HydroGuy's Fireworks Rule

[HydroGuy]

Rule

If you want to see the fireworks at DL, do not save fireworks for the last night of your trip. Plan to see them as early in the trip as possible.


Who This Rule Affects

Multi-Day visitors (Day visitors have to hope for the best for their evening)

Explanation

The fireworks at DL have restrictions influenced by the winds above DL. Even when the wind at ground level seems low, winds at higher elevations can lead to show cancellation. In the summer of 2006 the fireworks were cancelled on consecutive nights on several occasions. Although this does not usually happen, during one stretch they were cancelled five times over a one-week period.

If you want to see the fireworks, plan to see them on your first night or early in your trip. Then, if they do get cancelled, you will have the maximum number of additional opportunities to see them.

During high season fireworks are scheduled every night. During off season they are often only scheduled on weekends. The impact of a cancellation during off season could thus be even higher as there are even fewer opportunities where they will performed again. So the rule applies even more to low season visitors – see them at the first possible opportunity.

Corollary Rule

A similar rule applies to Fantasmic and Parades but it is not as strict. These can get cancelled due to ground weather which is usually not a problem at DLR in the summer but can be during other times of the year.

Why Did I Post This Rule?

I find myself posting answers to the same question in different threads, and decided to make a list of “rules” to which I and others can quickly link in the future. In addition, the ideas behind the rule are often posted by others so I do not claim originality for the rule.

Other HydroGuy Rules

HydroGuy's Fireworks Rule: www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199851

HydroGuy's High Season/Off Season Tradeoff Rule: www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199852

HydroGuy's How To Avoid Long Lines Rules: www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199856

HydroGuy's Make Sure You Get On Your Favorite Ride Rule: www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199860

HydroGuy's Hotel Rule: www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

 

[Misskitty3]

Hydroguy - Would it be possible to add a list of the best spots for viewing the fireworks to your sticky?

I know I would appreciate!

Thanks!

 

[DizNee Luver]

Really enjoy all the insider tips you have supplied!!! They should be a Must-Read before people go....... they're very helpful!!

 

[Belle Ella]

Oh man, I remember those cancelled nights in June '06. I finally made the decision to see fireworks (I've always hidden because they freak me out) for the first time since I was little and screamed all the way through them and they were canceled every night I was there.

Very helpful Thanks!

 

[HydroGuy]

Hydroguy - Would it be possible to add a list of the best spots for viewing the fireworks to your sticky?

I know I would appreciate!

Thanks!

Great question. Although many people around here refer to me as an expert, I am more of an expert on how not to miss things. I have only seen RDCT three times. Always from the hub (not counting the times we were around DL doing something else during the fireworks and just happened to see part of the show).

If the hub were a clock and the castle was at 12:00, we saw them at the 7:30 location (twice) and 9:00 location. I liked the 7:30 location better. Just be sure there are no trees blocking your view of the castle. Note I am not saying this is the best spot - only that it is the best I have tried so far.

There are others around these boards with APs who have seen RDCT dozens of times. Someone who has seen RDCT multiple times from multiple locations would be better able to answer the question of best viewing location. Any takers?

 

[momto2nenas]

We *thought* we had great seats for fireworks until they started and then you notice the trees in the way! We were seated right in front of the castle at 10:00 (using the clock illustration ). Also seemed to be the spot the horses took their break b/c it was very ripe in that area kwim...

 

[Judy from Boise]

The "best" is so subjective because it smacks right up against how long you are willing to wait, and how tolerant you are of crowds.

 

[Misskitty3]

The "best" is so subjective because it smacks right up against how long you are willing to wait, and how tolerant you are of crowds.

I am VERY willing to wait and expect crowds.....

Please share what your favorite place!

 

[S. S. Columbia]

... best spots for viewing the fireworks ...

Anyone ever watch the fireworks right in front of the castle? (I'm talking about the 12:00 area, but right next to the "rope" -- as close as possible to the castle.)

