Fireworks: Honest opinions...

[mshanson3121]

We've watched some of the YouTube videos of HEA, and it looks amazing with the projections. We (kids and I) all really want to see it - especially the projections.

However, I'm honestly a bit worried - we're going in September, the Halloween party will be up and running. I know that the parties unfortunately cause an increase in crowds on non-party nights at MK. I've read so many horror stories of the HEA show being horribly crowded, shoulder to shoulder, crammed in like sardines, need to find a place at least an hour in advance etc... Will it be like that even in September, when crowds are supposed to be at their lowest?

I'm so torn on what to do. I have a dysautonomia disorder, and standing for a long period of time in intense heat/crowds will make me sick. Add to it, my youngest has her own health issues that will make that difficult. Do they have any offerings for people with disability etc? Reserved viewing areas so you don't have to stake out a spot an hour in advance or be crammed in?

I've considered the dessert party - I have decided I'll allow us one splurge (I was planning on breakfast at 1900 Park Faire for the characters but then thought maybe this...) but the parties are so expensive, there's not much we'll eat, so I'm just not sure if it's worth it. Is the viewing area really that much less crowded/any better? Basically, are the projections really that good that they're worth $300 for a dessert party? Or should we just give up on seeing the projections and just watch the fireworks from some other, less crowded area, of the park?

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?

 

[Robo]

I've considered the dessert party - I have decided I'll allow us one splurge (I was planning on breakfast at 1900 Park Faire for the characters but then thought maybe this...) but the parties are so expensive, there's not much we'll eat, so I'm just not sure if it's worth it.
1. Is the viewing area really that much less crowded/any better?
2. Basically, are the projections really that good that they're worth $300 for a dessert party?
3. Or should we just give up on seeing the projections and just watch the fireworks from some other, less crowded area, of the park?
And really, we'll be watching the fireworks at MNSSHP.
4. I've heard some say that the HalloWishes are really good as well... maybe they'll appease us?
5. And on that note... how bad/crowded are the fireworks at the party?
6. Will it be the same thing?

1. Yes.
2. Not to me, but you said you wanted to see them with a smaller crowd.
3. If (IF) you forego the projections, you can see fireworks in Fantasyland.
4. There are no (major) projections in Hallowishes.
5. So, you COULD choose to watch those in Fantasyland with less "loss" than
you have with not seeing the front of the castle, as with HEA.
6. HEA and Hallowishes (the shows) are not at all the same thing.
But, they will both be very busy in the Hub.

 

[mshanson3121]

6. HEA and Hallowishes (the shows) are not at all the same thing.
But, they will both be very busy in the Hub.

Sorry, should have rephrased that. I realize they're not the same shows, but yes, more was wondering if they would both be extremely crowded. But it sounds as though the Halloween party fireworks probably have more viewing options - as in, more places we could go where it wouldn't be as crowded?

We were so spoiled last time. We had a horrible t-storm roll through that made them post pone the fireworks. People poured out of that park by the thousands. We stuck it out, and by the time they set them off at 11:00, the place was pretty empty. We were able to walk right up to the old Fastpass viewing area, and had an awesome view - without any waiting, crowds etc... So, we've never experienced "normal" fireworks crowds etc...

 

[jaiminee krikit]

We went a couple of years ago for a weekend in October. DD hadn't seen HEA and was looking forward to, so I opted for doing the Plaza Garden viewing dessert party for the Saturday night we were there, and it was a very good decision. The crowd we had to walk through getting from the Tomorrowland Terrace to the garden proved that point - it was crazy! The terrace for desserts and the garden for fireworks were not crowded, we even would've had enough room in front of us, we could've laid down during HEA. But all around the garden was madness, and people were even trying to climb the back fence to get into the garden area (luckily CMs were there to control that).
You can see the fireworks from other areas, but you won't see the projections and to me the fireworks without the projections are very underwhelming. Although it was really neat to see them while riding BTMRR our last trip!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

After two very bad experiences with MK fireworks crowds and then vowing we would never return, we won't see MK fireworks shows without booking the dessert party. It means no crowds, no waiting and no stress. We even hang out in the garden after the fireworks are over to let the crowd thin out a bit before we start moving again. If your kids are up for it, I would consider doing the party that includes dessert after the fireworks so you can find your spot in the garden first.

 

[mshanson3121]

After two very bad experiences with MK fireworks crowds and then vowing we would never return, we won't see MK fireworks shows without booking the dessert party. It means no crowds, no waiting and no stress. We even hang out in the garden after the fireworks are over to let the crowd thin out a bit before we start moving again. If your kids are up for it, I would consider doing the party that includes dessert after the fireworks so you can find your spot in the garden first.

What is the difference in view between the terrace and the garden? I know the terrace has seating, how long will you need to stand in the garden?

 

[TangledHairDon'tCare]

Do you have POTS? I was diagnosed last year. I cannot stand still for a long period of time. I'll be honest, about half way through the show I start sweating and counting the minutes until its over even though I absolutely love it! I'd be willing to pay for the dessert party, but I also have Celiac disease so it really wouldn't be worth it.

 

[deedubb]

HEA is an amazing show. I don't think there is ever a time of year now that it isn't crowded. Due to the projections, everyone wants to be in the hub to get the full effect. That said, I almost never watch the projections. For me, the fireworks are the star of the show, and if you concentrate on the projections, you miss the full effect of the fireworks.

Whether the dessert party is worth it is very subjective. We do the party twice each trip, so obviously, it is worth it for us. However, it is definitely expensive for some mediocre desserts. We enjoy it much more with the addition of the ooey gooey toffee cake and spring rolls. We do a buffet for lunch, and skip dinner as we used to do a table service dinner and it ended up being too much food for the day.

