusion - I didn't mean someone was on the barges all the time. In fact, I think they try very hard to never have anyone near the barges. They only go out if there's a problem, and they CAN be left if they need to be. It's very rare, though, that they have to do that. And I think that's a good thing!

She also said that you are required to wear 100% cotton on every part of your body (no spandex to help the stretchiness of your socks, people!) so that there is no chance of static electricity. Oh, the ironing!

[TW1]

I've only done Illuminations which I thought was fabulous. The whole event, from pick-up to drop-off was great, (plus I shared the boat with another DVCBoard member, Kathleena, :) )

But I know nothing about Wishes. Can someone fill me in? Where do you actually go to see MK fireworks? Do you drive around the lagoon first, hear the music, etc. Similar boats (10 person max?)

Thanks.

[UsedtobeSmith]

I think another reason for the cotton is that is doenst melt...

We have seen people on tiny boats dashing around at times. Once to put out a pretty big fire on one of the islands.... cool to know it is a 6th degree person out there.

I gotta say I love them both. My biggest complaint about IllmiNations is all while the globe is doing it's thing I want to be closer to it. That is all I think about... gosh I wish I could be closer to it. To see it in all it's glory close up. Bums me out. LOL

WIshes... wishes is all about hope and dreams.... gotta love it.

[Chip126]

I guess I am in the minority here :footopenm I just love Wishes!!! I love it all........... the castle, the lighting, the music, the fireworks, and Tink!!

I liked Illuminations, but the one time I saw it I froze! :rolleyes: It was in December of 2003 and it was so darn cold that it was very difficult to enjoy.

I guess I will have to give it another try when my baby gets a little older and can stay out that late!

[lenshanem]

Love them both, but I agree - very different. Wishes brings out the Tink in me. Gotta love some pixie dust here and there. :tinkerbel

[Rash]

Wishes for me. But neither holds a candle to Fantasmic, IMO.

[Colorado Belle]

I admit that I by-passed Illuminations for years. The after fireworks smoke really stung my eyes. But I admit the new (for me) Illumnations with the globe is worth the smoke...I liked the Xmas oleo "Let THere be Peace On Earth" a LOT.

But WISHES....can't see it without crying. I love standing in front of the castle and feeling surrounded by fireworks! I love watching TINK. I love the music and the shapes on the castle.

Funny Rash should mention FANTASMIC....When I first saw it in DL, I couldn't imagine there EVER being a better show. Somehow, watching the boats and rafts on the lagoon...and the images on the water screens...AMAZING.
I loved everything.

I was so excited when it came to WDW! Granted, it wasn't as spectacular (for me) because there was no lagoon, no huge pirate ship with peter pan etc.....But I was glad that WDW had it, since I visit there more.

But what can I say....The change this last trip...YUCK. I hate these amorphous nothing figures in the water screens. What is up with that? The dragon is cool but I really miss the old Micky, the growing 'octopus gal...why have I blanked on her name, help'...maleficent turning INTO the dragon as opposed to the way it is now. Don't like the Pocahontas/Smith scenes at all. Can't imagine why they changed something that was just SOOOO PERFECT the way it was.

[mamaprincess]

Shamefully :sosad: , I haven't seen Illuminations yet. I have seen wishes and love it for the fireworks over the castle, tinkerbell and the beautiful music and wonderful soundbites from classic Disney films. :lovestruc

[withdisneyspirit]

I don't really want to even try to pick between them, but I will say this: The 4th of July showing of Illuminations was awesomely spectacular :clappingh I am probably ruined now because I am afraid future viewings will be ho-hum, hopefully not. On the 3rd of July, we got to see Wishes as if it were the 4th and they were wonderful as well :goodvibes

[KNWVIKING]

I think Wishes is a great show, but in one regard it's just Fantasmic with bigger shells.

As the OP stated, Illuminations gives me the "chills" and Wishes mostly does nothing for me emotionally.

[dianeschlicht]

I pretty much agree with Ken. I like Wishes, but Illuminations is my all time favorite, and I could and often do see it every night.

[KNWVIKING]

Any word on when/if the fire barge will return ?

[jnrrt]

My pyrotechnicing cousin says they have told then certainly not before December, and I got the feeling that meant the new year.

