Fireworks - Dream Maker packages

[MECH8T7]

We're going to WDW at a really busy time next year (week before Easter). We'll definitely want to take in Wishes and Illuminations when we're there and I am trying to figure out the most sensible way to plan to see these two shows in our circumstances, namely, (i) parks will be packed and (ii) we have young kids (ages 4 and 6).

Wishes:

Options under consideration are (i) get a good spot at the park, (ii) have dinner at California Grill (or Narcoosees), (iii) preferred seating with qualifying Dream Maker package, and (iv) boat cruise

Illuminations:

Options (i), (iii) and (iv) above.

Some of the things I am wondering about are:

1. Is the California Grill too upscale/pricey for our whole family to dine just to see Wishes?

2. How different is the experience of seeing Wishes for outside the park from seeing it from within?

3. How good are the preferred seating areas for the Dream Maker guests?

4. Is it common for people who have book the boat cruise to have problems with the smoke, particularly with Illuminations?

5. How bad would either of these shows be if, for example, you were just standing there with the huddled masses at one of the not particularly great vantage points.

TIA for your thoughts.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

How different is the experience of seeing Wishes for outside the park from seeing it from within?

This past November, we first saw Wishes from the middle of Main St, and then the next night saw it from a Wishes Cruise boat. I am glad that we saw it from Main St first, you can see the Castle and hear the dialog much better. That being said, I am also very glad to have seen it from the Seven Seas Lagoon - WOW - you get a completely different perspective on how large this fireworks display is - incredible!

I would highly recommend seeing it from Main St at least once to get the proper perspective. Stake out a spot, take turns entertaining the kids, and enjoy!

( I don't know where the preferred viewing spots are for the add-on plan package ... )

We have done both the Wishes and Illuminations Cruises, and have had no problems with smoke. I actually didn't care for the viewing angle of the Illuminations cruise.

 

[camliner]

Originally posted by MECH8T7

1. Is the California Grill too upscale/pricey for our whole family to dine just to see Wishes?

Well, it really depends on you. My DW and I are from the farmlands of TN. We got PS at California Grill a few years ago and when we arrived we felt a little out of place. After debating on whether to go or stay, we decided to ditch the California Grill and go downstairs to Chef Mickey's! We were lucky enough to get in without PS and had a great time. Like I said though... it is totally up to the individual on whether it is "too upscale."

 

[diswedwish]

We used the preferred viewing spots on our last trip.

For Wishes it's at the patio outside of the Plaza restaurant. It's nice because there are tables and chairs there so if you get there early enough you can sit. Downside is that there could be trees in your view and it's not front and center of the Castle.

For Illuminations it's at the boat dock in Morocco. Okay spot, nothing special. Might be good if you didn't feel like fighting crowds for a spot.

HTH