As for the crowds, in 2017, we went Christmas week (ie. busiest time of the year) and we were able to SIT for the whole show. We were there this past New Years and it seemed to be a little more crowded now with the addition of the "after party". We stood along the back railing and there were a few people in front of us who sat for the show. Definitely worth it, IMO.

As for the view, the garden has a more direct view. Definitely better IMO, and it is cheaper.

 

[Micharlotte]

The worst part about going during party season is the non party fireworks. I did it a couple of years ago in early September and vowed never again. Too hot, too many pushy people and just not worth it. I watched them from the beach at the Poly after O’hana dinner this year and it was so much better!

 

[mshanson3121]

Do you have POTS? I was diagnosed last year. I cannot stand still for a long period of time. I'll be honest, about half way through the show I start sweating and counting the minutes until its over even though I absolutely love it! I'd be willing to pay for the dessert party, but I also have Celiac disease so it really wouldn't be worth it.

Yes, I do. It's worse now than it was last time I went.

 

[mshanson3121]

The worst part about going during party season is the non party fireworks. I did it a couple of years ago in early September and vowed never again. Too hot, too many pushy people and just not worth it. I watched them from the beach at the Poly after O’hana dinner this year and it was so much better!

Can you still watch them from Fort Wilderness beach?

 

[Micharlotte]

Can you still watch them from Fort Wilderness beach?

I actually have no idea, but I’m pretty sure you can. The view from the Poly is great though.

 

[wendlle]

OK, I am totally FOR the Dessert Party. I've done it and love it, even if you don't eat much food. The viewing location is perfect AND you're not waiting for ages and being shoulder to shoulder with people.
We always travel in September, yes it is still packed in September for the fireworks and there are a lot of Sept dates for MNSSHP which does mean the other nights will be busier.

The Garden Viewing location is perfect for watching the projections, you can sit in the terrace and have some food and drinks then move down to the garden you can sit there until the show starts then you stand (everyone in front of you will so you will have to for the show) it is 100% worth the money. They also let you take some desserts with you down to the garden area.

 

[mshanson3121]

OK, I am totally FOR the Dessert Party. I've done it and love it, even if you don't eat much food. The viewing location is perfect AND you're not waiting for ages and being shoulder to shoulder with people.
We always travel in September, yes it is still packed in September for the fireworks and there are a lot of Sept dates for MNSSHP which does mean the other nights will be busier.

The Garden Viewing location is perfect for watching the projections, you can sit in the terrace and have some food and drinks then move down to the garden you can sit there until the show starts then you stand (everyone in front of you will so you will have to for the show) it is 100% worth the money. They also let you take some desserts with you down to the garden area.

How long before the fireworks start do you find you need to head down to the Plaza? How is the view from the Terrace? Can you still see the projections?

I hate to spend the money, but knowing this will be our last trip for several years, I'm afraid I'll regret it if we miss these .

 

[wendlle]

How long before the fireworks start do you find you need to head down to the Plaza? How is the view from the Terrace? Can you still see the projections?

I hate to spend the money, but knowing this will be our last trip for several years, I'm afraid I'll regret it if we miss these .

Honestly, yes it costs money but it's worth it alone for us anyway due to the fact that we aren't standing around for ages with kids. That's our main priority. And we love the projections, and most of the show is now projections. So if you watch just the fireworks you're really only seeing a small amount of the show.
We went down the garden area around 10mins before the show started but you can go right up until it starts.
I haven't done the actual Terrace view so can't comment as a first hand person on that view but I have heard that the Garden View is better but again, not 100% sure on that. (It's cheaper in the Garden too)
We are doing it again for our next trip this September.

 

[jaiminee krikit]

What is the difference in view between the terrace and the garden? I know the terrace has seating, how long will you need to stand in the garden?

The view from the terrace is, IMO, terrible. It is very off center and there are trees that block part of the projections.
The garden view is great, practically perfect if you're as far left as you can get (facing the castle). We've done the Plaza Garden party multiple times, and every time there was enough room that if you really wanted to, you could sit down the entire HEA. I've never tried, so I don't know what the view is like from down there, but I have seen some do it. I prefer standing in the back and leaning against the fence.

 

[mshanson3121]

Well it's definitely sounding like the party will be a must do. Downside is I doubt the rest of our traveling companions will want to spend the money. But the fireworks are really important to my kids. To them "Disney" is all about the characters and shows, far more than the rides.

 

[SaintsManiac]

Honestly, if you are focused on value/budget/money of this party you will probably not enjoy it. I find that if I am struggling with how much I paid for something it kind of ruins the experience.

You cannot cancel this party the day of if it rains. You can't get a refund if you don't feel well that day and don't want to go anymore.

In September I don't see a reason why you can't find a spot and just sit and hold it until the show starts. That's when they make you stand.

On the other hand, some of our favorite trip memories involve the dessert parties. We've done MK twice and HS once. We enjoyed them very much, but I don't go in trying to maximize the value or worth of it.

Just think on it and if you can swing paying for it now at least you don't get handed a bill at the event.

 

[StageTek]

Can you still watch them from Fort Wilderness beach?

You sure can. A great place to see them.

 

[mshanson3121]

In September I don't see a reason why you can't find a spot and just sit and hold it until the show starts. That's when they make you stand.

My biggest concern about having to stake out a spot is my daughter - she has ASD so large crowds overwhelm her, I'm not sure how she would do staying in that one spot for such a long time, and she also has a bowel/bladder disorder, so... if she needs to go...we would be up the creek.

That all said - where would you recommend trying to find a spot? Woud we be able to go early and sit at Casey's? Would we even be able to see anything from there?