Best place to watch fireworks at MK away from the noise?

[Gina]

We're headed back to WDW in December with Newley the Wonder Dog (Dad's guide dog ) but we have a new dilemma. Our last December trip, in '06, we watched the MK fireworks down in the rose garden by the castle. (MouseFest meet) The fireworks were LOUD right there, and Newley did not not not like it.

We tried to see Illuminations a few nights after that, and he freaked out even worse. Well, "freaked out" is a bad choice of words -- he just plants all four feet, and absolutely refuses to budge. And looks really sad and scared. And when an 80-something pound lab doesn't want to move, there's no moving him.

So we don't even want to chance that maybe he has "forgotten" what the fireworks are like after two years. Where is the farthest spot in MK where we could maybe see the fireworks, but they wouldn't be so loud? I'm thinking we could even leave the park for a bit, take the boat across to WL, and watch the fireworks from there. Or can you not see them from there?

We really don't want to miss the MVMCP fireworks -- we just love them!! -- but we also don't want poor Newley to be scarred for life. I appreciate any suggestions!

-gina-

 

[mykidsintow]

I would contact the doggies trainers.

Lucas (my daughters service dog) was a rescue dog. He was shot as a puppy. In turn things like fireworks *Freak* him out. Our trainers have us take him to *all possible* fireworks.... Keep him where he can hear thunder, etc. Of course we always have his favorite treat and pet and talk to him to let him know the sounds are ok and he is no longer going to be hurt. Peanutbutter on a spoon works for us.

I would definately contact the trainers to see their suggestions. We go on and have "special treats" for times that maybe questionable.

Depending on where you are staying could he be left in room with he tv on for that 30 mins? I am thinking close resorts like POLY or Cont or GF? Of course if he *does* hear them over the fireworks... then that wouldbe worse for him to be alone.

Call trainers and get their opinion!

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

If you have the money to spend, you could try Mutt Muffs dog hearing protectors. They're like what prop plane pilots wear, but made to fit dogs (and without the walkie-talkie features, LOL).

http://www.safeandsoundpets.com/index.html

Just be sure to get Newley used to them before the trip, although if you can't test them with real fireworks (NOT recordings) before your trip, I would buy them as close as possible to your trip so that when you get back, you'd still be under the 30-day return period if they don't work for your dog. Why may they not work? If Newley is reacting to the atmospheric affects of the fireworks instead of the sounds of the fireworks themselves. This is the problem for many (but not all) dogs when it comes to thunderstorms, as well - they are reacting to the electricity and other atmospheric affects (which we don't realize are there, but animals can feel them) from the storm, not the sound of the thunder boom.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

The fireworks can be viewed from the beach at the Poly, the noise should be less. They can also be viewed from the 4th floor of the CR, but I think the noise there may still be too loud. If you think the Poly or CR are too loud you can also see them from the beach at FW and I think WL as well.

 

[Gina]

Thanks so much for the suggestions, you guys. I'm passing them along to my dad! You're probably right, Ms_Butterfly, about it not being just the sound that is spooking him. I know he does hate thunderstorms as well! Interesting.

 

[1stluvispooh]

My daughter is very sensitive to sound and the place we always view the MK fireworks is across the lake at the ticket and transportation center, near the ferry. Good luck

 

[dclfun]

Just remember also that a dog reacts to it's handler's emotions. I was told specifically to be relaxed, not make a fuss over my SD when she found something unfamiliar that seemed to make her nervous,etc. If a handler is anticipating a problem the dog will sense the tension and react to it. Really, any place inside the park you'll have the noise problem. I agree that if you want to view the fireworks then remain calm, expect no problems, have treats to reward, put the dog in a "sit" or "down" before they start ( depending on the crowds around you). Don't pet the dog if he/she's afraid or offer verbal reassurances as then they think they have something to worry about and their fears are justified.---Kathy

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I was thinking maybe upstairs in the train station?

My other thought if your not in the park for MVMCP would be at the top of the CR in California Grill. If the weather is good you could go out on the walkway which is opened to the public, it is also a very cool way to watch.

 

[webcs]

We're headed back to WDW in December with Newley the Wonder Dog (Dad's guide dog ) but we have a new dilemma. Our last December trip, in '06, we watched the MK fireworks down in the rose garden by the castle. (MouseFest meet) The fireworks were LOUD right there, and Newley did not not not like it.

We tried to see Illuminations a few nights after that, and he freaked out even worse. Well, "freaked out" is a bad choice of words -- he just plants all four feet, and absolutely refuses to budge. And looks really sad and scared. And when an 80-something pound lab doesn't want to move, there's no moving him.

So we don't even want to chance that maybe he has "forgotten" what the fireworks are like after two years. Where is the farthest spot in MK where we could maybe see the fireworks, but they wouldn't be so loud? I'm thinking we could even leave the park for a bit, take the boat across to WL, and watch the fireworks from there. Or can you not see them from there?

We really don't want to miss the MVMCP fireworks -- we just love them!! -- but we also don't want poor Newley to be scarred for life. I appreciate any suggestions!

-gina-

Take the walkway that goes the the MK to the POLY resort. It curves around the lagoon (just to the left of the entry way to the mono-rails. You can go as far as you want and get a good view, also there is NO ONE there to bother you. It will just be you and the fireworks.

 

[webcs]

Also teh ear muffs are a great idea indeed

 

[SueM in MN]

If you have the money to spend, you could try Mutt Muffs dog hearing protectors. They're like what prop plane pilots wear, but made to fit dogs (and without the walkie-talkie features, LOL).

I think he might like the walkie-talkie features

My daughter is very sensitive to sound and the place we always view the MK fireworks is across the lake at the ticket and transportation center, near the ferry. Good luck

I've not seen them from there, but I have heard that is a good spot away from the park.
If you are staying on site and taking the buses, you will need to travel back to the park to pick up the bus.

Just remember also that a dog reacts to it's handler's emotions. I was told specifically to be relaxed, not make a fuss over my SD when she found something unfamiliar that seemed to make her nervous,etc. If a handler is anticipating a problem the dog will sense the tension and react to it. Really, any place inside the park you'll have the noise problem. I agree that if you want to view the fireworks then remain calm, expect no problems, have treats to reward, put the dog in a "sit" or "down" before they start ( depending on the crowds around you). Don't pet the dog if he/she's afraid or offer verbal reassurances as then they think they have something to worry about and their fears are justified.---Kathy

We've noticed that with our puppy. He was really afraid of thunder the first few storms, but we sort of handled it matter of fact and he's much better now.
Also sounds like a good idea to contact the trainer like mykidsintow suggested.

I was thinking maybe upstairs in the train station?

I'm not sure, but I think they send everyone out of the train station as soon as the parade is over and don't let people up there once the train is no longer running.

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

I think he might like the walkie-talkie features

True! Especially if they were doggy-to-doggy chat lines!


If anybody here tries the Mutt Muffs for any loud event for any reason, could you post back how they worked? I'm thinking of getting a pair to protect my SD's hearing when we go to loud shows like Cirque du Soleil shows and concerts. The Muffs aren't cheap, but if they work like they say they do, I think it'd be worth it, since dogs' hearing is so sensitive. Thanks!