Figuring out night time entertainment.

[momof2n2]

I can't believe we are closing in on our road trip. We leave NY next Wednesday! Woo hoo.

We have four day hoppers with our park days being
Tuesday, June 12
Wednesday, June 13
Saturday, June 16
Tuesday, June 19

For all our dates, evening entertainment show times are currently the same each night.

Fantasmic at 9:00 and 10:30
Together Forever at 9:30

Paint the Night at 8:50
No WOC.

We understand that we should try to see the fireworks starting on our first night.
Ok.
If they get cancelled, however, it would already be too late for PTN, and probably too late to grab a spot for F!, right? If we had a FP for F! for the 10:30 show would we have a chance? Should I grab FP for 10:30 F! first night, too? If we don't use it, and DO get to see the fireworks, we can't just grab FP for F! another night, as well?

Our party includes short 5 and 8 year olds, as well as my 4'11" mother.... we'll need to camp out for good seats, I think, for F!?

I'd love advice and suggestions.
We do not want a meal package, however. I can't swing that or our party of 9...

Thank you!!

 

[Winnowill]

Keep an eye on the weather. If it's even a little windy, bail on fireworks. Yes, you can see the fireworks and then head for the second showing of F! if you have FPs for it. In my experience (and I know this isn't always the case) people are okay letting others in front of them as long as they know their own view won't be blocked. They let me DD10 in all the time. Also, the second showing of F! is less crowded. IF you watch the first showing of F! instead, they'll invite you to stay where you are for the fireworks, and show the projections on the water screens. This is less than optimal, but still an option.

Heck, grab FPs for F! every day if you haven't seen it, yet. If it turns out your plans go in a different direction, just try to give them to someone else so they don't go to waste.

 

[Skyegirl1999]

You absolutely can double-up on Fantasmic! and fireworks in the same night, sure thing - either by watching fireworks and then Fantasmic! (which allows you to get a great fireworks spot but maybe a more mediocre F! spot), or by watching Fantasmic! show #1 and then staying in your spot for fireworks (which allows you to get a better F! spot if you're willing to invest a lot of time, but gives you a more mediocre fireworks spot).

With four nights, though, I'd probably try for a great firework spot on the first night and probably wouldn't bother trying to do Fantasmic!, too - that's more ruckus than you need to deal with with four nights for three shows. (You certainly could grab FPs for the 2nd show, and if it becomes clear that it's a windy day and fireworks won't happen, then just focus your efforts on F!).

Anyway, if fireworks happen, great! Now you have three nights left and two shows left. Pick one night for F! and one night for PTN, and you're all set!

If fireworks don't happen on night one, NOW you may want to try to "double up" on fireworks and Fantasmic! on night 2 or 3. (Note that if these are extremely windy days and you don't think fireworks are happening, you can also just go all-in on PTN one of these nights and get that one out of the way.)

If fireworks still haven't happened, then on the last night you'll have no choice but to double up on Fantasmic! and fireworks, or to try the "PTN -> fireworks" frantic gamble.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Be aware that F!, fireworks, or PTN may become a favorite with one or more of the kids -- this has happened to others! -- and you may get requests to see the same show more than once. (Most often I hear this with PTN -- once you see it, you'll understand why.) So keep this in mind with your scheduling.
With fireworks, check the website for the National Weather Service San Diego Office on your first day. You're looking for a Red Flag Warning or any mention of high winds in the forecast for Anaheim -- especially if the nighttime hours are included. If you see this earlier in the day, be listening for the dreaded, "Ladies and Gentlemen, due to winds at higher elevations..." announcement and get ready to hit Plan B quickly. The local weather foreacst (ABC 7 is pretty good) the night before will mention if the area is expecting windy conditions -- that's another heads up. If you don't see either of those warning signs, good! Just keep an eye on things high up, like the flag on top of the tall crane in SWGE, as evening approaches. If you see that flag whipping -- keep fireworks Plan B in mind.
There is a terraced area behind the reserved viewing dining package areas for F! (between the patio for Cafe Orleans and the reserved viewing area) that is F! standby viewing (or so I have been told). That area opens up at 7 pm for the first show. If you could be there first thing and get to the front row, and if your crew can stand tandem (so shorties in the front, taller people behind, tallest in the back), then you won't need as much space across. That might be another option for you. I don't know what that area looks like for the second show, but you could ask a few F! CMs about it.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

I'm in the same boat as you. Too many night shows too little time.

I do agree with trying for fireworks from day one since they are often cancelled.

I just might have to try to see two in one night and sacrifice a good view. I feel like WOC might be that show. Maybe try to watch from farther back.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I'm in the same boat as you. Too many night shows too little time.

I do agree with trying for fireworks from day one since they are often cancelled.

I just might have to try to see two in one night and sacrifice a good view. I feel like WOC might be that show. Maybe try to watch from farther back.

