Choose 2 please

[rentayenta]

Fireworks and WoC.

Add in F! to the others, not the otherway around.

I didn't read all the posts and skimmed a bunch and saw some good ideas.

Have you and all your's seen WoC and the Christmas Fireworks(Believe in Holiday Magic?

We have all seen them both. Of course me and my middle DD prefer the fireworks, DH and my oldest DD prefer WoC, and my son could care less.

What I would suggest is if it works see the early WoC get out of DCA quick by viewing from the back. Get into Disneyland and cut through Adventureland strait to the light tower to see F!. This strategy can work very simply and easily when you have 30-45 minutes to get from Paradise Park to the Rivers of America. This will let you double up two shows in one night.

How much wait time do you think that would entail for prime views of both?

While it's often suggested to see F! and stay there to watch the Fireworks I would not reccomend this. From ROA I'd give the fireworks a 6/10 because of the limited view. See them from the Hub or Mainstreet because a large part of the show is not high in the sky. It's on the Castle and between there and the Matterhorn, areas you can't see from ROA.

I've seen the fireworks from BTMRR and I agree, a 6/10 tops. I love the fireworks from the Hub but with the snow, it might be necessary to be in Main St.

I chose Fireworks and WOC.
We saw F! about two years ago and hated every bit of it. We thought it was just an absolute waste. We go about 3-4 times a year and just dont care for it.

Really? I haven't seen it in years; I wonder if that's why? I don't have a solid memory of it.

Fireworks are ALWAYS a must do for us at least one night....the otehr nights during fireworks we go on the big rides (less of a wait).
during F! We always catch pirates because there is usually NO wait!!!

Agree. Totally. Once I see the fireworks from the Hub then we susualy ride BTMRR a few times during them. It's so cool.

WOC: Now something to see every trip....if you have never seen it...I would highly reccomend it.

We've seen it in it's entirey twice, more if you count the times from our balcony at the GCV. Secretly I;m hoping for a killer view and we can watch the latest showing that way. It's not perfect but it's pretty darn fun to be in your pjs enjoying some cocoa and watching from the balcony.


[qote]We saw it once in the pooring rain in the VIP section and it was TERRRIBLE!!!!! We hated the whole experience.
Then we saw it playing from our hotel room and had another look so my mom and I got up to get passes in a regualr section (non vip) and LOVED it!!
Again...not something thats a must see every trip.

Have a magical trip! Best of luck on your decision![/QUOTE]



Thank you!

I would do WOC and fireworks because of the holiday theming. F! is the same old, same old...good but as of now, it doesn't have any holiday changes. WOC will most certainly have some holiday changes and the fireworks...well, I'm with the PP, the snow around the hub and Main Street...playing White Christmas.

See it's the potential holiday changes for the WoC that have me wondering. If it was sure to be the same, I'd probably skip it for F!

I would not leave fireworks to your last night, especially in December. You are flirting with fate to not be able to see them.

For sure. I've learned my lesson and it was heartbreaking.

Yes and yes. You actually don't go against traffic because they have the entire area flowing in one direction. So you can only enter the riverfront from one path and leave (aka enter Main Street) from the other. It is mofd an issue of being "cattle," with everyone else doing the exact same thing. With patience and a plan, you can get there though - and see the second Fantasmic! showing.

I've been known to wait 2+ hours so patience, when it comes to Disneyland, isn't an issue. Now the rest of life is another story.

If you are ALL the way over, yes. But if you are further forward and a little to the right, no.

Hmmm...that makes Carnation Gardens a viable option.

 

[skiingfast]

How much wait time do you think that would entail for prime views of both?

To see WoC then F!.

You would want the first WoC at 8:00pm. As always for WoC show up 15 minutes before the return time the Show Ticket states. Which will be about 75 minutes before the show. This is very standard to get a good WoC view along a rail.

When the show ends it will be about 8:20 if you can get out in front of the crowd you can be at RoA around 8:35. F! should start at 9pm. This is a semiconservative estimate knowing you have young children. And as a safety you can make it to the late show of F!.

But if you get into DL slowly you will be stuck going to the later F!. Not a big deal but unlikely you will walk down mainstreet with the FW croud coming back at you. In this case hop on the train and take it over to NoS.

How to get the F! spot so late, which I have seen on long hour days be empty 45 minutes before with the last spots filling up 20 minutes before. Read the descriptive advice in the link. This only works for the first show of the night. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2225094

Before you set plans like this, I would wait until you see the entertainment schedule before you set them in stone.

 

[rentayenta]

To see WoC then F!.

You would want the first WoC at 8:00pm. As always for WoC show up 15 minutes before the return time the Show Ticket states. Which will be about 75 minutes before the show. This is very standard to get a good WoC view along a rail.

When the show ends it will be about 8:20 if you can get out in front of the crowd you can be at RoA around 8:35. F! should start at 9pm. This is a semiconservative estimate knowing you have young children. And as a safety you can make it to the late show of F!.

But if you get into DL slowly you will be stuck going to the later F!. Not a big deal but unlikely you will walk down mainstreet with the FW croud coming back at you. In this case hop on the train and take it over to NoS.

