Fireworks: Honest opinions...

[bigbabyblues]

How crowded are the SW fireworks normally?

We've only seen them the one time, last June. We walked up to our spot about 15 minutes or so before they started, it was near the corner that goes toward 50's PT/Hollywood and Vine. I didn't think it was as crowded as HEA, but it could have been just that particular day, or my perception. You want to make sure you have a good view of the Chinese Theater, as that is where the projections for SW are. I think the crowd probably gets a lot bigger when Fantasmic lets out, which is usually right before SW start, if I remember right.

 

[Hopingforpixiedust]

Do you guys feel the dessert party more valuable during busy times like Spring Break and Christmastime?

 

[Robo]

Do you guys feel the dessert party more valuable during busy times like Spring Break and Christmastime?

Yes.

 

[PPFlight75]

I absolutely love HEA and must see the projections every trip. With that being said, we can only do that if we find a spot in the open plaza area and we get there at least an hour in advance. We head to the back fence and sit and wait until it starts. We then stand and watch the show. However, it can get really crazy crowded so if we could not get there early and I really wanted to see it, I would definitely book the dessert party. We did that a few years ago and thought it was worth it. Hope that helps.

 

[Robo]

ou want to make sure you have a good view of the Chinese Theater, as that is where the projections for SW are. I think the crowd probably gets a lot bigger when Fantasmic lets out, which is usually right before SW start, if I remember right.

Which show comes "first" on any given night and the timing between them can vary.

(Also, the number of Fantasmic! performances on any night can change.)

 

[robinb]

There is a restroom right next to the Tomorrowland Terrace where the dessert party takes place. The Plaza Garden is also very close to these same restrooms.

That's the one I was thinking of, but there is another small one in the back of the Tommowland Terrace restaurant.

 

[robinb]

Do you guys feel the dessert party more valuable during busy times like Spring Break and Christmastime?

Yes. I've done it twice, once on 12/30/17 and again on 12/30/18. I did it for the easy, non-crowded fireworks viewing on a super-duper busy night (the MK NYE fireworks on 12/30). The dessert party itself was nothing to write home about.

ETA: I am thinking about doing the SW Dessert Party in October. I've heard nothing but good things about the party *and* it includes an open bar.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Yes.

Absolutely. Our first one was Thanksgiving week and was worth every penny.

 

[StageTek]

How early do you stake out that spot?

We always go during the "slow" times. We've found the 35/45 minutes is enough.

 

[whiporee]

Other people have said this already, but given your daughter's issues, if you really want to view the projections, you ought to splurge for the party. I've found it's the only way to guarantee it being enjoyable. You might get lucky otherwise -- and I know many people have and do -- but with the party you'll know you have a good seat with a good view. If you need to sit, do the terrace -- if you want the best possible view, do the garden. Either before of after, I don't think it matters. I don't like to tell people to spend money, but if HEA an important part of your trip, it's probably worth it in this case.

 

[whiporee]

Do you guys feel the dessert party more valuable during busy times like Spring Break and Christmastime?

Absolutely.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Other people have said this already, but given your daughter's issues, if you really want to view the projections, you ought to splurge for the party. I've found it's the only way to guarantee it being enjoyable. You might get lucky otherwise -- and I know many people have and do -- but with the party you'll know you have a good seat with a good view. If you need to sit, do the terrace -- if you want the best possible view, do the garden. Either before of after, I don't think it matters. I don't like to tell people to spend money, but if HEA an important part of your trip, it's probably worth it in this case.

I agree. The bathrooms in Tomorrowland Terrace are available to all the dessert party guests but that is it. There is a line right before the show starts but if she get into trouble she will have her wrist band on and can go back to the bathrooms quickly.

The crowds in the hub are unbearable to me and without the Plaza viewing I wouldn't be able to manage HEA but if you are just interested in the fireworks and not the projections then they can be seen from other places.

 

[greg9x]

And really, we'll be watching the fireworks at MNSSHP. I've heard some say that the HalloWishes are really good as well... maybe they'll appease us? And on that note... how bad/crowded are the fireworks at the party? Will it be the same thing?

We went to Hallowishes on a sold out night and found the fireworks crowd to be much more manageable than HEA. For party we walked up 10 minutes before start and easily found a spot near the middle back of the hub center.. we were never crowded having probably an arms length of room around us . Of course every night can be a different experience. Having said that though... the projections for Hallowishes are not critical to see, they are basic and not as big a part of the show as HEA. Both shows are good, with HEA being good integrating the projections and fireworks, and Hallowishes being the better pure fireworks show.

But sounds like you/family medical issues may make HEA a bad choice.. if heat/crowds affect that much, that is exactly what to expect for HEA.

 

[Beer Me]

I don’t think it’s that bad to stake out a spot maybe 40 minutes ahead of time. You should be able to sit on the ground until about 15 minutes before the show starts.