50th Anniversary Tour Questions!

[degrapevine]

Hi, all!
We're headed out to DLR in less than 3 weeks for our second trip.
Last summer, we saw the fireworks from the hub, but unwisely stood on the left side of the castle and were blocked largely by trees.
I really want to see the fireworks again, this time with a clear view, but I don't want to have to save a spot ahead of time and lose all that valuable ride time!
I'm interested in taking the 50th Anniversary Tour (by myself - DH and the 3 kids can keep riding!) in the last spot of the day to be able to see the fireworks from the reserved spots at the train station.
Does anyone know when the last tour begins?
I could plan to do this on our DCA day and head over for the tour, let DH and the kids stay in the park until close, then they can ride the monorail into Tomorrowland to ride more rides while the fireworks are going on.
Just wondering what time the tour begins - I know it's a 3 1/2 hour tour, but to get to the reserved seating area for the fireworks, what time do they actually meet?
I wouldn't mind missing some rides to be able to go on a DL tour (although the tour does include some) and to definitely be able to see the fireworks clearly again (How is the view from the train station?).
I'd love to hear first hand from anyone that's been on this tour - And do you know if it is eligible for the 20% Disney Visa discount?
Thanks to anyone in advance ...
Rose

 

[DisneyDotty]

I don't know about the discount, but my family (DH, DD 11 and DS7) and I did the tour in December and LOVED it. We did it our first night there--totally jetlagged and sleep-deprived, but so worth it. Loved being able to walk on attractions (Buzz, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder, Pirates, and movie in Opera House), great tidbits of information. And the view for the fireworks--magical! Highly recommend this to anyone, especially any first timers! I think our tour began at 6:00 p.m. Our tour guide had to hustle us at the end to make it back to the viewing area--crowds were thick that night (Saturday before Christmas).
Have a great trip!

 

[degrapevine]

Thanks so much, Dotty!
If I do the tour alone, I'd still have almost a full day in DCA before leaving (it closes at 8 during our stay).
I'm so glad to hear how much you enjoyed it and that the view for the fireworks was wonderful.
Maybe if we get the Disney Visa discount (I'll call to find out), I can talk DH into us all doing it, since we'd get to walk on to some more rides together.
Either way, I'd better call soon!
Hope they still have a spot for me.
Thanks again - I really appreciate your help!
Rose

 

[degrapevine]

Just an update ...
I called Disney Visa and they said that the 50th Anniversary Tour was not included in the 20% off offers, but by that time, I was so excited to book the tour, it didn't matter and DH said yes to all of us going!
So, then I called Disneyland Guest Services and asked about tours during our stay, Monday March 20 - Friday March 24.
The CM, Stella, said that the only tour they offer Monday-Thursday is the 4:30 tour, which includes seating for the parade.
I really wanted seating for the fireworks, so we looked at Friday, which was supposed to be our Legoland day, but is easily swapped for Thursday.
She had availability for the 6:00 tour, which included seating for the fireworks, but only for a party of 4.
We are a family of 5, me, DH, DS11, DS7, and DD5, so I begged, pleaded, etc. to please see if they could make an exception.
I told her my DD5 is so tiny she could share a seat with me for the fireworks and I would still pay full price for her.
She left to talk to the people in charge of tours ... and I waited ...
She came back and said YES!!! that they would allow our group in and that she would charge us $44 for the first 4 guests ($55 - 20% Disney Visa discount!) but would need to charge us full price $55 for the overbooked guest.
I was so excited and just totally impressed that they would make this exception for us and even happier to find out that the discount WAS applicable to this tour.
We will have an early dinner at Carnation Cafe at 3:30, then go on the tour and end our vacation with the premium viewing for the fireworks.
I can't wait!
Still more planning to do ... but not having to worry about "staking" out a spot for the fireworks, plus getting on 3 rides w/no wait and seeing the DL 50th film (and all the goodies!) is such a relief!
I'll let you know how it goes after we get back ...
And I'm sure I'll come up with more questions.
Thanks again!
Rose

 

[DisneyDotty]

Good for you! I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine did. It was a magical start to a magical trip!

 

[bjakmom]

This tour sounds perfect for DNeph (8) and I on our first day - a Sat in late Aug. How is the view of the fireworks from the train station? Can you see the castle as well as you can at WDW? Can you see any of the special effects on the castle from the station? Another thought - if we wanted to get to the 2nd showing of F! after the fireworks, would we be able to - or would we be 'swimming up stream' against everyone leaving the park? thanks for any help - first trip to DL in more than 17 years (and that was only for 1 day)! PS: I love the view of Wishes at WDW from the train station - it is my favorite place to video tape it from.