How to get the F! spot so late, which I have seen on long hour days be empty 45 minutes before with the last spots filling up 20 minutes before. Read the descriptive advice in the link. This only works for the first show of the night. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2225094

Before you set plans like this, I would wait until you see the entertainment schedule before you set them in stone.

I wish they'd release it though I know better than to expect too much before October. I haven't plotted for F! in years. The fireworks I'm solid on. At this point WoC still seems to be grossly chaotic. Hoping for some pixiedust!


Is the F! dessert package worth it?

 

[DorkyDisneyMom]

You can't miss the fireworks. They are a must do for me too. I love them and they make me cry every time I see them with the snow. So follow Hydoguy's rule and see them the first night.

We did do F! the same night by using the DLRR. We did the second showing by taking the train and getting a spot at the railing. We were exhausted and my youngest fell asleep before the show started but it was just because of the jet lag. My DD loved F! and it was our only night to see it as it was only showing on the weekends. They have the new dragon that you haven't seen so maybe that will be a draw for you.

Catch WOC on a different night if you want.

Also have you ever seen the Christmas parade at night? I love that as well. I love how all the costumes sparkle under the lights. To me they are really beautiful and more magical in the dark.

 

[ludari]

For me WOC is absolutely amazing, with the music, water, lazers and fire. I'm an annual passholder and I try to get to DL and DCA everyother week and I always find time for WOC and Fireworks.

 

[Sherry E]

I definitely chose the fireworks because they're the specific holiday fireworks, and at the end of the show all the trees light up around the hub in 'icicles.' And, of course, then there is snow on Main Street and the lighting of the Castle and the giant tree on Main Street. It all kind of ties together, starting with the fireworks.

I also chose WoC...just in case they stick some sort of holiday segment into the show (I don't think it will be an all-holiday version, btu there may be a segment).

 

[rentayenta]

You can't miss the fireworks. They are a must do for me too. I love them and they make me cry every time I see them with the snow. So follow Hydoguy's rule and see them the first night.

I also cry everytime. And the last night walking down Main St? I am a blubbering mess.

We did do F! the same night by using the DLRR. We did the second showing by taking the train and getting a spot at the railing. We were exhausted and my youngest fell asleep before the show started but it was just because of the jet lag. My DD loved F! and it was our only night to see it as it was only showing on the weekends. They have the new dragon that you haven't seen so maybe that will be a draw for you.

I am excited to see F! My middle DD initally made the request. I am liking the train idea best thus far.

Also have you ever seen the Christmas parade at night? I love that as well. I love how all the costumes sparkle under the lights. To me they are really beautiful and more magical in the dark.

I haven't seen it at night but love it during the day. Now I need to add this to my list.

I also need to talk DH into a 4th day.

For me WOC is absolutely amazing, with the music, water, lazers and fire. I'm an annual passholder and I try to get to DL and DCA everyother week and I always find time for WOC and Fireworks.

I do enjoy WoC but hate the waiting protocol. I have seen it, aside from our balcony, without some sort of meal option. Is the FP thing a pain?

I definitely chose the fireworks because they're the specific holiday fireworks, and at the end of the show all the trees light up around the hub in 'icicles.' And, of course, then there is snow on Main Street and the lighting of the Castle and the giant tree on Main Street. It all kind of ties together, starting with the fireworks.

Fireworks are for sure!

I also chose WoC...just in case they stick some sort of holiday segment into the show (I don't think it will be an all-holiday version, btu there may be a segment).

That's what I was thinking. I'd like to see it if they add a holiday aspect but not sure if they don't.


I'm leaning towards fireworks and F! especially if WoC doesn;t add a holiday part.


And now the parade at night.


Hmmm....with 3 nights and 4 must-dos, I'm kind of screwed.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Okay, I realize I am not helping at all here, but if you have not seen the Christmas parade at night, you MUST. It's like an entirely different parade (well, not quite, but... lots of lights and beautiful!)

You know, maybe you should start explaining to DH that four is a very nice number!

- Dreams

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I chose fireworks and WOC...fireworks because I always have to see them at least once per trip and WOC because I have never seen it.

 

[skiingfast]

Okay, I realize I am not helping at all here, but if you have not seen the Christmas parade at night, you MUST. It's like an entirely different parade (well, not quite, but... lots of lights and beautiful!)

You know, maybe you should start explaining to DH that four is a very nice number!

- Dreams

I agree if there for the season you MUST.

It's time consuming but worth it to catch the Parade, Castle Lighting, Fireworks and Snow on Mainstreet. If you can find a good spot for the first three keeping it for a big part of your night, it is the only time of the year I'd suggest hanging onto concrete for so long .

 

[rentayenta]

Okay, I realize I am not helping at all here, but if you have not seen the Christmas parade at night, you MUST. It's like an entirely different parade (well, not quite, but... lots of lights and beautiful!)

You know, maybe you should start explaining to DH that four is a very nice number!

