Best Places To View....

[Terk-1]

Where do you think the best places are to view the following?

Wishes
SpectroMagic
Illuminations
AK Parade
Fantasmic

 

[LadyZolt]

Terk asked, <<Where do you think the best places are to view the following?

Wishes
SpectroMagic
Illuminations
AK Parade
Fantasmic>>

Wishes and SpectroMagic: Near the bench of Disney and Minnie on Main Street. The parade passes right by here and you can see the fireworks in the sky over the castle. If you've already experienced the fireworks before, another cool place is Future World because if Tinkerbell slides down the cable, this is where you can see her fly by. If you've already seen SpectroMagic before, another cool spot is next on that path next to the Castle where I believe there is a smoking area. You can see the parade winding below you and that's kind of cool looking. I like to see it close-up, though, because you can see all the lights on the costumes and really get into the magic.

Illuminations: Stake our your viewing spot early because it can get crowded. I like to pick an area along the fence bordering the water that has few trees near the China pavillion. But any place along the fence is good because all the countries light up, so you can see the ones across from you no matter where you are. I've also stood on one of the bridges a few times and that was OK, too. If you get there too late to pick a good spot, that's a good alternative.

Fantasmic: Get there more than an hour in advance and sit in the front rows near the center. I've done this twice and could sit right in the front even though many other people were there, too. The earlier you can get there, the better your choice of seating will be. The crowds both times I've seen it were very nice and we all did "the wave" several times before the show began to entertain ourselves. LOL! If you're sitting in the front, you will be sprayed with some water as the show progrsses. If you sit further back, you wouldn't be and should still have a good view. It is an excellent show and I highly recommend it. It's on my "don't miss this" list.

AK Parade: I've never done this, so I'm not sure.

I hope this helps!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks LadyZolt for your suggestions.

Anyone else?

 

[slp87]

You must see Wishes from in front of the castle. I don't have a particular spot. As far as Fantasmic, we sat on the next to the top row, center and thought the view was great. Those are the only 2 that I have a preference for.

 

[liamandcaili]

Well, we don't like to wait a long time for anything...

For Spectromagic: Liberty Square or Frontierland...you can get a spot right on the curb less than a half hour before the parade. Main Street is packed an hour beforehand. And the parade is the same no matter where you see it...except for the Christmas parade, and we didn't think the soap snowflakes were worth waiting an extra hour.

For Wishes: We discovered this last trip that the best place to see Wishes is at the end of Main Street. You can see the fireworks perfectly and then you don't have to fight the enormous crowds to get out of the park. If you stand too close to the castle, there are always trees in the way. And you can get from Liberty Square to the end of Main Street before the fireworks begin. If you feel indulgent, view Wishes from the balcony at California Grill. It's beautiful.

For Illuminations: The best view I've ever had was from the Illuminations Cruise...expensive, but worth it. The second best view was from Rose and Crown or the terrace seating to the side of the restaurant (you would have to stake out your spot there quite a bit in advance...it's not a part of the restaurant and you may have to defend your view vigorously as rude people try to stand right in front of you before the show starts.)

For Fantasmic: We always do the Fantasmic Dining Package. The kids love this show, but there is no way I am waiting an hour in line for it. The view is perfectly acceptable from the reserved dining package seats, and there is no waiting in line.

I haven't seen the parade at AK, so I can't comment on that. I will say that it tends to get hot at AK, so if you can find a place in the shade, that is the best spot!

Have fun!

 

[slp87]

For Illuminations: The best view I've ever had was from the Illuminations Cruise...expensive, but worth it.

While this was a neat experience, unfortunately for us the wind was blowing toward us on our cruise and we ended up with lots of smoke and soot.

 

[liamandcaili]

While this was a neat experience, unfortunately for us the wind was blowing toward us on our cruise and we ended up with lots of smoke and soot.

Our captain did mention that this sometimes occurred. We were lucky and had a beautiful night, December 3, I think...although it was REALLY cold. We were all bundled up in blankets, jackets, hats and gloves. I would amend my previous recommendation...we really enjoyed our cruise, but personally, I would not book one again in December or any other cold month, especially with young children. My DD was shivering! It's a great view though.

 

[Lancer]

My favorite spot for Wishes is at the end of main street, on the street its self across from the ice cream palor. You get a good view with the fireworks exploding directly above the castle.

As others said, the best place for Fantasmic is the very center about half way up. Get there an hour early! If you sit close to the bottom you may get wet from the spray.

For Illuminations, As you enter the world show case, there are two small identical gift shops. Sit in between them and you are center show and get a good view of the globe. I have noticed though that they are closing that spot more often for special groups like company conventions.

I have not found a prefered spot for any of the parades yet