Dining packages/multipass for nighttime shows and parades - to do or not to do?

[HHMcG]

Can make dining reservations next week. We are first timers (WDW regulars) and I am confused on the viewing for nighttime shows and parades. I'm used to WDW where we are in an arena or the hub with lots of space for everyone to pack in and view. I just can't visualize the viewing for Fantasmic!, WOC, and the fireworks and parades.

Viewing theses are a priority for me (DH and our 3 teens will want to see them also but not their top priority.) What is my best strategy?

We have 3-day park hopers with multi-pass. We are on the taller side so don't need front row. I don't want to waste alot of time at sit down meals but am willing to do dining packages if it is the best way.

TIA!

 

[LKing]

Fantasmic - There is no arena at Disneyland. Dining package seating is on the ground at the waterfront. I'm at work so can't upload photos, but there are plenty of videos on YouTube and lots of pictures in the Fantasmic Super Thread. There is one premium package that lets you sit at a table and chair for Fantasmic. While it is comfortable, the view is obscured compared to the waterfront dining package seating. Because there is very limited seating for the premium package, it sells out quickly. @crystal1313 video covers the pros and cons of premium seating.

Fireworks - Disneyland's Main Street, hub, and castle (Sleeping Beauty's, not Cinderella's) are much smaller than WDW. Fireworks with projections can be viewed on Main Street, Small World and Rivers of America. In SWGE, you can watch Fire of the Rising Moon which is the same fireworks show with a SW theme.

WOC doesn't have an arena either. Viewing is from Paradise Gardens Park. There is a thread about WOC dessert party seating with a lot of pictures. This post, is taken from the dessert party seats. The round area that is vacant in front is where the dining package guests stand (not sit). The area in front where you see people standing is VQ or standby. If you scroll through the thread, you will see more pictures of views from the back where the dessert package sits.

Paint The Night is at 8:45 pm and 10:45 pm (8:50 and 11 pm starting on June 9). The early show starts at Small World and ends at Main Street. The second show goes in the opposite direction. Guests are not allowed to claim seats more than two hours before the first parade begins. It is a 20 min parade along a 20 min parade route. That means that the first parade finishes at the end of Main Street 5-10 min before fireworks begin.

This post in the 70th thread has a timeline for the different entertainment at the parks. What is your best strategy? If you want guaranteed seats without the hassle of staking out a spot early, I would do WOC dessert party, either the Paint the Night dining package or 70th Celebration Tour, and a Fantasmic dining package. For Fantasmic, Rancho del Zocalo is the fastest meal. Both River Belle Terrace and Cafe Orleans are table service.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I would do the packages if viewing all of these is important. For Fantasmic, you will sit on the ground for the show. Check the menus far ahead of time to determine which restaurant you want for that. The viewing areas are slightly different, but none really better by much. So, focus on the menu.

WOC has a dessert party which is nice because you get to sit in a chair after a very long day of standing. If you don't care about that you can get a pass for a preferred viewing area.

The parades are viewable, especially the second ones, without a dining reservation. If you want to see the earlier one, the dining package might be worth it.

 

[Pluto468]

I agree that it's a good idea to get packages if these events are important to you. There aren't many stand-by choices unless you want to wait for the second viewings, but even those can be crowded depending on the night.

 

[Tinkaboo]

Agreed...as first timers, you should definitely do Fantasmic dining package and WOC Dessert Party for optimal viewing. By viewing 2nd showing of PTN, youcan probably find a good viewing place, especially near Small World.

 

[maleficent55]

This all all just my opinion…


Fantasmic: you want a dining package for this because otherwise you’ll have to stake out a spot housing advance and it’s taking too much precious park time
I’ve don’t the premium package at River Belle. It’s great for a real table and chairs but the view is sub par
Rather get a dining package to sit on the ground, the view is great from any of them!

WOC: I've done the dessert party 3 times and I’m about to do it again next month
Having a seat at the end of the night WITH a great view is priceless
And who doesn’t love to be served sweets and drinks during a show?!?
Have done a regular WOC dining package too. It’s nice and close but sitting is bkiss

Any parade: easy to find a spot along the way and the dining packages don’t have food guests are crazy about and the viewing areas are not what guests would choose. Less the food and more that the spots don’t seem amazing in any way…

I’ll give some pic examples below of the view from the Blue Bayou Fantasmic area (now cafe Orleans is the participating Resturant for this area); view from the WOC dessert party; view from a random spot found for the Christmas parade and the not running currently) electric parade both spots found last minute with no package

 

[gatordoc]

Not to hijack this thread, but we’re also WDW vets headed to DL this year. We’re specifically excited about seeing Fantasmic, but due to back issues I am unable to sit on the ground for more than a few minutes at a time. I’m fine standing, but it sounds like the reserved areas require you to sit down. So are there good places to stand, or should we try to book the premium package at River Belle (I can sit in a chair for an extended period)?

