Fantasmic/ Elec Parade/ Fireworks

[ashbyyokosuka]

My trip is coming up soon
and i am going to have lots of questions... so please bear w/ me :

i am planning on seeing fireworks April 26th at 9:25 pm
and
then on Sunday seeing the Electric Parade at 8:45 and then Fantasmic at 10:30

i am worried about the fireworks being canceled (due to weather/winds)
and so i want to give my family the BEST chance of seeing them...

should i schedule two things for Saturday?
and if so
*what* should it be (i.e., what is the easiest to get back and forth for seating ect.)

this is my first time there--and i have NO idea where ANYTHING is--until we are actually there.

if someone wants to help me out w/ viewing times for these events,
i'd greatly appreciate it!

thanks so much

 

[bumbershoot]

Hi again!

Since you do have that Sat to see the fireworks, I think that's a good plan. Since you haven't been there, I think it's good to start off slow. Of course, if you're feeling terrific about everything, then try to add more things in that day (there's of course the normal parades to see during the daytime, I assume, the Parade of Dreams in DL and the Pixar Play Parade at DCA).

I've done the brisk walk from seeing the Electrical Parade over to DL for the fireworks before, but on a solo trip, and I did end up with a blocked view (would have been more blocked if it hadn't been winter and the trees were bare), but that was totally my fault and I didn't mind that much. But actually, I keep forgetting this, the fireworks were indeed cancelled right as they got to the Star Wars music, due to high winds up high (it was completely still on the ground), so it's GOOD that you're going to try for them first off. I have never seen Fantasmic. But since you're planning on the later showing of Fantasmic, I'm sure it's totally doable, though I have no info on where you might stand for Fantasmic. Someone else will come along, I'm sure, to give you that info.


So those are my thoughts on that.

While looking for a DCA map for someone else, I found another extra DCA and a DL map. They are from January or maybe December (or even September) but the basics will be on there. I don't think they've added anything yet, and it might give you something tangible to hold and plan with. I know that maps really helped me feel like it's real, so if you would like a DL and DCA map, and if you are comfy doing so, send me a PM with your address, and I'll get an envelope out to you.

 

[HydroGuy]

Here is what I would do if all I had was Saturday and Sunday to see all three - DEP (at DCA), RDCT fireworks (at DL) and Fantasmic (at DL):

Plan A

Saturday - See RDCT fireworks on Saturday (I agree it is best to see them on the first night as per "HydroGuy's Fireworks Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199851)

Sunday - See DEP at DCA and then enter DL - maybe take the DLRR to NOS to get a spot for the 10:30PM Fantasmic


Plan B

Saturday - Plan to see RDCT on Saturday but they get cancelled due to winds - so go and see 10:30PM Fantasmic tonight instead and hope RDCT is more successful on Sunday

Sunday - You want to see RDCT at 9:25. The question is whether you can see DEP at DCA first and then make it to DL to see the fireworks. Some people have done this successfully and lived to the tell the tale (such as our very own DangerMouse ) but what we do not know is how many have expired in the attempt and thus cannot be here to tell us what happened. The reality is that DLR has purposely chosen the time and direction of DEP to make it very difficult to see DEP and then make it into DL and see RDCT.

So you can see DEP and then chance being able to make it into DL to see RDCT. The problem with this is that in many people's opinion (including mine) RDCT is the best show of the three and that is the one you risk missing.

Alternatively you can just skip DEP and see RDCT. But then if it got cancelled a second time you would only see one of the three shows.

I think I would go to DEP and follow DangerMouse's advice for viewing location and route and then make a judgment based on winds. If it appears calm you can either watch DEP and make the dash to DL, or maybe cut out on DEP a few minutes early and make the dash.

Hope it all works out.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I agree w/ Hydroguy. But having seen and being less than impressed w/ DEP, I wouldn't risk seeing it if I already missed fireworks due to high winds the first night. (Something about the never ending music just gets on my nerves. I like Spectro magic at WDW far better.)
Since I have become a professional at picking the nights that fireworks is cancelled to view the fireworks, I have a tip. One thing I've noticed is that if you watch the flags on the top of the castle spires, if they are flying really hard in the wind, chances are the fireworks will be canceled. The last 2 years that I've gone to DL this has happened and an Anaheim native pointed this out to me. On my last trip the flags were flying hard for a bit and then it would calm for a bit and then it would start flying really hard again. Sure enough, they started the fireworks, and then about 5 minutes into it they canceled it. I was able to make it F! after fireworks in the past if I rush like crazy. That means that you need to pack up your stuff really fast (if you haul around a lot of stuff/people) and as soon as the fireworks are done do the fast racewalk thing and know where you are headed. I would pick out a spot ahead of time and tell everyone in your party where you're meeting if you get separated as that is a definite possibilty with the huge crowds and mass exodus of peole who have the same idea.