Brown Derby 7:35, Star Wars fireworks 9:15 - will this work?

[gzmtlock]

Easter week, we're headed to HS one evening specifically to do Launch Bay and the Star Wars fireworks; will stay for 2nd F! if we have the energy.

Currently, we have an ADR at HBD for 7:35. I'm trying for earlier, but it may not happen. If it doesn't, does our current time leave us too late to be able to see the fireworks at 9:15? We don't need a "prime" spot, but I'm worried we'll come out of the restaurant to find all the viewing areas full and CMs ushering us towards the exit down the roped-off, "keep moving only" areas.

A related question - last summer, I watched the Frozen fireworks from the area to the right of the stage, just outside the HBD side entrance/exit near their bathrooms. Leaned against the iron railing next to a snack kiosk. It was a nice, relatively out of the way spot. Would I get the same kind of view of the SW fireworks?

 

[gzmtlock]

bump

 

[Micca]

Well, because no one else is responding, I'll give it a shot. I haven't seen any fireworks at DHS for many years, but even at 90 minutes, you're outta HBD a little after 9. I'd think if you aren't too picky about where to view the fireworks you could make it. By all means, show up for your ADR early, you might get lucky and get seated a bit early. You might also mention to your server that you're trying to get out in time for the fireworks, it's in their favor to turn the table as quickly as possible. If they know your goal, they might be cooperative.

Now someone can come along and tell us "there's no way!"

 

[minnie mum]

Well I'm not going to say there's no way, BUT... It might be very tight. First because it's not unusual to have a 15 minute wait for a table at dinner time. Second, HBD is a signature restaurant, and the normal pacing for a 3 course meal is easily 1.5-2 hours. But IF you are seated on time, and IF you only order one or 2 courses, and IF you tell your server you're in a hurry, then, yes you'll be out in time to see the fireworks.

Since they go off behind the Chinese Theatre, a spot near HBD will be a bit off center, but you should be OK around that area.

 

[schoen]

My only reservation would be that The Brown Derby is not the sort of restaurant that I would want to rush through.

 

[gzmtlock]

Thanks everyone for your help! I've decided to cancel the ADR; it seems to be adding too much stress to our trip!

I'll keep looking for another around 5:30-6. If we don't get it, we'll just eat at QS at the resort after our afternoon break that day, before heading to HS. We already have brunch at Tusker House late morning, so an early dinner might just be the ticket!

 

[hsmamato2]

do they make people leave if they aren't in a specific viewing space? Like, you can't see the fireworks from around the park in general?

 

[disBEAST]

You'd probably have to skip dessert.

 

[gzmtlock]

do they make people leave if they aren't in a specific viewing space? Like, you can't see the fireworks from around the park in general?

I'm struggling to describe what I meant by my comments above. If your chosen viewing area is open space but also is the major traffic way (pedestrian) from one place to another, the CMs put up parallel ropes. All people who want to be stationary (watch the fireworks) have to be "outside" the ropes; the pathway between the ropes is kept clear for people to get through the crowds to reach the park exit (or wherever they want to be). If the open area outside the restaurant is already filled to capacity, you would have to follow the temporary "pathway" to one exit point or another; they will not allow you to stop. That's what it was like when I went to the last night of the Frozen fireworks; the whole area in front of HBD was full of people, and no one was allowed to stop in the temporary pathways. There was no more room for people outside the ropes, so late arrivers from the back of the park had to keep walking towards the exit until they reached somewhere less crowded.

In our case, I'm sure we could see the Star Wars fireworks from many places within HS. But we want to hear the music (not available everywhere) and have a somewhat central viewing spot to get the full effects of the show. Otherwise, we could just leave the park entirely and see the fireworks only from any number of places.

I hope I was able to better explain myself!