[KNWVIKING]

Well, at least it sounds like it's coming back. Earlier reports had it doubtfull due to the extent of the damage. We head back Dec 4th...... maybe we got an outside shot at seeing its return. Thanx for the info.

[cobbler]

I know you love these "our boat driver told us" things but. Our boat driver (ha ha) on our Illuminations cruise said it wouldn't be coming back due to the damage. Of course we took this cruise shortly after the barge was damaged.

[jnrrt]

My cousin's wife works directly under the guy responsible for all Epcot entertainment (she's running the Candlelight Processional this year, how cool!), and while it did sound like the damage was pretty bad, and it's somewhat indefinite in the time frame of coming back, it does sound like they plan to return it. Obviously, things can always change, but it sounded like we'd be seeing it on our next trip.

[Beca]

Gosh....I love them both....and, I cry at both....but, Wishes makes me think of my childhood....I think it might just "edge out" Illuminations.

Beca

[MiaSRN62]

I love 'em both ! Each invokes different emotions for me. I've only seen Wishes twice, so Illuminations (which I've seen dozens of times), is more familiar to me. But I think if I had the choice to go to WDW and see one fireworks show today, I'd pick Wishes. Maybe it's the newness of it ? Maybe because it's in the MK which is my favorite park ? Maybe Tink has something to do with it :dust
I meant to pick up the soundtrack for it and I'm kicking myself for not. I play my Reflections of Earth soundtrack often.

[mssparrrow]

Love them both, but I agree - very different. Wishes brings out the Tink in me. Gotta love some pixie dust here and there. :tinkerbel

Hi,

I agree with Shan! Love both. Can't wait to see Wishes again though. That's magical.

[ilphil]

Love the fireworks and the music brings back memories of of the hours we spent watching Disney videos when our daughter was little. She'll be 16 next month (heavy sigh) but for that few minutes she's my little girl again...

[dianeschlicht]

I missed the information about the fire barge being damaged! When did that happen?? Has anyone seen Illuminations without it? I sure hope it is back in service for our NYE viewing!

[jnrrt]

I missed the information about the fire barge being damaged! When did that happen?? Has anyone seen Illuminations without it? I sure hope it is back in service for our NYE viewing!

Strangely, it's not terribly noticeable unless you're expecting it. I'm pretty sure that the people who haven't seen it would never know something was missing. We still enjoyed it without it, but I'll be glad to have it back.

[KNWVIKING]

4-6 weeks ago there was a large explosion on the barge. Don't know any other details other then first reports were that it may not be repairable. Apparently it is on the mend.

We saw the bargeless display. I agree with jnnrt that if you don't know it's gone you won't know something is missing, but because we know it should be there it really did have an affect on our opinion of the show. The fire barge is an extremely impressive show starter.

[tjkraz]

Here's a copy of the report that appeared on MousePlanet.com on 9/26:

Illuminations "inferno barge" damaged by explosion, removed from show indefinitely

Last Monday afternoon, an Air Launch Firework (ALF) shell detonated prematurely during setup of the “inferno barge”—the large barge in the center of World Showcase Lagoon responsible for the huge fire effects—for the Illuminations: Reflections of Earth show at Epcot. There were no injuries, but the launch tube was extensively damaged, and the barge (and all of its effects) have been removed from the show indefinitely, along with the other ALF system, located atop the United Kingdom pavilion.

What is known, thanks to cast members and eyewitnesses posting on the discussion forums at WDWMagic.com is this:

* An explosion loud enough to draw guests out of shops around World Showcase rang out, and a slab of metal approximately three feet by three feet shot 25 feet into the air, landing in the water fifty feet away. After the initial smoke from the explosion, there was no additional smoke or fire (a good thing, considering how much fuel was aboard for the fire effects). Friendship boats were removed from service around the lagoon for the rest of the day.

* The barge will be out for an extended period of time while the cause of the explosion is determined and a method of preventing a reoccurrence is found. If and when it returns, it may need extensive repairs.

* In the meantime, while first-time viewers of Illuminations may not know that anything is missing or changed, there are two changes that those familiar with the sequence of the show will most notice: the loss of fire effects from the barge and the modification of the show's opening two-shell comet explosion effect.

