Ep then fireworks?

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

I know its doable... but how doable? We will only get fireworks and F! on Sat & Sun of our stay... and plan on doing F! on Sun with the reserved seating. We did this in oct... and loved it, but I *think* I want to see the fireworks from the hub this time.

So... we get in on sat, and plan on spending the day at DCA (my mom has never been there, and has never seen DL fireworks either--this is a girl's only trip, mom, me, and 4 yo princess.) Ariel's for dinner at 6, couple more rides, then EP at 8:45... then the plan was to go to bed... cause we will have gotten up at 4 am for the flight to DL (yes we are planning on a 2-3 hr nap in the afternoon.)

So, now I think I want to do EP then get over to a spot to watch the fireworks, then we can be back at the GHC and probably asleep shortly after 10.

Where should we watch EP from to see it earlier in the route, and be able to head over to DL and find a place to watch the fireworks a little sooner...

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

--Lisa

 

[bumbershoot]

Watch the EP from where it starts, which is back near Jumpin' Jellyfish.

Enjoy the parade, have fun dancing to the fun music, and as soon as the last float goes by, walk briskly along the side path, turn left at the Golden Dreams building, go left around Grizzly River Run, go past Soarin', and out the gates. If you've walked briskly (but not dangerously at all) you'll beat quite a lot of the parade to the end of its path.

Out the gates, into Disneyland, and...well, that's where my helpful post stops. I didn't walk briskly enough, followed the EP slowly until Golden Dreams (I love the DEP), and then when I got down to the hub area of DL I met the infamous and famous cast member Maynard, said hi, and got about 20 minutes of entertainment. So I just watched the fireworks from where I was, which was from behind some trees, and the only thing that made that Ok was that it was January so the trees were bare.

Therefore, others can jump in and help you figure out where to watch the fireworks from, when doing the DEP first.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Yep, it's possible. We've seen the EP and then went over and got great seats for the second showing of Fantasmic! So it's quite doable, bumbershoot's way is exactly what we did too!

 

[lulubelle]

I honestly think it is very difficult to do both in one night and truly enjoy both experiences. Unless you are a teen who loves running over and plopping down "where ever", I think what happened to Molly will likely happen to you. Of course I have watched the fireworks from the area between DL and DCA a few times and other than barely being able to hear the music, the view is not bad. Good luck deciding and have a magical trip.

 

[Bread&Butterflies]

Oh it is SO doable if you are focused!
We did it last week following DangerMouse's Trifecta Tips.
And other HydroGuy Tips and other tips as well from experienced Dis'ers... it all came together.

The older kids actually saw EP, FireWorks (rode Pirates) then saw F! on our 1st night. The toddler and I stopped after the fireworks,
hit the teacups and then back to the hotel to sleep for MM the next day.

Have fun. We set up near where the parade starts(near Pizza mow wow- or whattever it's called... lol) at about 8:25pm. near the path
that was our "escape route". As soon as we saw the
Tribute to America float we packed up and beat the parade &
crowd out of the park. (using the route mentioned above - thanks! )
We really had to move. Once back in DL ; walk the way they direct the crowd traffic (counterclockwise) around & up the right side of Main ST
and then when you get to the top of the hub,
go left in front of the castle towards Adventureland
and there was a break in the rope to get into the crowd right up front!
It was close getting there but we got
a GREAT spot for fireworks in the hub about 4 minutes before the they started. . Important thing is never stop (except to get back into DL at the entrance)
and walk REALLY fast with a plan.
You can DO IT!

 

[hlbtimes2]

Personally, I wouldnt risk it. I would watch the 2nd show of F!, after enjoying the fireworks. You'll be more relaxed, rather then rushed and at the risk of missing the fireworks.

 

[tink2dw]

But they only have 2 days to see it all 3. And they have Magic Morning the next morning so they need to be at the DL gates extra early!!

But I get your point, Commando with kiddo's is harder, to do.

