Could This Actually Work?

[3Gsandme]

the addition of the new night time shows at Disneyland have really put a kink in my plans. Of course I want to see them all. Initially, I had a 7:30 seating at BB for the Fantasmic! Package which I canceled yesterday.

Show times aren't announced yet and if they aren't what I'm assuming based on what's being shown a week earlier, I'll be scrambling again. However, this is my plan. Critiques? It's just dh and me, which makes it easier.

Grab and Go dinner from Aladdin's at 6:45. Take it to go and head for main street. I'm hoping to find a bench to eat at. We'll then stake out or spot for what I hope will be a 8:50 Paint the Night and a 9:30 Disneyland Forever. Following that, we'll head back to New Orleans square for a 10:45 fantasmic.

Will that work? Opinions?

 

[figment_jii]

At this point, no one has really had a chance to figure out how the new show schedule will impact crowds, traffic, etc. I do think this is going to be the most common schedule (8:50 pm Paint the Night, 9:30 pm Disneyland Forever, and 10:45 pm Fantasmic!) for those that aren't interested in seeing World of Color and don't mind potentially having an "okay" view of F!. At this point, F! viewing areas open about one hour prior to show time, so the first folks into the viewing area will be there from about 9:45 pm. I don't think that the folks watching the fireworks will be able to make it to the F! viewing area very quickly, so that's the only drawback I can see at this point.

 

[RemainSeatedPlease]

As you know it is all a guess at this point, but the fireworks are supposed to be a good show from nearly any location in the park, so I would say that whatever plan you go with, you may want to watch the fireworks from elsewhere in the park to avoid big crowds on Main Street. Maybe see the parade/fireworks near Small World, then head to NOS through Fantasyland? If you only have one day in the parks, then your plan sounds like it may work. If you have at least two days, then on one night I would do Paint the Night and the other night I would do F!, and would see the fireworks either night. If seeing the fireworks with F!, I would see the first showing of F! and then stay where you are for the fireworks. At least with the current schedule, this works very well and we actually ended up getting a better view of the fireworks than when we had staked out a spot on Main Street the night before.

 

[3Gsandme]

Sadly, just one day. I even considered getting a three day ticket just to have an extra night/chance at the shows, but my poor dh wouldn't be able to deal. He understands that he's on a strict "evening commando" program including eating lasagna from his lap. I am giving him the gift of a long break in the afternoon.

Main Street is a very double edged sword for me. On one hand, I know that the crowds will be the worst there, but I feel strongly the views (and pictures) will be the best. I'll see how the reviews of the show in different locations play out over the next few weeks.

 

[disneyfan95]

I just checked out your PTR. Are you guys going to LA on that Sunday before the Disney days? If so, how long will your visit be? If you're back from LA early you could always pay the extra $50 for a three day pass just for you and see the night shows on your own while DH relaxes back at the hotel.

My DH is not really a big Disney fan so sometimes he'll go to the ESPN restaurant in DTD and have dinner and watch sports or relax at the hotel while I'm off doing Disney solo.

 

[kangamama]

Grab and Go dinner from Aladdin's at 6:45. Take it to go and head for main street. I'm hoping to find a bench to eat at. We'll then stake out or spot for what I hope will be a 8:50 Paint the Night and a 9:30 Disneyland Forever. Following that, we'll head back to New Orleans square for a 10:45 fantasmic.

Will that work? Opinions?

This is exactly what I'm doing for the debut on May 22. Picking up from Aladdin a little earlier, and taking it to Main Street to stake out a spot, then dash over to NOS after parade and fireworks. I have a feeling a lot of people will be doing something similar, but it is the only way I can think to do without input from anyone who has experienced the new shows.

 

[3Gsandme]

Please let me know how this works for you @kangamama I'm guessing you will be experiencing similar crowds to me, as well.

 

[Dopey1980]

I'm planning a similar plan. Are you hoping to fastpass the second fantasmic or just wing it? I would like to fastpass it but I'm a little stressed about figuring out what time to go to the fastpass machine to make sure I get the second show and not the first show.

 

[kangamama]

Please let me know how this works for you @kangamama I'm guessing you will be experiencing similar crowds to me, as well.

My guess is that many of us who attend the 24 hour event will be reporting back to you guy. Think of us as going in on the front line!

 

[3Gsandme]

I'm planning a similar plan. Are you hoping to fastpass the second fantasmic or just wing it? I would like to fastpass it but I'm a little stressed about figuring out what time to go to the fastpass machine to make sure I get the second show and not the first show.

That's why I went with the Aladdin's Oasis Fantasmic package. I picked a late dining time (6:45) and will get a FP for the second show. I only have one day at each park so this is my shot. I decided it was worth paying a little extra for dinner to not have to stalk the FP machine to make sure I got a FP for the second show. I really debated because there is an 11:00 showing of Paint the Night that could divert some traffic from Fantasmic, but I opted not to risk it.

 

[3Gsandme]

My guess is that many of us who attend the 24 hour event will be reporting back to you guy. Think of us as going in on the front line!

I'm actually thinking your crowds will be worse than mine, so if it works for you it should work for me. Good luck!

 

[kangamama]

I'll report back!

 

[CassieF]

Just so you are aware, Aladdin grab and go only gets a regular fast pass, same as you would get the machine. ,if the food sounds good to you and you need to eat anyway, great go for it, take the stress out of having to plan to return to the machines, but it's something else up you'll see you food wise, go with that and just plan on stopping by for a fast pass early afternoon or so

 

[RKKUNK]

Does anyone know how the viewing area is with the Aladdin Grab and Go boxes?

 

[CassieF]

You are given either a blue or yellow fast pass, same as if you were to get one from the machines. There is no special viewing area

 

[3Gsandme]

Just so you are aware, Aladdin grab and go only gets a regular fast pass, same as you would get the machine. ,if the food sounds good to you and you need to eat anyway, great go for it, take the stress out of having to plan to return to the machines, but it's something else up you'll see you food wise, go with that and just plan on stopping by for a fast pass early afternoon or so

I've really struggled with this part of my plan. My main concern is timing my return to the FP machines in such a way to get a second showing FP without having to keep scooting by there. I only have from 7a-1p to ride rides and I don't want to blow a lot of time. I know there's no real advantage to the Grab and Go dinner from Aladdin's from a FP perspective, I'm just seeing it as a time saver for a for sure late showing of Fantasmic.

 

[CassieF]

If you think about the stress it removed by having the fast pass then it totally worth it. No need to stress and worry on your vacation!

 

[3Gsandme]

I'm willing to pay to reduce stress. Always.