Fireworks from the train station ?

[g8torphan]

I know it fills up and people get there early, but how early?

Seems like an ideal spot to be able to watch from inside the park and get a jump on the crowd.

Is an hour and a half good?

 

[DisneyChristmas]

Wow. It depends on the day and the crowd. We've seen people "park" Grandma and Grandpa up there holding several chairs hours before parade time. And we once arrived about 20 minutes ahead of a night parade and found a great spot.

 

[DisneyChristmas]

Oops. Meant to add that I immediately jumped to thinking of parade-fireworks combo at the end of a day. Hmm. Fireworks only...if you're along the railing, that's great. Further under the overhang, you might miss some of the overhead action.

Other replies ???

 

[Robo]

The train station is a spectacular spot to watch the MSE Parade.

And a "LESS than great" spot for watching "Wishes".

The reason is, while they DO kill all the outside lighting on Main Street and the train station platform during Spectromagic, they DO NOT turn off the LIGHTS of the train station area (where you are standing) during the Wishes show.

In fact, while they DO kill the lights on Main Street closer to the castle end of the block during Wishes, in recent months, they have started to leave ON the lights of Main Street up past the Main Street Cinema (near the Confectionery) and towards the train station end of the block. This is to allow safer exiting by guests who want to leave during Wishes (yes, there are MANY who do). So there are lights shining in your eyes if you are on the train platform, during the whole Wishes show.

What's more, the large Main Street flagpole is sticking up directly in the center of the fireworks... and Tinkerbell's flight is mostly hidden by the Main Street buildings.

Add to that, the fact that the train station "spots" can be taken for an hour (or more) before Wishes begins and it all adds up to a REALLY POOR spot for Wishes viewing.

Here are some PICTURES taken from the train station during Wishes to illustrate what it looks like from there. Note the LIGHTS at this end of Main Street shining in your eyes brighter than many of the fireworks.
Note the FLAGPOLE in the middle of your view.

Wishes has two fireworks "STAGES":
One fires its missiles from a location FAR BEHIND any public area of MK.
The other fires its missiles from the ROOF-TOPS of Fantasyland/Liberty Square/the Castle.
The guests' VIEWING ANGLE will affect "if and how" these two stages can be viewed together (they are designed to be viewed "together".)

There is a full AUDIO TRACK that is synchronized with the fireworks.
It is the "motivation" for the unique fireworks effects that change with each MOOD and SECTION of the audio track.

The audio, and positioning of the two fireworks "stages" relative to the viewer will affect the impact of the show.

The front of the CASTLE ITSELF is part of the "show".
There is an elaborate lighting system that is used to change the color of the castle to suit each MOOD, and even "textures" and shapes are projected on the castle at key points in the show (Mickey's Sorcerer's HAT is a great one).

Tinkerbell's flight (which used to take place PRIOR to the old fireworks show at MK) is now WITHIN "Wishes". She doesn't fly EVERY night, but she OFTEN flies and you should be in a position to see her.

The SWEET-SPOT for Wishes is: starting from approx. the "bridge to Tomorrowland" ...on up Main Street to the "Main Street Cinema" (Pal Mickey Store).
That is simply the "optimum viewing" area.

There are MANY other places to watch, but they are all compromises that diminish the "full effect" of the show in one way or more.

Plus, you want to be able to see the new "show" that is actually projected on the front of the Castle,
"Celebrate the Magic," which begins about 15 minutes before the fireworks.

Below is a rough estimate of the Fireworks viewing spots
based on other posters' info on the boards and personal experience.

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

How early would we need to arrive to get a "prime" viewing spot. Last two times we've watched Wishes has been from the dessert party but couldn't get a reservation this trip. We'll be at MK next Wednesday (April 30) and the following Saturday (May 3) and would like to watch one of those nights. Thanks!

 

[Robo]

How early would we need to arrive to get a "prime" viewing spot. Last two times we've watched Wishes has been from the dessert party but couldn't get a reservation this trip. We'll be at MK next Wednesday (April 30) and the following Saturday (May 3) and would like to watch one of those nights. Thanks!

On a night with a MSEP, you want to be at the Hub and wait for the parade to clear that area, then quickly fill in the empty space when they remove the ropes blocking the street.
This will happen at approx. 30 minutes after the parade starts.
But, remember that it will take you quite a long while to REACH the Hub area if you
try to get there during the time that the MSEP is marching.

On a night without a MSEP, be in the Hub in a prime spot by 60-90 minutes (give or take... depending
on overall crowd level) before the castle projection show, "Celebrate the Magic" starts (which will be 15 minutes before Wishes begins.)

 

[buggy2727]

On a night with a MSEP, you want to be at the Hub and wait for the parade to clear that area, then quickly fill in the empty space when they remove the ropes blocking the street.
This will happen at approx. 30 minutes after the parade starts.
But, remember that it will take you quite a long while to REACH the Hub area if you
try to get there during the time that the MSEP is marching.

On a night without a MSEP, be in the Hub in a prime spot by 60-90 minutes (give or take... depending
on overall crowd level) before the castle projection show, "Celebrate the Magic" starts (which will be 15 minutes before Wishes begins.)

So am I wrong to assume that if you have a FP for MSEP then this is a good thing if you are attempting to get as close as you can to the "sweet spot"?

 

[Robo]

So am I wrong to assume that if you have a FP for MSEP then this is a good thing if you are attempting to get as close as you can to the "sweet spot"?

The MSEP FP+ area ceases to be "reserved" after the parade passes.
Regardless, it is too close to the castle, which blocks the view of many of the
major fireworks.
If you choose FP+ for MSEP only, I've included red arrows to show where to MOVE
for viewing Wishes (and Celebrate the Magic) right after the parade passes the parade FP+ reserved area.