Do you prefer projections or fireworks?

[MaryKM]

I confess, I am a total nut for a fireworks show. I honestly think Wishes was in the top 3 reasons why I explored DVC; I had never seen a fireworks show like that before!
I was just reading about the upcoming "Wonderful World of Animation" show at HS and got to thinking that projections surely seem to be the next wave of night time entertainment at WDW. HEA is much more reliant upon projections than Wishes was. It seems the new Halloween nighttime spectacular has more projections than Hallowishes, at least from the recent write up. And, the new shows at Epcot and AK seem to be embracing more projections, too. I wonder if this because of the cost, or just because they want to keep their night time shows progressive. (We always wondered aloud how in the world they could afford all those fireworks, night after night! Projections are probably a smart budget move.)
Personally, I'll miss the over the top fireworks. It's such a spectacular sight - it takes my breath away! The projections and lights are amazing, too, don't get me wrong. It's just that the montage is something I need to focus on more and try to piece together, whereas the fireworks were more up front breathtaking.

Just curious: What do others think of the move toward projections? Do you prefer them? Do you like the mix of pyrotechnics and projections? Are you a fireworks nerd like me?

Edited to add: Sorry that I put this on the Theme Parks Strategies board; I didn't realize this was a better place for it. I have never visited this board before! So... Hello!

 

[Summer2018]

Fireworks all the way.

I don’t think there’s anything remarkable about projections.

 

[jo-jo]

I love fireworks, but the bigger difference is you can see fireworks from many spots. To see projections, you have to be within a certain area.

 

[MrKnight]

Fireworks hands down! The projections are fine as a complement to a firework show but IMO nothing can replace the excitement of live fireworks and pyro!

 

[MaryKM]

I love fireworks, but the bigger difference is you can see fireworks from many spots. To see projections, you have to be within a certain area.

Totally! I meant to put this in my original post and got sidetracked. The projections bring everyone into one big crush of humanity, and really - you have to be close to see them, whereas guests can watch the fireworks displays from different locations.

 

[eco-muse]

Fireworks, no contest. The projections are distracting and if you're too far away, you can't even tell what they are, anyway.

 

[Captainkidd76]

Fireworks. I hate the projections on the castle.

 

[gharter]

i love the projections as an addition to the fireworks, not a replacement.

 

[Future_WorldPhonencian]

I love both, but as others have said... the projection shows can cause a logjam at MK... not so much currently at DHS... I love how they enhance each other... the AK projection only show (rivers of light) falls flat for me but on the other hand i cant get enough of the tree of life projections... they are a must see for my family as is illuminations ( the last non projection fireworks show)

I disagree that disney is cheaping out... HEA uses just as much pyro as wishes but the coordination with the projections creates the illusion of it being all right next to the castle... also the high powered projectors aint cheap either and they use many of them.

The solution may be to have other nighttime draws around the parks! bring back a night parade and create alternative vantage points for the projections maybe the backside of the mk castle. Right now you have to choose between two night shows in DHS and it spreads out the crowds well.

 

[North of Mouse]

Not an either/or, it takes both for us. We love HEA directly in front of castle - no other spot will do.
When it's part of the show - or 'the' show - we want the full effects.

 

[klmall]

I love both for different reasons. The fireworks symbolize tradition and history for me while the projections give a different view of things we see during the day.