best place to watch Wishes?

[alliebug]

We are going to the MVMCP on Dec 21 and plan on seeing the Wishes show while we are there. Any advice as to the best place in the park to see the show?

We are leaving in 6 days. It will be my first trip since 1995 and my DD2 & DH first trip ever. CANNOT WAIT!!

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Robo]

We are going to the MVMCP on Dec 21 and plan on seeing the Wishes show while we are there. Any advice as to the best place in the park to see the show?

We are leaving in 6 days. It will be my first trip since 1995 and my DD2 & DH first trip ever. CANNOT WAIT!!

Thanks for any advice.

The "sweet-spot" for Wishes is Main Street and the Hub.
A good spot is near the "Hub-end" of the bridge between the Hub and Tomorrowland.
And over on the same side of the street as CP, along the area with the umbrella tables for Casey's restaurant.
These spots are where the show is "centered" and designed to offer ALL effects.
And that's where MOST people try to see it.

But...
Many view it from near the dock for the paddle-wheel Steam Ship in Liberty Square.
Some watch from the bridge that links the main Frontierland street to Splash Mountain.
Some find spots to sit in other areas of Liberty Square and Frontierland.
All of these areas offer a good view of many/most of the effects, but not all... and certainly not in the "foreground-background/dual-layer" manner in which the show is created.

I will tell you where NOT to view it.
No matter how TEMPTING it may appear before the show:
Do NOT stand on the sidewalk between the Hub and Frontierland,
or on the sidewalk between the Hub and Adventureland.
Trees nearly totally obscure the main larger fireworks, and the audio is (most-likely INTENTIONALLY) MISSING (no speakers) in these areas.

Also, the upper level of the Main Street train station (a great place to see the "SpectroMagic" Parade) is a tempting but BAD choice for "Wishes".
They DON'T turn off the LIGHTS on the last few buildings on this end of Main Street (or on the train platform) during the show, so the lights are in your eyes the whole time.

Another "ought-to-be-GREAT-but-ISN'T choice is from the "Noodle Station" seating area (the open-air counter-service restaurant that's between Main Street and Tomorrowland).
Not only do they NOT turn off the lights here (and the sound is not clear), most of the fireworks are hidden from view by the roof of the restaurant and/or the large PYLON that's on the bridge to Tomorrowland.
(I will say that there ARE a very few spots in this restaurant area that DO offer GOOD unobstructed views, but you MUST be in those exact spots and not mind the ceiling lights being on and the lack of good sound.)

 

[canda]

We are going to the MVMCP on Dec 21 and plan on seeing the Wishes show while we are there. Any advice as to the best place in the park to see the show?

We are leaving in 6 days. It will be my first trip since 1995 and my DD2 & DH first trip ever. CANNOT WAIT!!

Thanks for any advice.

Judging by the pictures that were posted of wishes last week, I would say from the docks of the big ferry boats on the other side of the lake.

 

[Robo]

Judging by the pictures that were posted of wishes last week, I would say from the docks of the big ferry boats on the other side of the lake.

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 an 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).

 

[GSLand]

We are preparing for a January trip - thanks to alliebug and Robo for the tips on where to best see the fireworks and hear the music, as well as where NOT to stand.

 

[PottersMom]

We watched from California Grille on our last visit. We arrived to the restaurant at about dusk, which was breathtaking. (DH actualy asked if we could move to Orlando!) THe meal was excellent. THey pipe in the music from the fireworks throughout the resaurant and dim the lights. We went outside to watch which wasn't the best idea because it was extremely windy, which made it very cold. (P.S> it was the Hallowishes show, not regular whishes) THis is a perfect spot if you want to avoid the crowds, but I couldn't help but think I would like it more from the ground. THere is something about having the fireworks go of above you that makes it seem bigger. That's my takke anyway. HTH

 

[mickeyholic]

In July 2005, we watched wishes from upstairs above the train depot. Not quite so crowded.

 

[robinb]

We watch from the middle of the street between the Hub and the top of Main Street.

 

[Kimberly815]

I have seen it from a few different spots now, and I must say, my favorite is right on Main Street in the 'sweet spot'.- It is sooooo worth the crowds!

 

[AngelEyes]

This is where we watch it. Hard to describe the spot, but I'll try. If you're coming out of Tomorrowland towards Main Street, about halfway between the two, if you look to your right, over the railing, you'll see a couple of benches on a sidewalk that sits below where you are standing. Probably isn't the BEST spot, but it's OUR spot, so I like it!

EDIT: This spot is PERFECT for seeing Tinkerbell too, as she basically flies right over your head.

 

[dizprincess717]

Being that I had 4 months to view Wishes, I will tell you the BEST place isn't the Hub - too crowded and you have to literally bend your neck back and everything is too close.

The best spot is right smack dab between Casey's Corner and the Cone Shop. You're close enough to see the effects on the Castle, but far enough back so you don't break your neck. And you're 1/2 way down that sraight walk way from the Hub to the Train Station.

 

[nuke]

The best spot is right smack dab between Casey's Corner and the Cone Shop. You're close enough to see the effects on the Castle, but far enough back so you don't break your neck. And you're 1/2 way down that sraight walk way from the Hub to the Train Station.

Absolutely agree with this. I was blown away by the mix of the fireworks and the castle effects. It was really cool!

 

[bytheblood]

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 an 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).

I was going to touch on a lot of this, but I think Robo about summed it all up for you.

 

[SnwflkCts]

I know I am not getting the "full effects" but it is lovely and romantic to watch Wishes from the beach at the Poly. Of course since we are just a few steps from our room, that is an extra perk too!

Sometimes a little cold though! Brrrr - cuddle up!

 

[aprince&princess]

When we were there for MVMCP we tried watching from Fantasyland near Dumbo, whatever you do, don't do that. Since the fireworks were shot off from different spots, we lost the whole effect. Some were behind us and some were in front of us, we kept having to turn back and forth. And we never saw everything together.

The night before we were just finishing dinner in the castle when the fireworks started, and we were sitting right at the window. The fireworks looked great, but I don't remember hearing the music to go along with the fireworks.

I would say that main street, back by Casey's corner was the best spot I have seen them.

 

[tawasdave]

..and another looks like a good place but is not is at the statue of Walt and Mickey...we stood there in Feb 2006..the castle blocks alot of the lower fireworks...

 

[alliebug]

Thanks everyone for all the great input on where is the best place to watch Wishes. I really feel prepared now, rather than blindly picking a spot and not getting the greatest view.

We leave tomorrow for WDW. I can't wait.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have enjoyed the Casey's/Ice Cream Shop spot dizprincess717 spoke of, the Rose Garden and the Tomorowland bridge, all great!!

 

[alliebug]

Thanks everyone for sharing all your favorite spots. We decided on the spot between Casey's and the Ice Cream Shop. It was great. It was far enough back so we weren't right in the crowd and didn't have to look up to see everything, but we could still see and hear everything.

The show was amazing. We loved it.

Thanks again.