4th July - which attraction to fastpass.

[PrincessBelle39]

We we're thinking on 4 July spending the morning at DAK and then hopping in the afternoon to Epcot for dinner and Illuminations. Would we be better off using our fast passes at DAK (which is early on predicted as low crowds) or fast passing Illuminations.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

even on July 4, I think a FP+ for Illuminations is the least-best use of an Epcot Tier 1.

 

[Oswin]

On July 4, we use our FP+ at Epcot. Using FP+ at AK is a waste when your FP+ times are better spent at Epcot. We did Illuminations FP+ this year and will do it again in 2017 but be aware if you book it, the line will start forming several hours before fireworks and will get very LONG. Our ADR sat us an hour after time and then it was a slow service meal, so we were behind the crowd getting in line and ended up standing at the back of China and then line stretched well back behind us. By the time we made it into the FP+ viewing area, it was getting crowded in there but we found a good spot anyway and had a straight on view. If getting a straight on view of the show isn't important to you, skip the FP+ for that and use it for Soarin or TT instead. It's really the worst use of a Tier 1 FP unless the view will be ruined for you if it isn't head on. It is important to my dad, who won't bother watching if it isn't a head on view, so we always make it a priority to get the FP+ for Illuminations. Otherwise, I'd rather just stake out a spot a few hours early around the world showcase lagoon like we did in 2015.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

We are ok viewing it from options that are not front on. I was just thinking we may not have time for any other rides at Epcot with both dinner and Illuminations. We were thinking dinner at around 5:30ish at either San Angel Inn or Via Napoli. We also have a morning at Epcot a couple of days before this and a day/night later in the trip.

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

Or for $49 you can book the Illuminations Dessert Party and get reserved viewing area, food, drinks and a table. Then save your tier 1 FP for either Soarin', Test Track, or FEA.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Or for $49 you can book the Illuminations Dessert Party and get reserved viewing area, food, drinks and a table. Then save your tier 1 FP for either Soarin', Test Track, or FEA.

The dessert party is a killer deal for July 4, truly.

 

[preemiemama]

Is it offered on the 4th? Also, since it is not on the calendar, anyone know if it will also be at 9:00 like it is on regular nights? We are considering the same thing for the 4th...

 

[gap2368]

I would never use a FP at AK the lines are not that bad. I also would never use a FP for illumination ( maybe if I could get it as a 4 or 5 one)

 

[DisMommyTX]

We booked a FP+ for Illumuminations on July 4th last year and it was great! Our party of 12 entered the area about 15 minutes before the show started (because it took forever to work our way through the crowds and find the entrance). The entrance is on the right (Canada) side of the viewing area. The CM suggested that we go all the way across to the left side and were surprised to find that there was a TON of open space. We spread out and were able to sit on a concrete hill area. Others had plenty of room for kids to stay in strollers and still have a great view. It was by far the best view of Illuminations we have ever had, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[Accident]

I think the wrinkle in any plans for ak then epcot on july 4 at this time is that pandora may be opened. I think as far as fastpasses go, that might really change what you want to do.

 

[DisMommyTX]

I think the wrinkle in any plans for ak then epcot on july 4 at this time is that pandora may be opened. I think as far as fastpasses go, that might really change what you want to do.

I fell for ROL last year. I'll plan for Pandora after it actually opens .

 

[glassslippergirl]

Fireworks are a huge get deal for me, especially on 4th of July, so I would book Illuminations FP. If fireworks are your top priority that day, then it's a good use of your FP. If you can, plan another day at Epcot to do a different tier 1 FP.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

Thanks for your responses everyone. I'll put them all to the rest of the family for a discussion.

 

[Anal Annie]

The dessert party is a killer deal for July 4, truly.

I've never booked any of these extra parties. How far in advance can this party be booked? Is it non-refundable if one person in our party ends up not coming?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I've never booked any of these extra parties. How far in advance can this party be booked? Is it non-refundable if one person in our party ends up not coming?

If it's like any other dessert party, I think it's a 24-48 hour CX policy. Booking varies on advancedness depending on system load, but technically starts 180 days out if scheduled. (SW at DHS is notorious for late loads.)

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

I've never booked any of these extra parties. How far in advance can this party be booked? Is it non-refundable if one person in our party ends up not coming?

Here's the link to Disney website:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/illuminations-sparkling-dessert-party/

It seems July 4th has not yet been made available but you can keep checking or call Disney in the coming months to check for availability.

 

[Anal Annie]

If it's like any other dessert party, I think it's a 24-48 hour CX policy. Booking varies on advancedness depending on system load, but technically starts 180 days out if scheduled. (SW at DHS is notorious for late loads.)

Here's the link to Disney website:

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/illuminations-sparkling-dessert-party/

It seems July 4th has not yet been made available but you can keep checking or call Disney in the coming months to check for availability.

Thanks - I will call. I am calling on Monday morning already to TRY to book the Soarin' tour for our July 4th week trip so I can see what I can find out then!!! This might be worth the splurge!! But we're not sure yet if DS is going to even be able to make the trip at all. As long as there is some sort of cancellation policy that would be nice.