If you get to the hub and can't cross to the Adventureland side, Continue onto The Plaza Inn to where it starts to curve towards Tomorrowland. Stop and go to the curb and grab a seat. You will be where you can see Tink and the Castle and be in the least crowded area. This is the last area the CM's close.

 

[kcbedo]

Oh it is SO doable if you are focused!
We did it last week following DangerMouse's Trifecta Tips.
And other HydroGuy Tips and other tips as well from experienced Dis'ers... it all came together.

The older kids actually saw EP, FireWorks (rode Pirates) then saw F! on our 1st night. The toddler and I stopped after the fireworks,
hit the teacups and then back to the hotel to sleep for MM the next day.

How did it go with the toddler, were you using the Disney strollers? We are going with two 4.5 year olds in a few weeks, and I'm wondering if the strollers would be the quickest way, or if we should just carry them, because of the crowds.

 

[DangerMouse]

Each time I do the trifecta or any portion thereof ( ), I depend on the stroller for my youngest. It really helps keep us moving.

 

[kcbedo]

Each time I do the trifecta or any portion thereof ( ), I depend on the stroller for my youngest. It really helps keep us moving.

Cool. I was just worried that it may be too difficult to get through the gates and crowds, but it sounds like that's the way to go. Thanks!

 

[Gymfan15]

Watch the EP from where it starts, which is back near Jumpin' Jellyfish.

Enjoy the parade, have fun dancing to the fun music, and as soon as the last float goes by, walk briskly along the side path, turn left at the Golden Dreams building, go left around Grizzly River Run, go past Soarin', and out the gates. If you've walked briskly (but not dangerously at all) you'll beat quite a lot of the parade to the end of its path.

Out the gates, into Disneyland, and...well, that's where my helpful post stops. I didn't walk briskly enough, followed the EP slowly until Golden Dreams (I love the DEP), and then when I got down to the hub area of DL I met the infamous and famous cast member Maynard, said hi, and got about 20 minutes of entertainment. So I just watched the fireworks from where I was, which was from behind some trees, and the only thing that made that Ok was that it was January so the trees were bare.

Therefore, others can jump in and help you figure out where to watch the fireworks from, when doing the DEP first.

Wow, that sounds like good advice. I'm going on May 16th and my (very pregnant) mom and I are going to try and do the EP and F! on the same day...it's imperative we get to the last showing of F! early because since she'll be 7 months pregnant, she has to have a seat. Fireworks aren't as important, although I'd love to see those as well, of course.

I was thinking about sitting closest to the entrance so we could be the first people out when the parade is finished and/or getting her a wheelchair so we could have a guaranteed seat no matter what, but this sounds like a viable alternative...I'll talk to her about it.

Thank you!

 

[DangerMouse]

Watch the EP from where it starts, which is back near Jumpin' Jellyfish.

Enjoy the parade, have fun dancing to the fun music, and as soon as the last float goes by, walk briskly along the side path, turn left at the Golden Dreams building, go left around Grizzly River Run, go past Soarin', and out the gates. If you've walked briskly (but not dangerously at all) you'll beat quite a lot of the parade to the end of its path.

Out the gates, into Disneyland, and...well, that's where my helpful post stops. I didn't walk briskly enough, followed the EP slowly until Golden Dreams (I love the DEP), and then when I got down to the hub area of DL I met the infamous and famous cast member Maynard, said hi, and got about 20 minutes of entertainment. So I just watched the fireworks from where I was, which was from behind some trees, and the only thing that made that Ok was that it was January so the trees were bare.

Therefore, others can jump in and help you figure out where to watch the fireworks from, when doing the DEP first.

Molly, I'd only make one change to your plan and that is that you turn right at the water wheel and take the back path behind GRR, that will save you even more time than if you go by the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area and past GRR.

Here's a link to my Trifecta Tips if anyone needs a refresher:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22784289&postcount=8

 

[Mommy2PrincessAbby]

Wow! thank you guys... we will be using our own small umbrella stroller, so it'll be easy to manuever through crowds... I think we're going to go for it...

