Electric Light Parade & Fantasmic - same evening?

[asburyjukes]

Hi - I just joined the board yesterday and have been enjoying all of the information I've found so far.

I am a veteran of WDW, but have only been to DL twice (once when I was 7 - which was, oh, a few years ago!). I am headed to DL in June and was hoping you guys could help me with some suggestions. I'm sure I'll have more as the time gets closer, but for now I'll start with this one.

Unfortunately, our plans only have us there for 2 days - a Thurs & a Fri. Is it possible on Fri to do the 8:45 parade at DCA and then the 10:30 Fantasmic at DL? I will have seen the fireworks on Thurs night so I won't be concerned about a spot for those. It looks like it's possible based on the times, but you never know...

I am working at trying to get us an extra day for Sat, but that's undetermined at this point. It would be very helpful for both park touring (I'm concerned about seeing everything I want in 2 days) and for the parade/Fantasmic issue. I need to make plans based on not having Sat for now.

Also, any parade/fireworks viewing tips?

Thanks for any help.
Deb

 

[dletz]

yes it is possible to get from the 8:45 parade to the 10:30 fantasmic. You've got a couple of options, you can try for a spot near the start of the parade (though you'll need to get there early as this is the most crowded area). Then when the parade is over head over to DL, and either hop on the train or walk over towards Haunted mansion. Then when the first fantasmic is over you can get a spot after the first one ends. This is also a pretty good spot to watch the fireworks from. You won't see any castle fireworks, but all other should be fine from here. We've seen them there a lot of times.

The other option is to go farther on in the parade route. I like the last quarter. Much less crowded, you don't have people on top of you, and people and kids pushing their way to the front. You will still make it to Fantasmic on time, but you may not make it to the area before the fireworks start. The train may be a good way to get over there. When the first fantasmic is over they do not let anyone into the area until they've got it cleared out. You either need to be over there before the end or wait until after the area gets cleared out a bit. No problems taking the train over.

Fantasmic at DL is different than WDW. There is no stadium. You sit on the ground or stand. There are different tiers, and the lowest one closest to the water is sitting only. No standing, you must sit on the ground. There are also reserved veiwing areas with a dessert buffet. People start waiting before 5pm for a 9pm show, it gets crowded. However there are 3 waters screens, and though most people think they must sit in the center, you can see from most areas around. I have never waited more than 15 minutes to watch this show, and still been able to see everything.

For fireworks viewing, if you want to see any castle effects you should be in front of the castle. Though people think the best spot is right in front between castle and hub (and this area gets crowded), the fireworks shows are actually created with viewing from between the train station and halfway up to the hub on mainstreet.

We like to watch from between small world and matterhorn, though we're AP holders and go alot, so we don't mind if we see the castle parts every time.

As mentioned earlier, center area waiting for fantasmic is also another great place to watch them.

Donna

 

[asburyjukes]

Thanks for all of the great information Donna!

Deb

 

[tawasdave]

..Thanks from me too...great info..we will be there in June...