Fireworks in the parks

[thelegacy27]

I'm going on my very first Disney trip May 2019 with hubby, and three daughters (8,7,3). Because of their ages, I'm not sure we'll be able to watch the 9pm fireworks and shows EVERY night.

My question is, which ones are MUST dos and what can I skip?

For reference, we don't have park hoppers and plan on visiting each park only once.

Thanks

 

[Happiest.Haunt_999]

Depends on what you and your family like.
I'd do HEA at MK and Illuminations at EPCOT and skip Fantasmic and Rivers of Light.

 

[cuteinnocent]

Don't miss HEA and Fantasmic.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Don't Star Wars.

 

[Mithent]

Definitely HEA. I found that and IllumiNations to be the most spectacular (it's likely that the current IllumiNations will be have been replaced by then if the rumours are true). Fantasmic has a reasonable number of classic Disney characters, but I was a little disappointed by the proportion of time that water projection is the only thing going on (particularly as the spray was making me damp - don't sit downwind of the lake on the lower tiers). Rivers of Light was a nice calm show but less of a must-see. I didn't get the hype for the Star Wars show at all - as someone who can take or leave Star Wars it was a let-down after reading many people say it was amazing.

So I guess in my opinion (and not a huge Star Wars fan), I'd prioritise them as:
HEA > IllumiNations > Fantasmic > Rivers of Light > Star Wars

 

[Wild4Walt]

Happily Ever After at MK for sure - you won't want to miss fireworks at the iconic park. We're a fan of Illuminations - with little one's I'd suggest using a FP option for that if it's still part of the tiers when you go. If they can last late on your HS day, Fantasmic is a great show but not one I'd stay up for if sleep was needed.

 

[AngiTN]

HEA is the only must do, no matter what.
Star Wars Fireworks, Galaxy in the Sky would come in 2nd, currently
But that's based on the current show of Illuminations, which comes in 3rd. If it gets a revamp between now and your trip, then it would probably move to 2nd place.
Rivers of Light comes in 4th place, though it's not a fireworks show, just a night time show
Fantasmic will always come in 5th place

 

[Antaniasmom]

HEA is a must do especially for first timers. If your girls are huge Mickey fans like my DD, I believe Fantasmic is must see also. I have not seen Illuminations but would like to next trip. We saw Rivers of Light last year and trust me, it can be skipped. Star Wars I've only seen part of but if your girls aren't into that I would say skip those too.

 

[CAS239]

HEA and Star Wars are a must

Followed by Fantasmic and then Illuminations, is my order

 

[Robo]

I'm not sure we'll be able to watch the 9pm fireworks and shows EVERY night.

Just a note.
The fireworks and evening shows are not necessarily presented at 9pm.

 

[mshanson3121]

Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom definitely.
IllumiNations at Epcot probably next.
Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom I would probably skip at those ages.
Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios - maybe. It's possible it could scare the youngest one. My daughter was 5 and was definitely scared at some points of it, but my 8 year old loved it. I would suggest previewing it on YouTube to get a feel for it and see what you think.
Star Wars Fireworks at Hollywood Studios - granted we haven't seen them, but I've heard good reviews, and we're huge Star Wars fans, so for us, these would be a definitely.

 

[Disneylover99]

If it’s your first trip and you have young children, I’d do the MK fireworks and that’s it.

 

[dachsie]

I would say the only must do is HEA in MK. The rest I would see how your kids are doing to see if they could handle the late nite.
Personally, I am bored by Illuminations and skipped it for years until my last trip where I did watch it with my friend who had never been to WDW 0 still didn't like it so am glad to hear they may revamp it. Loved Fantasmic the first few times I saw it but the last time I saw it, it was just meh to me. Will finally get to see Rivers of Light in Sept - I was one of the ones who got to miss out on the opening of it during the 2016 debacle.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would plan on doing HEA and that's it unless you happen to be in another park later and your children are up to seeing one of the nighttime shows. If budget allows, I would even consider doing the dessert party with Plaza viewing to get a good spot without battling crowds.

My DS10 has always been bored with Illuminations, ROL is really boring, Fantasmic scared him when he was 3 and you'll be hard pressed on getting a spot where the little ones can see for Star Wars.

 

[thelegacy27]

Thanks everyone for your opinions and suggestions. I think I'll watch some you tube videos but I thought it might taint the "wow" factor lol.

So I'll definitely do MK and my husband is a HUGE Star Wars fan so maybe that one too

 

[Duck143]

Watch Illuminations as you walk out of the park. That's what we did and it was fun to see the show, hear the music and we exited before everyone else while still experiencing the show after dinner.

 

[gharter]

Watching the videos of the Fireworks will help you decide.
With little kids, I would not miss HEA.
Fantasmic can be scary for little kids, so might skip that one.
River of Light will be boring for little kids, skip it.
Illuminations should keep their attention and its really well done. Would do it.
Star Wars was well done and enough to keep their attention.
The nights you are doing fireworks, you might go back to the resort early afternoon for some downtime for the kids. When our kids were that age, one of us would take them to the resort and the other one had free time at the park until we met up again.

 

[jliucci]

I would say HEA & Fantasmic! I am surprised Fantasmic didnt get more love. I think with young kids its one of the easier shows because you get to sit down and you dont have to stand and try to find a spot to see it. I agree it could be a little scary so i would suggest watching the video first but we have always loved that show.

 

[AngiTN]

I'm at the opposite end, I'm continually surprised at the love Fantasmic gets.
We watch it again every few trips and come away the same opinion every time, we simply do not get it.
Nothing appealing about that show, other than you get to see the characters that you can't see often.
I'd rather see them in the parade at MK personally.
And I think I'd rather stand than sit on those horrible benches.
But, that's the best thing about Disney in my mind, there's something there for everyone. What is the best for 1 is the bottom of the list for another.
If everyone loved and hated the same things the crowds would never be dispersed.