Parades/Fireworks viewing

[dmure]

What is the best area to view the parade/fireworks in Magic Kingdom and Epcot. http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10731;89/st/20060517/e/%7E%21%2ADisney+World%21%2A%7E/dt/-1/k/e16b/event.png[/URL]

 

[Robo]

Hi, I see you're a fellow Mo. resident.
I'm in the KC area.

Anyway, you may be sorry you asked, because I have quite a bit of info:

Wishes:

If all you want to see is FIREWORKS, you can stand at MOST areas in the MK.
(And a wide variety of places OUTSIDE the MK.)

But if you are NOT at CERTAIN SPECIFIC LOCATIONS, you will MISS the "full impact" of the SHOW called "Wishes".

Wishes has two fireworks "STAGES":
One fires its missiles from a location FAR BEHIND any public area of MK.
The other fires its missiles from the ROOF-TOPS of Fantasyland/Liberty Square/the Castle.
The guests' VIEWING ANGLE will affect "if and how" these two stages can be viewed together (they are designed to be viewed "together".)

There is a full AUDIO TRACK that is synchronized with the fireworks.
It is the "motivation" for the unique fireworks effects that change with each MOOD and SECTION of the audio track.

The audio, and positioning of the two fireworks "stages" relative to the viewer will affect the impact of the show.

The front of the CASTLE ITSELF is part of the "show".
There is an elaborate lighting system that is used to change the color of the castle to suit each MOOD, and even "textures" and shapes are projected on the castle at key points in the show (Mickey's Sorcerer's HAT is a great one).

Tinkerbell's flight (which used to take place PRIOR to the old fireworks show at MK) is now WITHIN "Wishes". She doesn't fly EVERY night, but she OFTEN flies and you should be in a position to see her.

The SWEET-SPOT for Wishes is: starting from approx. the "bridge to Tomorrowland" ...on up Main Street to the "Main Street Cinema" (Pal Mickey Store).
That is simply the "optimum viewing" area.

There are MANY other places to watch, but they are all compromises that diminish the "full effect" of the show in one way or more:

Some have little or no SOUND.
Some have obstructed views of the fireworks.
Some only allow viewing of one of the two fireworks "stages".
Some places (like the Main Street train station) don't turn off the lights in the area, so there will likely be lights in your field-of-vision.
Some don't allow a view of the castle-front and/or Tinkerbell when she flies.

So, if you don't MIND this, you can choose from a multitude of "viewing spots" throughout the MK.

My point is that the show is designed for "FULL EFFECT" to be seen from the "Sweet spot" areas I described. (But, yes, those can be C-R-O-W-D-E-D!)

Wishes is the only fireworks show that can be (for the most part) seen from outside the presenting park.
Good viewing can be found at the beach of the Polynesian Resort (walk along the sidewalk there until you see a view of the castle unobstructed by trees.)
The Ohana restaurant at the Poly offers good views (and they pipe in the audio of the show). Same goes for the California Grill Restaurant (and outdoor terrace) at the Contemporary Resort.
At Grand Floridian, "Narcoossee's" is the restaurant with the MK and Wishes views (and sound).

The MK parking lot (TTC) offers views, as well as do other outdoor spots for several miles in any direction of MK. But without the sound, you miss a lot of the "show".
Best analogy:
Sitting across the highway from a Drive-In Theater and "watching the movie" with binoculars. You can do it, but it LACKS something.

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IllumiNations:

Great viewing from:
Bridge between UK and France (under this bridge is where the so-called "IllumiNations Cruise" boats view the show.

The plaza area on the water (lagoon) at Italy.

Near Norway is prime.

Area to left of UK "Pub" (this is also near a roped-off Wheelchair viewing area.)

Front area of WS near the "twin gift shops" (very crowded here). Many times guests are asked to SIT on the pavement so others behind them can see.

Actually too many "good" spots to list.
Just remember that you don't want to stand under tree-limbs (obstructed sky-views) or DOWN-WIND of all that fireworks fall-out and SMOKE.

"Outside the park " viewing:
MOST of effects of IllumiNations take place ON (or just a few feet above) the surface of
the water (WS lagoon).
Save for the very first "Comet" firework effect, and several other major "sky-blasts", IllumiNations can't really be enjoyed from outside Epcot's World Showcase.
One favorite outside spot to view the few "sky-blasts" is on the bridge coming toward Epcot's International Gateway from the Boardwalk Resort.

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Fantasmic!:

Simple. The show is all about STORY.
You "must" see it from inside the Fantasmic! Amphitheater to appreciate the show.
Arrive early (45-70 minutes before show-time) to get seats closer to front and center, but this is a HUGE show and can be enjoyed from most anywhere in the theater.
On nights when there are two showings, the second one will virtually always be much less crowded and easier to sit closer to front-and-center (if you want.)
The final "sky-blast" fireworks can be seen from outside the theater (on the parking lot side of MGM) but not really worth making a trip to see them.

 

[byoung]

MK on the train platform, but you have to get there early.