Now I just need to print this whole thread and put everything in order in my spreadsheet!

My mom is gonna think I am nuts... but dd will love every moment of it!

--Lisa

 

[bumbershoot]

Molly, I'd only make one change to your plan and that is that you turn right at the water wheel and take the back path behind GRR, that will save you even more time than if you go by the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area and past GRR.

Here's a link to my Trifecta Tips if anyone needs a refresher:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22784289&postcount=8

Interesting. While wandering around the next day, I went along that path, and found it to be very long! I couldn't imagine going along that route if in a hurry.

Then again, remember, I went in late Jan and it wasn't busy, so I suppose going at a busier time you're running into crowds that slow you down more than turning right.


Since I meandered, slowly, behind the EP, I figure that took 10 extra minutes just getting out of DCA. Then I spent 20 minutes just chatting with Maynard, after getting to the hub. So that's 30 minutes totally wasted, that caused me to just watch the fireworks from wherever.

If you're not wasting those 30 minutes (though to me the chatting with Maynard and even the walking behind the EP wasn't wasted, it was wonderful!) you'd be much further ahead than I was!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Our son was little and in a stroller when we did it (gee that was years ago, he's gonna be 10 next month! Waaaa!!). It was pretty easy still, rushed, but we found it worth it.

 

[Bread&Butterflies]

Here's a link to my Trifecta Tips if anyone needs a refresher:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=22784289&postcount=8

I DangerMouse's Trifecta Tips! These need to be a STICKY!!!!!

If it weren't for these, I would never have seen so much in one night, which ultimately helped the rest of our trip so we could focus on rides the other nights. It was a fun to feel so knowledgeable and get it all done... lol I felt like DangerMouse was right on my shoulder whispering in my ear telling me what to do and where to go

My toddler did great! We used our stroller from home and also had a picnic blanket in the basket to use for the EP. It helped to save enough room for all of us without anyone encroaching on our spot. It also was EXTREMELY helpful to scope out our EP spot & escape route while enjoying CA earlier in the daylight, so when 8:25 came around we knew EXACTLY where we were headed.

AGAIN have fun and go for it!

 

[BillyFan]

I felt like DangerMouse was right on my shoulder whispering in my ear telling me what to do and where to go

Use the trifecta force, Luke.........

 

[Bread&Butterflies]

Use the trifecta force, Luke.........

 

[MommyWithDreams]

I'm another one that loved DM's Trifecta tips! It was a huge success for us earlier this month. We sat right by Golden Dreams for DEP....headed out with a quick pace and made it down mainstreet which of course was roped off but had one way traffic moving nicely. I seriously applaud CM's for getting that under control, it can't be easy. We were able to sweep right up behind the control booth for the 2nd showing of Fantasmic. Even got a ride in on Pirates while some of our group held our seats by the booth. DM...you were a lifesaver that night and we were able to make the very most of our last night there! THANK YOU!

 

[DangerMouse]

I'm another one that loved DM's Trifecta tips! It was a huge success for us earlier this month. We sat right by Golden Dreams for DEP....headed out with a quick pace and made it down mainstreet which of course was roped off but had one way traffic moving nicely. I seriously applaud CM's for getting that under control, it can't be easy. We were able to sweep right up behind the control booth for the 2nd showing of Fantasmic. Even got a ride in on Pirates while some of our group held our seats by the booth. DM...you were a lifesaver that night and we were able to make the very most of our last night there! THANK YOU!

Awwww, I'm so glad it worked for you! I'm always afraid I'll hear the horror story of someone that only made it to the esplanade before RDCT starts and then they'd be mad at me.

The way you did it sounds exactly like what we do. Get to the spot behind the sound booth and then send the kids away to ride PoTC while an adult an a stroller hold the spots. Usually by the time the kids are done with PoTC, they have about a 5 min wait before F! starts.

I'm lovin all the success stories!