 

[cruisehopeful]

Not to hijack this thread, but we’re also WDW vets headed to DL this year. We’re specifically excited about seeing Fantasmic, but due to back issues I am unable to sit on the ground for more than a few minutes at a time. I’m fine standing, but it sounds like the reserved areas require you to sit down. So are there good places to stand, or should we try to book the premium package at River Belle (I can sit in a chair for an extended period)?

I'd do the premium Riverbell.
I haven't seen the show since last summer, but they were telling people who couldn't sit on the ground to stand in the back of the roped off area. They weren't exactly nice about it so I'm not sure if they always allow that. If you can sit in a chair at Riverbell, I'd do that with the caveat that it's actually not a great view.

 

[LKing]

@gatordoc below is a map with a basic layout of the Fantasmic Dining Packages. Fantasmic is a 27 min show. Guests can stand as they wait for the show but need to sit for the 27 minutes that the show is running.

Fantasmic occurs on Tom Sawyers Island and the Rivers of America. Below is a map.

• The blue section indicates roughly where the three dining packages sit. Rancho del Zocalo sits closest to Harbour Galley, Cafe Orleans sits in the middle, and River Belle Terrace sits closest to the RB restaurant.
• The navy blue lines on the water roughly indicate where the water screens are located
• River Bell Terrace Premium is circled in orange.
• VIP reserved seating is the red section.
• The teal circle is a very small patio with tables and chairs. It is available first come, first served for dining package guests who, for some reason, need a seat. I don't know how they determine who can sit there. If it something you are interested in, I would arrive early and claim a table. When CM arrive to set up for Fantasmic, tell them your circumstances and ask if you can sit there. You must have a dining package ticket in order to sit there.

Dining package guests using ECVs park in the back of each section. Supposedly if guests need to stand, they can stand next to the ECVs. In the map above, you can see that there is a bridge next to Pirates of the Caribbean. The following picture was taken from that bridge. The roped off area below is the dining package seating. You can see that two ECVs are parked in the back of the section (underlined in blue). If they allow guests to stand, it would be in the back row next to the ECVs.

 

[Kevin1281]

Can make dining reservations next week. We are first timers (WDW regulars) and I am confused on the viewing for nighttime shows and parades. I'm used to WDW where we are in an arena or the hub with lots of space for everyone to pack in and view. I just can't visualize the viewing for Fantasmic!, WOC, and the fireworks and parades.

Viewing theses are a priority for me (DH and our 3 teens will want to see them also but not their top priority.) What is my best strategy?

We have 3-day park hopers with multi-pass. We are on the taller side so don't need front row. I don't want to waste alot of time at sit down meals but am willing to do dining packages if it is the best way.

TIA!

We are in a similar situation. This will be our first visit. We are definitely interested in trying to see all of the nighttime entertainment, but we don't want to be tied down to, or pay for, dining packages or dessert parties.

 

[LKing]

We are in a similar situation. This will be our first visit. We are definitely interested in trying to see all of the nighttime entertainment, but we don't want to be tied down to, or pay for, dining packages or dessert parties.

How many nights will you be there? Will you have park hoppers? Can you list your priorities with respect to nighttime entertainment?

This is what the schedule looks like after 8 pm.

8:45 pm Paint The Night - Small World -> Town Square (8:50 beginning June 9)
9:05 pm Fantasmic!
9:00 pm World of Color Happiness! (DCA)
9:30 pm Stitch's Interplanetary Beach Party Blast (Tomorrowland Terrace)
9:35 pm Wondrous Journeys Fireworks
9:35 pm Fire of the Rising Moon (SWGE)
10:00 pm Tapestry of Happiness (Small World)
10:15 pm Shadows of Memory (SWGE)
10:15 pm World of Color Happiness! (DCA)
10:15 pm Tapestry of Happiness (Small World)
10:30 pm Fantasmic!
10:30 pm Tapestry of Happiness (Small World)
10:45 pm Paint the Night - Town Square -> Small World (11 pm beginning June 9)

If you watch PTN from Small World, you can watch Wondrous Journeys and Tapestry of Happiness from the same location - no dining package needed
If you watch the first Fantasmic show, you can watch Wondrous Journeys from the same location. Since they pushed back the second PTN, you can likely leave ROA after fireworks (approx 9:50 pm) and watch the second PTN on the same night. Dining package recommended for Fantasmic.
If you watch Fire of the Rising Moon and shadows of Memory in SWGE, you can likely make it to view second Fantasmic or second PTN afterwards - dining package recommended for Fantasmic.
If you watch the first World of Color (VQ recommended) in DCA, you can likely park hop into DL for the second PTN.

 

[Gocanes0506]

How many nights will you be there? Will you have park hoppers? Can you list your priorities with respect to nighttime entertainment?

This is what the schedule looks like after 8 pm.