When are your trip dates? WOC will be back in a few weeks, so keep reading here for reviews of how people manage to view both PTN and WOC on the same night, hopefully with decent views of both. No one knows exactly how everything will work when both shows will be running on the same night, so those early reviews will be very helpful. I think the easiest way to guarantee a decent view with WOC (if you'll be doubling up on shows) would be to do the WOC Dessert Party. Pricey, yes, but at least you'd know for certain that you'd have a seated viewing spot waiting for you and that you'd have a decent view.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

When are your trip dates? WOC will be back in a few weeks, so keep reading here for reviews of how people manage to view both PTN and WOC on the same night, hopefully with decent views of both. No one knows exactly how everything will work when both shows will be running on the same night, so those early reviews will be very helpful. I think the easiest way to guarantee a decent view with WOC (if you'll be doubling up on shows) would be to do the WOC Dessert Party. Pricey, yes, but at least you'd know for certain that you'd have a seated viewing spot waiting for you and that you'd have a decent view.

I'll be there Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday over July 4 (the fourth being Wednesday).

To make matters more confusing, we're still not sure if there will be patriotic fireworks on the 4th, right now regular fireworks are listed. If they do have different fireworks we'll want to see both shows. I'm also pretty fixated on wanting to see fireworks from main Street to get the full effect.

 

[momof2n2]

I think I’ll start pulling F! FP from day one, but really hope we can do TF that first night.

Ideally... I’d like TF day one, F! Day two, and PTN days 3 & 4.

Yes @theluckyrabbit - I suspect my kid will want to see PTN twice. They will also probably want PPP more than once, but that will be easier to accomplish. WDW has cut down on parades as a whole (used to have AK and DHS and even EPCOT parades!).

 

[maleficent55]

I feel the pleasurable pain of trying to make all the nighttime entertainment and your nights in the parks work. It's probably the most stressful for me, type A planner, to deal with. It doesn't help that my husband isn't really into the night time shows (unbelievable right?!) so it's just me planning and stressing. PTN wasn't in my tentative plans for August but everyone is raving about it...so now I guess it's one more thing to try to manuever!

 

[Skyegirl1999]

I think I’ll start pulling F! FP from day one, but really hope we can do TF that first night.

Ideally... I’d like TF day one, F! Day two, and PTN days 3 & 4.

Yes @theluckyrabbit - I suspect my kid will want to see PTN twice. They will also probably want PPP more than once, but that will be easier to accomplish. WDW has cut down on parades as a whole (used to have AK and DHS and even EPCOT parades!).

Luckily, both parades are very easy to see at this point - PPP isn't popular enough to need to stake out a spot much in advance, and PTN's parade route is so long that it doesn't take a big time investment, either. Switching the parades definitely made viewing that one MUCH easier!

 

[ninergrl6]

I'm in the same boat as you. Too many night shows too little time.

I do agree with trying for fireworks from day one since they are often cancelled.

I just might have to try to see two in one night and sacrifice a good view. I feel like WOC might be that show. Maybe try to watch from farther back.

FWIW I think WOC is better viewed from farther back. I've done the dining packages before and find that my spot is too close to see everything and there's a high splash factor. I'd rather see it from very back of the viewing area or, if possible, from right in front of The Little Mermaid ride.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

FWIW I think WOC is better viewed from farther back. I've done the dining packages before and find that my spot is too close to see everything and there's a high splash factor. I'd rather see it from very back of the viewing area or, if possible, from right in front of The Little Mermaid ride.

I have vaguely heard of the last minute little mermaid spot. I think we'll try for that.

This could be a good idea to try on the first or second night, that way if I'm really into the show I can try for a better view.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I'll be there Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday over July 4 (the fourth being Wednesday).

To make matters more confusing, we're still not sure if there will be patriotic fireworks on the 4th, right now regular fireworks are listed. If they do have different fireworks we'll want to see both shows. I'm also pretty fixated on wanting to see fireworks from main Street to get the full effect.

