Fast pass wishes

[jimim]

question. The new area for wishes. Do they pack u in there are is it actually open so I cAn set a tripod up to take some pics? Seems like a pretty big area now so in my head I was thinking they are trying to make it a more relaxed experience so u aren't packed in like usual in the street.

Having room to setup would be the only reason I use a fast pass for it.
Thanks!

 

[mom2rtk]

I've been watching reports recently to figure out the same thing. Most recent reports say they are packing them in pretty tight. When evaluating responses, make sure they are recent as I get the feeling they increased the number of FPs in this area at some point. It used to be a fairly hard FP to get but now it doesn't seem nearly as hard.

It also doesn't help that they let people in up to 2 hours in advance of the start time.

That said, I still think it's one of the best vantage points to shoot from, so I am hanging on to my FP for now and just watching for more reports.

 

[skuttle]

We had a wishes FP for Thursday, April 9th. Surprisingly, it wasn't packed. The front grass area was a bit packed with people standing. We were in the back grass area and all of us back there were sitting (some even laying down), and they never asked us to stand. We arrived no more than 15-20 minutes before the start time of wishes. and easily found a place to sit with our family of 5, including our double stroller.

 

[Bri036]

We used the FP+ on Thursday night. We arrived about 8:20 for the 9:00 Wishes at on the Casey Corner side. Had enjoyed the rose garden before with my 3 yr old daughter and wife and now adding an 11 month old thought it would be great. When we arrived there was plenty of space for us and to relax on grass and keep the littlest one in the double stroller. Had a wonderful view. Then .... 5 minutes before the projection show they start making everyone get up and move forward trying to pack us in. We followed along and started moving up. We noticed several people on the back half staying put. With about 2 minutes before castLe show the front third was packed like sardines and everyone else relaxing in the back. So we rejoined the relaxed group sitting. Had to stand to see the projection show. The kids could stay in the stroller to see the fireworks. I really think it wasn't that crowded but the CM's made it crowded it in the front third. I truly believe it would have been very comfortable if everyone stayed seated for the fireworks like the rose garden. My wife thought it was a waste because we had to stand but honestly we have never watched from Main St.
We stayed put after and watched the dash for the exits. It was a madhouse had everyone exiting the park near the Crystal Palace. We decided to head back to fantasyland and ride a couple ride with no wait. 30 minutes later still a madhouse getting out with MSEP going on.

 

[jimim]

Thanks everyone. I see no reason at all paying people in. Limit the fast passes. Have it a park like experience and let people far where they like. What point does it serve packing them in. The spaces look huge anyway so does

 

[jimim]

I've been watching reports recently to figure out the same thing. Most recent reports say they are packing them in pretty tight. When evaluating responses, make sure they are recent as I get the feeling they increased the number of FPs in this area at some point. It used to be a fairly hard FP to get but now it doesn't seem nearly as hard.

It also doesn't help that they let people in up to 2 hours in advance of the start time.

That said, I still think it's one of the best vantage points to shoot from, so I am hanging on to my FP for now and just watching for more reports.

We r on the same path regarding shooting since I know u also like to shoot. I wonder how the view is right in the rear of each section so a tripod doesn't block anyone? I don't want to be that guy up front. Ya know. But I was figuring they just people spread out so if I was in the middle people could just move to the side of me cause in my niave head I figured they don't pack em in. Lol

 

[mom2rtk]

We r on the same path regarding shooting since I know u also like to shoot. I wonder how the view is right in the rear of each section so a tripod doesn't block anyone? I don't want to be that guy up front. Ya know. But I was figuring they just people spread out so if I was in the middle people could just move to the side of me cause in my niave head I figured they don't pack em in. Lol

I think I've decided I'm just going to have to get there early regardless of the fact that I'm spending a FP on it. Someone on another thread recommended setting up behind the bush closest to the Main Street side of the area to avoid having people immediately in front of you. I figure if I set the tripod up early nobody will be surprised to find it there if they stand behind me. And while it's a tall tripod, it's not much taller than a person.

 

[PythonFan888]

I replied to a similar question in another thread.

On March 14th the CM's were not "packing them in" yet so most of the people were sitting on the astro turf and had a good view of the show. People on wheelchairs/ECV's and kids on strollers had an unobstructed view.

Like I said on the other thread, if you plan on setting up to photograph Wishes, your main concern will be the numerous light posts in the area that might obstruct your view of the castle. I suggest setting up your tripod in front of or just behind the bush that's closest to Main Street. (I was a the FP+ area in front of Casey's.) You will get an unobstructed view of the castle.


Friday Fireworks by Allen Castillo, on Flickr


Friday Fireworks by Allen Castillo, on Flickr

 

[Robo]

We r on the same path regarding shooting since I know u also like to shoot. I wonder how the view is right in the rear of each section so a tripod doesn't block anyone? I don't want to be that guy up front. Ya know. But I was figuring they just people spread out so if I was in the middle people could just move to the side of me cause in my niave head I figured they don't pack em in. Lol

Be aware that light/speaker poles will likely be in your frame on wider/lower framing.

In addition to those image examples from the post above...

Below from wdwmagic.com show the poles more clearly.
As was mentioned above, your shooting position will affect your view vs. blockage.

