Advice for nighttime shows with preschooler (and other qs)

[wonderfuller]

Hi! I'm going solo for 3 days with my 4.5 year old in July. I'm trying to figure out a plan for nighttime shows. She's a night owl (as long as she has a nap) so the late times shouldn't bother her (I will have a stroller just in case). I've always thought Fantasmic (my fav) is too intense for small kids, but have any of your little ones loved it? What do your little ones think of World of Color? I was considering springing for the dessert package since I doubt she'll be able to see otherwise. I'm not a parade fan (lol) but am assuming little ones love them so I should check out the electrical parade? I think she will love the fireworks, does it make sense to stake out a spot for the parade and just stay in that spot for fireworks? If yes, where do you recommend and how early to get there?

I know it really depends on the kid, but what have been your preschooler's favorite things at DL/DCA? Do you have any tips for surviving lines and waiting around with them? I haven't been since Genie plus but I'm considering getting it for at least one day for photopass (since no one else will be with us to take our picture).

Thank you so much. I'm a Disneyland expert for touring adults but not used to touring with kids! Ha. I'm so excited to take her, though.

 

[FeistyDisneyMom]

Our most recent trip in 2019 my youngest was just under 3, and my next was 5. They loved almost all of Fantasmic, but the part where Maleficent comes out as the dragon was pretty intense for both of them. They did seem to enjoy the entire thing though and cheered at the finale. The wait and view of WoC is a little more challenging with the small children. We don't put our kids on our shoulders, so I held the nearly 3 year old for the show so she could see clearly and she loved it, but it was very tiring for me! We got there early enough for the 5 yr old and our older kids to have views at the rail so that was nice. I think doing the dessert party is likely a good choice for you - we are trying it for the first time this trip; previously we had done the dining packages and lined up a bit early to get good views, but keeping the kids all entertained during the wait was a bit mentally exhausting for me, and I had DH helping too. It was a toss up between which they loved more, F! or WoC. Fireworks have been hit or miss for my young ones - one was very scared of the explosions and light and thought that it would land on her and catch her hair on fire. But typically they have enjoyed those shows too. They actually preferred Mickey's Mix Magic to whatever the fireworks show was before that (the previous trip was 2016).

All of the kids have enjoyed all the parades. They haven't seen a nighttime parade yet though, so I am very excited for our upcoming June trip to see what they think of MSEP! My plan for it is to get some kind of snack (probably churros or ice cream) and get a spot to watch about an hour before the parade time. Hopefully the act of snacking will help keep my crew entertained while we wait!

We tried to avoid any lines that were over 30 minutes long, and played a lot of I Spy, discussed what they had liked so far (rides, treats, characters, sounds, smells, sights, etc - literally encouraging the little ones to share every thought they have had so far), and it helped keep them distracted in lines. We also made sure to do frequent bathroom breaks between rides, and hydrated between every ride as well to avoid any dehydration (that always triggers tantrums in my kids). The best thing though is hitting Fantasyland first thing in the morning (before 10am). Lines for most rides there will be between 5 and 15 minutes, and much easier to do. By the time you have done several rides, a preschooler can often handle a longer wait as a sort of down time to avoid over stimulation. (Longer wait being 30 minutes... I'm not sure any preschooler really handles 45+ minute waits very well!)

 

[CodeGoddess]

For sure kid dependant. My four year old hated the parades and fireworks but loved fantasmic. He also loved all the rollercoasters so I'm guessing the shows moved a little too slow for him.

 

[Pluto468]

If you want to watch the parade and then fireworks, the Small World area would be great. It won't be as crowded as main Street.

The WOC dessert party would be great for you, I bet. Your dd could sit and still have a nice view. Also, with that table you could bring her a coloring book or paper to draw on if you think she might get bored waiting.

The River Belle Terrace Fantasmic dinner could be a good option. You'd be able to see really well, but it would be a little set back from the river so maybe less intense for your dd.

The first time I took DS he was 3 and we rode Small World TWELVE times. Over 3 days, but still. He liked all the Fantasyland rides, the island and Tarzan's Treehouse.

My dd was 5 the first time we went. She enjoyed fantasyland and loved Pirates. They both liked that jellyfish ride and the Golden Zephyr at DCA.
DD was really into princesses then so we did a princess breakfast.

They both liked parades because they don't get to see many of those. My son was terrified by the Fireworks when he was 3. My daughter found them just a bit loud at 5 but liked them.

 

[smartlabelprint]

We really enjoyed watching the parade and fireworks from town square. We were in the middle of the circle. I think we got there at 8 pm for a 9 pm show. There was plenty of space and all filled up shortly after.