- Dreams

I've tried. He is a firefighter and has to be back to work Dec 2 so we could easily stay another day especially if we fly which we haven't decided.

I chose fireworks and WOC...fireworks because I always have to see them at least once per trip and WOC because I have never seen it.

WoC is amazing! You've got to see it on your next trip.

I agree if there for the season you MUST.

It's time consuming but worth it to catch the Parade, Castle Lighting, Fireworks and Snow on Mainstreet. If you can find a good spot for the first three keeping it for a big part of your night, it is the only time of the year I'd suggest hanging onto concrete for so long .

Is the parade at night and then fireworks follow?

 

[skiingfast]

I've tried. He is a firefighter and has to be back to work Dec 2 so we could easily stay another day especially if we fly which we haven't decided.

Is the parade at night and then fireworks follow?

Short answer is yes.

The parade runs twice, day and night. The day time run from Small World to the front of the park in the early afternoon. Though the night run is after dark I think it's at 5:30 or :45 so quite early, going from Town Square to the back of the park.

In between you can watch the castle lighting, it happens many times a night.

Fireworks will be much later, but because of the late parade more people stick to thier spots during this season.


Really need to see an official calendar to see how this would all work out.

Having an extra day would sure be nice. Driving could you get up early and do a late day in the parks when you arrive in Anaheim?

 

[Heymy]

Thanks for asking this as we are doing the same thing on the same dates. DH and I have been during the holiday season, but the DD's and my folks have not. So fireworks is our must. But after that we're torn. We did the F! seating last year, but not sure we want to fork out that much again (it was worth every penny!). I have a feeling we may just make the decision that morning.

 

[rentayenta]

Having an extra day would be perfect. Three seems like a tease even though we've been hundreds of times. There is just so much more to take in during the holidays. It's making me crazy.

I forgot about the parade running in opposite directions. i suppose I could sit early and snag a bench for both but I'd be sitting for hours. And alone.

Short answer is yes.

The parade runs twice, day and night. The day time run from Small World to the front of the park in the early afternoon. Though the night run is after dark I think it's at 5:30 or :45 so quite early, going from Town Square to the back of the park.

In between you can watch the castle lighting, it happens many times a night.

Fireworks will be much later, but because of the late parade more people stick to thier spots during this season.


Really need to see an official calendar to see how this would all work out.

Having an extra day would sure be nice. Driving could you get up early and do a late day in the parks when you arrive in Anaheim?

 

[rentayenta]

Thanks for asking this as we are doing the same thing on the same dates. DH and I have been during the holiday season, but the DD's and my folks have not. So fireworks is our must. But after that we're torn. We did the F! seating last year, but not sure we want to fork out that much again (it was worth every penny!). I have a feeling we may just make the decision that morning.

Deciding that morning sounds heavenly; I'm far too neurotic. I'm sure your family will love Disneyland during the holidays. It's the most magical!

 

[kmedina]

I love Fantasmic but do not like that it lacks dedicated seating. It is a time drain with uncomfortable seating. At WDW, we always get a dining package, so we can arrive 30-45 minutes before the show and get a seat. This is the one I would leave out if I had to choose. If time allowed, I would do it though. The show is different than the one at WDW and worth seeing at least once.

I always love fireworks too, and they seem extra special at Disney.

World of Color is my favorite show at any Disney Park. Call me a sap, but it brings tears to my eyes at times.

 

[rentayenta]

I love Fantasmic but do not like that it lacks dedicated seating. It is a time drain with uncomfortable seating. At WDW, we always get a dining package, so we can arrive 30-45 minutes before the show and get a seat. This is the one I would leave out if I had to choose. If time allowed, I would do it though. The show is different than the one at WDW and worth seeing at least once.

I always love fireworks too, and they seem extra special at Disney.

World of Color is my favorite show at any Disney Park. Call me a sap, but it brings tears to my eyes at times.

You sound like me; I hate the lack of seating at almost all of it. I tear up at everything from the fireworks to WoC to the last stroll down Main St. During our first visit to WDW, I got weepy when they sat us right by the fountain inside Tony's due to sheer happiness. I have so many found Disneyland memories surrounding my childhood and father. I still have to talk myself out of a Mickey balloon every time we go.

 

[njmeisje]

My first choice is Other -- because I just loved the Making Memories show in DL by Its a Small World. It brought me to tears. I felt like I was a kid again, at DL with my mom and dad.

2nd choice is Fantasmic. Its classic Disney

 

[rentayenta]

My first choice is Other -- because I just loved the Making Memories show in DL by Its a Small World. It brought me to tears. I felt like I was a kid again, at DL with my mom and dad.

2nd choice is Fantasmic. Its classic Disney

I haven't seen the Making Memories show. Is that one we all submitted photos for?

 

[njmeisje]

I'm not sure about submitted photos. I know a bunch of the photos were taken in the park that day. But it did include a bunch of older pics too...ie generations of Disney guests, and showed video of kids finding out they were going to DL (aka their reactions). Was funny, beautiful very touching. Made me cry. I just loved it. The face of the clock of Its a Small World comes alive....really lovely.