 

[mom2rtk]

I replied to a similar question in another thread.

On March 14th the CM's were not "packing them in" yet so most of the people were sitting on the astro turf and had a good view of the show. People on wheelchairs/ECV's and kids on strollers had an unobstructed view.

Like I said on the other thread, if you plan on setting up to photograph Wishes, your main concern will be the numerous light posts in the area that might obstruct your view of the castle. I suggest setting up your tripod in front of or just behind the bush that's closest to Main Street. (I was a the FP+ area in front of Casey's.) You will get an unobstructed view of the castle.


Friday Fireworks by Allen Castillo, on Flickr


Friday Fireworks by Allen Castillo, on Flickr

Pythonfan, can you look at the last photo in Robo's post and tell me if the bush you are talking about is in that image? Is it one of the spiral bushes or the more leafy bush?

 

[PythonFan888]

Pythonfan, can you look at the last photo in Robo's post and tell me if the bush you are talking about is in that image? Is it one of the spiral bushes or the more leafy bush?

I think the photo was taken from the East FP+ viewing area. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong.) I was at the West viewing area - in front of Casey's. If the layout is symmetrical I would scout the leafy bush that's closest to Main Street on either side.

I just don't know how the light posts align on the East viewing area. At the West viewing area, the spot in front of or behind the bush closest to Main Street will avoid the light posts.

 

[mom2rtk]

I think the photo was taken from the East FP+ viewing area. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong.) I was at the West viewing area - in front of Casey's. If the layout is symmetrical I would scout the leafy bush that's closest to Main Street on either side. I just don't know how the light posts align on the East viewing area.

Thanks. That helps.

Next time take a photo of the bush, will you?

 

[Robo]

It will be easy to scout during the day as the areas are open to the public until about 2 hours before the fireworks.

At least at this point, guests with FP for the areas can choose which (east or west) they prefer when they arrive.

 

[mom2rtk]

It will be easy to scout during the day as the areas are open to the public until about 2 hours before the fireworks.

At least at this point, guests with FP for the areas can choose which (east or west) they prefer when they arrive.

Good point. I'll have to take a look on our way in.

Are those areas open to the public during the day or do I have to scout from afar?

I wonder if I could put a blanket down to save my spot like they do in DL! LOL.

 

[Robo]

Are those areas open to the public during the day or do I have to scout from afar?

You quoted my post.
Read line one.

 

[PythonFan888]

Next time take a photo of the bush, will you?

If you can wait until late August/early September, then you got it!

 

[mom2rtk]

If you can wait until late August/early September, then you got it!

Sorry, but we'll be there in June. I'm taking a photo of the bush.

 

[mom2rtk]

You quoted my post.
Read line one.

Sorry. That's what I get for trying to do 3 things at once!

 

[wisblue]

We used the FP+ on Thursday night. We arrived about 8:20 for the 9:00 Wishes at on the Casey Corner side. Had enjoyed the rose garden before with my 3 yr old daughter and wife and now adding an 11 month old thought it would be great. When we arrived there was plenty of space for us and to relax on grass and keep the littlest one in the double stroller. Had a wonderful view. Then .... 5 minutes before the projection show they start making everyone get up and move forward trying to pack us in. We followed along and started moving up. We noticed several people on the back half staying put. With about 2 minutes before castLe show the front third was packed like sardines and everyone else relaxing in the back. So we rejoined the relaxed group sitting. Had to stand to see the projection show. The kids could stay in the stroller to see the fireworks. I really think it wasn't that crowded but the CM's made it crowded it in the front third. I truly believe it would have been very comfortable if everyone stayed seated for the fireworks like the rose garden. My wife thought it was a waste because we had to stand but honestly we have never watched from Main St.
We stayed put after and watched the dash for the exits. It was a madhouse had everyone exiting the park near the Crystal Palace. We decided to head back to fantasyland and ride a couple ride with no wait. 30 minutes later still a madhouse getting out with MSEP going on.

We were in the same area on Thursday night. We got there about 8:15 and sat down behind one other row of people sitting near the railing. We intentionally positioned ourselves so the lamp posts were to our sides as much as possible.

When people stood up we did not feel at all like we were packed in like sardines. It was nothing like trying to stand in the hub area. Not to mention that my pre arthritic knees appreciated being able to sit down until just before Celebrate the Magic.

The view for Celebrate the Magic was pretty good, though it was obscured a little by the people on the other side of the walkway, especially those who strolled in at the last minute and hoisted their children on their shoulders. CMs did come by and tell people to lower their kids, though some people put them right back up as soon as the CMs went away. The view for Wishes was perfect for me, though I wasn't trying to take pictures. In my daughters' pictures the lamp posts are barely noticeable.

Getting out was pretty crazy. I had never been herded out that way before, though it did get us to the front of the park faster than going down Main Street. If I had little ones I wouldn't try to make a quick exit.

 

[mom2rtk]

For those of you who have been recently......

Did any of your party leave to go get snacks?

I'm sort of wondering if we can redeem our FP, then send one party to the kiosk (magic bands in hand) to see if there happens to be anything left to schedule for after the fireworks.