8:45 pm Paint The Night - Small World -> Town Square (8:50 beginning June 9)
9:05 pm Fantasmic!
9:00 pm World of Color Happiness! (DCA)
9:30 pm Stitch's Interplanetary Beach Party Blast (Tomorrowland Terrace)
9:35 pm Wondrous Journeys Fireworks
9:35 pm Fire of the Rising Moon (SWGE)
10:00 pm Tapestry of Happiness (Small World)
10:15 pm Shadows of Memory (SWGE)
10:15 pm World of Color Happiness! (DCA)
10:15 pm Tapestry of Happiness (Small World)
10:30 pm Fantasmic!
10:30 pm Tapestry of Happiness (Small World)
10:45 pm Paint the Night - Town Square -> Small World (11 pm beginning June 9)

If you watch PTN from Small World, you can watch Wondrous Journeys and Tapestry of Happiness from the same location - no dining package needed
If you watch the first Fantasmic show, you can watch Wondrous Journeys from the same location. Since they pushed back the second PTN, you can likely leave ROA after fireworks (approx 9:50 pm) and watch the second PTN on the same night. Dining package recommended for Fantasmic.
If you watch Fire of the Rising Moon and shadows of Memory in SWGE, you can likely make it to view second Fantasmic or second PTN afterwards - dining package recommended for Fantasmic.
If you watch the first World of Color (VQ recommended) in DCA, you can likely park hop into DL for the second PTN.

Are the projections for the Wondrous Journeys shown on both sides of the castle? Im trying to figure out how you can see all of that from Small World, based on its location

 

[Bad Pink Tink 2.0]

Are the projections for the Wondrous Journeys shown on both sides of the castle?

No

Im trying to figure out how you can see all of that from Small World, based on its location

They use Small World building facade for the fireworks projections.

 

[LKing]

Are the projections for the Wondrous Journeys shown on both sides of the castle? Im trying to figure out how you can see all of that from Small World, based on its location

Fantasyland is closed during fireworks.

examples of projections on Main Street.


example of projections on Small World


For both SWGE and Small World, you will not see the blue fairy or Baymax flying over the castle. If you want to see what the fireworks over Small World look like, this is a good video:

 

[Kevin1281]

How many nights will you be there? Will you have park hoppers? Can you list your priorities with respect to nighttime entertainment?

This is what the schedule looks like after 8 pm.

8:45 pm Paint The Night - Small World -> Town Square (8:50 beginning June 9)
9:05 pm Fantasmic!
9:00 pm World of Color Happiness! (DCA)
9:30 pm Stitch's Interplanetary Beach Party Blast (Tomorrowland Terrace)
9:35 pm Wondrous Journeys Fireworks
9:35 pm Fire of the Rising Moon (SWGE)
10:00 pm Tapestry of Happiness (Small World)
10:15 pm Shadows of Memory (SWGE)
10:15 pm World of Color Happiness! (DCA)
10:15 pm Tapestry of Happiness (Small World)
10:30 pm Fantasmic!
10:30 pm Tapestry of Happiness (Small World)
10:45 pm Paint the Night - Town Square -> Small World (11 pm beginning June 9)

If you watch PTN from Small World, you can watch Wondrous Journeys and Tapestry of Happiness from the same location - no dining package needed
If you watch the first Fantasmic show, you can watch Wondrous Journeys from the same location. Since they pushed back the second PTN, you can likely leave ROA after fireworks (approx 9:50 pm) and watch the second PTN on the same night. Dining package recommended for Fantasmic.
If you watch Fire of the Rising Moon and shadows of Memory in SWGE, you can likely make it to view second Fantasmic or second PTN afterwards - dining package recommended for Fantasmic.
If you watch the first World of Color (VQ recommended) in DCA, you can likely park hop into DL for the second PTN.

We will be there for (3) nights.

Yes, we will have park hoppers.

Nighttime entertainment priorities? Good question. Having never been before, I'm trying to figure that out. What would be your recommendations?

 

[LKing]

We will be there for (3) nights.

Nighttime entertainment priorities? Good question. Having never been before, I'm trying to figure that out. What would be your recommendations?

The biggest (and most popular) productions are:
1. Paint the Night
2. Fantasmic
3. World of Color

Wondrous Journeys is a great fireworks show. Depending on when you will be visiting, you might have Halloween or holiday fireworks instead. As I mentioned above, you can likely watch fireworks from where you watch Paint the Night or Fantasmic.

 

[gatordoc]

Thank you cruisehopeful and LKing (fabulous map!) - your responses are very helpful. I think we are going to try to book the River Belle premium, but it’s nice to know the options if we can’t get it.

 

[Kevin1281]

The biggest (and most popular) productions are:
1. Paint the Night
2. Fantasmic
3. World of Color

Wondrous Journeys is a great fireworks show. Depending on when you will be visiting, you might have Halloween or holiday fireworks instead. As I mentioned above, you can likely watch fireworks from where you watch Paint the Night or Fantasmic.

Thanks. I greatly appreciate it.