[cobbler]

We have seen it without the barge and like others have said if you didn't know it was there you weren't missing it. But if you do know there is that empty space where it should be and feels just weird. At least for all us Disney nuts :hammer:

Anyway it didn't take away from the show but it would be nice to have back.

[bavaria]

I'd always preferred Illuminations - my first trip to WDW in 1994, I entered Epcot at 8pm after just gettting off the plane. Fought through the crowds, got lost, and ended up with a great view of Illuminations.

But last year I was with a dear old friend and her extended family. We were trying to leave MK on our first night, and Wishes was about to start. They had no interst in staying, but at the first sounds of Wishes we were at the top of Main Street, and I said 'turn around'. I really enjoyed watching all of them, totally enchanted with Wishes.

That whole trip we saw Wishes almost every night; sometimes on Main Street, once from Ohana, once from Narcoosee, and once while still riding Dumbo.

This past trip I was lucky enough to see Hallowishes with only 6 other people seated on the train platform viewing area.

So Wishes is my current favourite...

[deedeedos]

Whenever i go see wishes - i thinks theses are the BEST fireworks at wdw by far

...then i go to epcot and watch illuminations and i think no these are the BEST fireworks at wdw

....then i go back to MK and you know the rest - its a vicious circle that i cant get out of soooo i figure i'm just gonna have to keep going back until i can make a decision

[gopherit]

For me, Illuminations always holds a special spot. However, it seems like every time I've seen it lately, something didn't go quite right, or we sat in the direct line of the smoke and missed the whole darn thing!

Wishes was great - better than the prior MK show, we thought.

I would place Fantasmic 3rd. It was all so choppy, it was very hard to follow that this was "Mickey's dream/nightmare".

As for the barges -- given that a huge chunk of metla went airborne, and knowing how companies are about safety, I know at our company it would be a looooooong time before we operated THAT piece of equipment again! There would be paper work and investigations out the wazoo.

It's too bad - it's such a great part of the show.

[DSNY FN]

We love both of them my first time seeing Illuminations was in 96 when they changeds it for the 25th anniversary it game me chills watching it. The the first time I saw wishes we were on our way to MK on the boat from WL and the driver stopped the boat in the water and let us watch it even though teh boat was late for the stop back at MK LOL that was incredible. So they are both pretty special I just can't decide LOL.

[deedeedos]

Somehow i missed reading all the info on the barge incident in October until just now.

We Went to see illuminations the last week of October; my son commented on how he liked it better when they had the fire in the middle of the lagoon and i noticed that the beginning didn't seem the same but you are right if you had never seen the show or at least not in a while you would never notice a difference the show was still fantastic as always.

thank goodness no one was hurt

[WDWSTAR]

both, they are both so different.... this past easter we were staying at the BWV and we were just hanging out at the pool i went to get a refill on our pop and the BW cm said to me, We just had a cancelation for the ILLum. would i like to book it, i was so happy :goodvibes , until DH said NO, we will pass on it.:hammer:

[CRSNDSNY]

We enjoy Wishes more. I think it is the feeling of standing on Main St. USA, gazing at the Castle with the music and fireworks that get me everytime. Ambience! :goodvibes

[disneyfreak62]

"Illuminations" is THE most outstanding firework show Disney has ever produced! I can't say enough about it!:loveisint HOWEVER..."Remember, Dreams Come True" at Disneyland is a VERY close second. Just amazing! Better than anything DL or MK at WDW has had in the past.

[Gaston]

^ I have to agree. The Disneyland 50th fireworks are amazing. Especially Tinkerbell flying in both directions and up and down,traveling much like the animated Tinkerbell from the original Disneyland TV show. My other favorite part is the Pirates segment of the fireworks where the Matterhorn and Castle fire at each other. Another great effect is the sensation you are in the stretching room in the Haunted Mansion during that segment of the fireworks.

[jarestel]

I'd have to go with Illuminations as well. Wishes and Fantasmic are very good, but Illuminations is the only show we go out of our way to see. We'll make a special trip to Epcot at the end of the day just to enjoy the music and visual displays of Illuminations.