I have seen Guests waiting at that spot 3 hours early, and I wonder if it's a great spot or if it's too close.

TIA

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I think right behind the rope is a bit too close. I've spent hours camping out for the fireworks many times with varying spots. I think that you can camp out for hours for what you think is a tremendous spot that ends up providing partial views when you could have camped out for minutes in a better spot with less obstruction.

The problem with directly in front of the castle is that you can indeed be too close for some of the lower effects.

In my opinion, the best place to watch the fireworks from is 6:00 at the top of Main Street or slightly inside the hub. Keep in mind that because of the trees, you'll probably want to be centered directly in front of the castle and Partners. This location puts you in the center of the effects, but since it's further back from the castle it doesn't seem to fill up as quickly.

If you just don't want to wait for the fireworks, but want to see them straight on, just find a spot on Main Street facing the castle. Those tend to be available even minutes before the show begins. And the larger your group, the longer you will need to camp out for your chosen spot.

Also a special Christmas note for Believe in Holiday Magic. Disneyland has projections on IASW during the fireworks, which are fun and different from what they show on the castle. This is another great place to watch from and has the advantage of putting you very close to ride IASW when it opens again with very little wait time once they actually reopen the ride. Personally, I prefer the castle, but IASW is a great place for a second viewing or an alternative if you don't want to hassle with the hub crowds. It is not a great spot if you're going to leave after the fireworks because you're very far away from the entrance.

 

[PinkBudgie]

In 2006 we watched up by IASW and it was less crowded than other places back then. They did show things on IASW also. Maybe they don't do that for the current show. A few of the fireworks were a little hidden by some trees but it seemed to be a decent spot.

 

[S. S. Columbia]

... Would it be possible to add a list of the best spots for viewing the fireworks ...

In 2005, Alex Stroup at MP did a "viewing location comparison" of the RDCT fireworks.

(The article includes a detailed show description with spoilers. )

Here's the link: http://www.mouseplanet.com/7235/Remember_Fireworks_Viewing_Guide

He compared 8 viewing locations:

Central Plaza hub
Main Street Station
Innoventions
Plaza Pavilion
Corn Dog Cart
Fantasmic, left side
Fantasmic, right side
Small World Mall

HTH

 

[Misskitty3]

In 2005, Alex Stroup at MP did a "viewing location comparison" of the RDCT fireworks.

(The article includes a detailed show description with spoilers. )

Here's the link: http://www.mouseplanet.com/7235/Remember_Fireworks_Viewing_Guide

He compared 8 viewing locations:

Central Plaza hub
Main Street Station
Innoventions
Plaza Pavilion
Corn Dog Cart
Fantasmic, left side
Fantasmic, right side
Small World Mall

HTH

Thank you! Wow....

 

[audrabolster]

As a local, our favorite spots are right at the end of Main street between the kodak store and the coke store

 

[prncssmel]

I am VERY willing to wait and expect crowds.....

Please share what your favorite place!

I am always willing to wait, so we watch usually at my favorite spot at 12 o'clock. We don't sit on castle side but on the hub side at the edge of the curb. IMO, it is the best view since you are straight on with the castle and nothing is blocking your view. Being on the hub side, you can see all the effects.

Anyone ever watch the fireworks right in front of the castle? (I'm talking about the 12:00 area, but right next to the "rope" -- as close as possible to the castle.)

I have seen Guests waiting at that spot 3 hours early, and I wonder if it's a great spot or if it's too close.

TIA

We have sat there before. I really liked it before when it was a sitting location, but since they changed it to a standing location, it is just not as good. You can't see as well.

If you just don't want to wait for the fireworks, but want to see them straight on, just find a spot on Main Street facing the castle. Those tend to be available even minutes before the show begins. And the larger your group, the longer you will need to camp out for your chosen spot.

I agree. If you don't feel like waiting, anywhere on Main St. looking at the Castle is a good spot.