Hi, Connie! I fondly remember the one trip when my sons and I decided to head back to our resort on the monorail, just at the Wishes fireworks show was starting at Magic Kingdom Park. Although it was unplanned, we were treated to a dazzling display as we whizzed away on the "Highway in the Sky." I think you're onto a great idea, and although timing something like this is not an exact science, I'd be happy to help!
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth has always been a sentimental favorite of mine, and it has enjoyed a nearly 20-year run. You're smart to try and see it before it's final bow this September. The 12-minute show starts promptly at 9:00 PM each night, and it includes a display of lasers, lights, and fireworks in the middle of the World Showcase Lagoon. If you plan on starting your
monorail journey at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), it will take a little less than ten minutes to get to
Epcot, not factoring in waiting and boarding time. You'll want to allow extra time for parking and taking the tram to the monorail, too. If possible, try to be on the monorail sometime around 8:50 PM. If it's timed just right, you'll get to glimpse about a minute of the show as the monorail makes its loop around Spaceship Earth.
An alternative location to watch IllumiNations from outside the Park would be the walkway bridge that connects
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and
Disney's Beach Club Resort. You'll have a limited view of the World Showcase Lagoon from this spot, but you will get to see the pyrotechnic portion of the show. What would make it even better would be a visit to
Ample Hills Creamery beforehand!
Good luck and best wishes, Connie!
Eean