Will you be doing dining packages for any of the shows to have a reserved viewing spot? There will be special fireworks for July 4th -- there always are -- question for now is whether there will be a separate show or if the special fireworks will be added on to the end of TF. Also, some years DL runs the patriotic show for several days up to the 4th, other years only on the 4th. But you will see something special on the 4th. Don't worry about that.
Okay, this may sound crazy, but here's an example of how you might make this work (feel free to change this up to make it work for YOU!):
I'd try to see TF from Main Street on Tuesday, then head for the second show of F!. Here's where a F! dining package earlier in the evening would come in handy. If you had a FP for the reserved viewing area (we like BB best, but all three areas have good views), you wouldn't have to worry about rushing through the mad crowds to find a spot after fireworks finish. TF is a short show (less than 15 minutes), so even with the patriotic show added onto the end (if they run the special show more than one night), you could still get to the reserved viewing areas before the start of the second F!.
Option A: Second night, do WOC. There usually are special fireworks for that on the 4th -- usually before the show starts. If you did the Dessert Party, you could try to see PTN first, then run to check in afterward because you'd know you'd have a reserved seat (an actual chair!) waiting for you. If you view PTN from somewhere near the Dessert Party check in podium, you'd be able to just turn around and check right in.
Option B: Watch TF/Patriotic Fireworks from Main Street again, but closer to Town Square. Then head for DCA and WOC. Again, the WOC Dessert Party would have a seat waiting for you. You'd have to book it over to Paradise Bay, but you could do it.
Last night: PTN all the way. Find a nice spot, get some great snacks or have an alfresco dinner while waiting. Enjoy the parade!
NB: Tuesday and Wednesday can be reversed if that would work better for you.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I have vaguely heard of the last minute little mermaid spot. I think we'll try for that.

This could be a good idea to try on the first or second night, that way if I'm really into the show I can try for a better view.

As a test run, the LM spot can work. But, in my opinion, for a real viewing spot, it's not great. You are very far back, and it's pretty distracting having people walking back and forth in front of you constantly during the show. We like being up in the wet zone -- TOTALLY immersive experience (no pun intended), we wear ponchos (as do many guests, although we've never gotten soaked, just misted), and many guests sing along -- so fun! Whole different experience from being further back -- which is also fun, but a big picture view, which we also like a lot -- depends on our mood. Have you read the first post in the WOC Superthread (World of Color Superthread)? If not, that first post has tons of helpful information.

 

[OhioStateBuckeye]

Will you be doing dining packages for any of the shows to have a reserved viewing spot? There will be special fireworks for July 4th -- there always are -- question for now is whether there will be a separate show or if the special fireworks will be added on to the end of TF. Also, some years DL runs the patriotic show for several days up to the 4th, other years only on the 4th. But you will see something special on the 4th. Don't worry about that.
Okay, this may sound crazy, but here's an example of how you might make this work (feel free to change this up to make it work for YOU!):
I'd try to see TF from Main Street on Tuesday, then head for the second show of F!. Here's where a F! dining package earlier in the evening would come in handy. If you had a FP for the reserved viewing area (we like BB best, but all three areas have good views), you wouldn't have to worry about rushing through the mad crowds to find a spot after fireworks finish. TF is a short show (less than 15 minutes), so even with the patriotic show added onto the end (if they run the special show more than one night), you could still get to the reserved viewing areas before the start of the second F!.
Option A: Second night, do WOC. There usually are special fireworks for that on the 4th -- usually before the show starts. If you did the Dessert Party, you could try to see PTN first, then run to check in afterward because you'd know you'd have a reserved seat (an actual chair!) waiting for you. If you view PTN from somewhere near the Dessert Party check in podium, you'd be able to just turn around and check right in.
Option B: Watch TF/Patriotic Fireworks from Main Street again, but closer to Town Square. Then head for DCA and WOC. Again, the WOC Dessert Party would have a seat waiting for you. You'd have to book it over to Paradise Bay, but you could do it.
Last night: PTN all the way. Find a nice spot, get some great snacks or have an alfresco dinner while waiting. Enjoy the parade!
NB: Tuesday and Wednesday can be reversed if that would work better for you.

Well you are a strategic genius.

I actually do have a fantasmic blue bayou for Tuesday I'm having trouble telling what show its for though, first or second.

So maybe ask for a pass for second fantasmic, stake out a main Street fireworks spot first.

So hopefully that's two shows out of the way night one.

Then Wednesday WOC with July 4th add on. Two special packages aren't in the cards financially so we'll have to do regular WOC. I wonder if we still shouldnt try to see ptn and WOC this night.

Then paint the night thursday to end the trip.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Well you are a strategic genius.

I actually do have a fantasmic blue bayou for Tuesday I'm having trouble telling what show its for though, first or second.

So maybe ask for a pass for second fantasmic, stake out a main Street fireworks spot first.

So hopefully that's two shows out of the way night one.

Then Wednesday WOC with July 4th add on. Two special packages aren't in the cards financially so we'll have to do regular WOC. I wonder if we still shouldnt try to see ptn and WOC this night.

Then paint the night thursday to end the trip.

Chalk it up to all that D23 Expo experience!

You'll be able to request the second show FP when you do your BB dining package. Many DISers have reported doing that without any trouble. Staking out a spot for TF on Main Street hasn't been a problem so far, either. Many people report that 30 minutes has been enough, certainly no more than an hour. (If we give it more than half an hour, one of us heads to Market House for Starbucks drinks for the whole group!) For WOC, keep reading here for the reviews starting June 22nd, the first night WOC returns. That's when we'll find out how people are seeing both WOC and PTN on the same night, where the lines are forming, time commitments, etc. Those early reports will really help you with your planning.