Hi Michelle! I absolutely LOVE
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth! I'm so glad you are including it in your vacation plan because it will be ending in the second half of 2019. It's such a treat to get to experience it.
You have shared many fantastic questions with the Disney Parks Moms Panel and I can't thank you enough for allowing us to share tips and recommendations with you. You are being so through with your planning and I love it!
This is another great question. We typically find a spot around the World Showcase Lagoon about an hour before IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth begins. Typically one or more of us will stay in our spot while others go and purchase snacks and/or beverages for our traveling party.
There are oodles of great spots all around World Showcase Lagoon. We don't typically go to the same spot. Sometimes we pick a spot based on the location where we just dined. Other times, we select a spot based on which entrance we plan to leave Epcot. We have also selected a location based on a snack or beverage we plan to purchase while waiting for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth to begin. The best recommendation I can make is to pay attention to the wind. Try to avoid standing in a location where the wind is hitting you in the face. While it might feel nice to have the breeze blowing against you prior to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, it may not be as pleasant when the smoke from the fireworks, etc. makes it your way.
As far as the blanket...it's a great idea but I advise against it. To begin, your view will be obstructed by the fences. Also - the majority of others will be standing so your view will either be blocked or you may accidentally get stepped on
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is such an amazing way to conclude a fun day in Epcot! Enjoy!
Kari