Fireworks strategy if you're not a big parade fan

[Khokhonutt]

I've been looking around for input on how best to put yourself in a decent spot for the fireworks. Most posts I've found seem to treat the parade and the fireworks as one big event, since the fireworks pretty much follow the parade, but we've never been big into the parades. We are however big fans of the fireworks. I've not seen much at all for that specific scenario.

I know the recommendation to see the fireworks early in your trip, in case weather causes issues. So we'll be doing that.

At WDW we've never had an issue. I guess because of the room and the fact that trees really don't figure into the equation for the vast majority of viewing areas. The only time I've setup for a spot real early is when I was trying to photograph fireworks. My general understanding at DLR is that you need to plan a little more for a spot because of the general lack of space with the parade crowd and the need to work around trees and such.

We're 4 adults, so we don't have to worry about kids. What's your favorite spot, and why? And how do you go about getting that spot? Any input from folks who also don't line up hours in advance for the parade is especially interesting to me. I haven't ruled out bringing a tripod to see if we can get some nice pictures and/or video. Is there a spot worth setting up in that won't get you into the parade folks? Also, I've read some about projections on the castle, the Matterhorn and on main street. Is that part of the current show and something we need to figure into placement?

 

[robert_j]

To be honest -- and I know that this is not really an answer to your question -- I think my approach to seeing the fireworks will be to see them from my hotel off-site. I am booking a resort view room at the Marriott specifically for this purpose.

My experience has been that the parades can get almost oppressively crowded, to the point that (assuming you did not line up early) there is no more room and you are walking in an endless loop until it finally ends. At that point, they do usher everyone into the street, so that does present an opportunity to merge with the crowd and find a viewing spot in the middle of Main Street. It is all standing room, though, so if you have kids, then you end up holding them for the duration of the show, and your mileage may vary there.

Maybe I am just not a crowds person, but I did not find the experience to be much fun! So this year I am going to take the approach of seeing the fireworks offsite and/or attempting a few rides during the show.

Of course, if Fantasmic is back and they reintroduce the Fantasmic dessert party (and you can stay in your seat for fireworks afterwards), that might be a worthwhile approach.

 

[Nonsuch]

...What's your favorite spot, and why? And how do you go about getting that spot? Any input from folks who also don't line up hours in advance for the parade is especially interesting to me. I haven't ruled out bringing a tripod to see if we can get some nice pictures and/or video. Is there a spot worth setting up in that won't get you into the parade folks? Also, I've read some about projections on the castle, the Matterhorn and on main street. Is that part of the current show and something we need to figure into placement?

The current fireworks show was created for the Disneyland 50th anniversary. The 60th anniversary fireworks added new (or greatly improved) video projections on the Castle, Matterhorn, and Main Street. So now we get the excellent 50th fireworks with new video projections (using equipment installed for the 60th). The new projections enhance the show, but there are very limited areas to view the castle.

If you want use a tripod and video the show, you will need to invest considerable time to get a spot in the street between the hub and the castle.

Another approach is to wait in Tomorrowland (as close as possible to the parade route) and move (rush) into the street once the parade passes. Good views of both the castle and matterhorn are possible. The street does become rather tightly packed.

 

[SMD]

You can walk down the middle of Main St before the parade. You could do that, go into a store or Gibson Girl before the parade starts, then exit when the parade passes and stand in the middle of Main St for about 20 minutes. Or you could grab a seat on the east side of the hub near Frontierland before the parade and just wait there. You'll hear the parade, but you won't see much of it.

 

[Xenorye]

You can walk down the middle of Main St before the parade. You could do that, go into a store or Gibson Girl before the parade starts, then exit when the parade passes and stand in the middle of Main St for about 20 minutes. Or you could grab a seat on the east side of the hub near Frontierland before the parade and just wait there. You'll hear the parade, but you won't see much of it.

This is the best strategy. Worked like an absolute charm on my last trip. We hung out in the Penny Arcade, and as soon as the parade passed by, walked right into the middle of the street.

 

[Khokhonutt]

Thanks, everyone!

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

The current fireworks show was created for the Disneyland 50th anniversary. The 60th anniversary fireworks added new (or greatly improved) video projections on the Castle, Matterhorn, and Main Street. So now we get the excellent 50th fireworks with new video projections (using equipment installed for the 60th). The new projections enhance the show, but there are very limited areas to view the castle.

If you want use a tripod and video the show, you will need to invest considerable time to get a spot in the street between the hub and the castle.

Another approach is to wait in Tomorrowland (as close as possible to the parade route) and move (rush) into the street once the parade passes. Good views of both the castle and matterhorn are possible. The street does become rather tightly packed.

The fireworks now have projections?

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Yes, there are projections on the castle and Matterhorn. I understand that there are projections on the Small World facade, but haven't seen them since I always watch from the Main Street area.

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

Yes, there are projections on the castle and Matterhorn. I understand that there are projections on the Small World facade, but haven't seen them since I always watch from the Main Street area.

Thank you!! So excited about this. We didn't have the best view for the 60th but what I could see was impressive. I thought the projections were gone, so this makes me super happy!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Thank you!! So excited about this. We didn't have the best view for the 60th but what I could see was impressive. I thought the projections were gone, so this makes me super happy!

Try and position yourselves to see the castle, the Matterhorn, and the sky to the left of the castle where the majority of the fireworks will go off. This is my favorite fireworks show at Disneyland.

 

[Nonsuch]

...We didn't have the best view for the 60th but what I could see was impressive. I thought the projections were gone, so this makes me super happy!

To clarify: These are new projections added to the 50th fireworks, using the equipment added for the 60th.
The images on the castle and matterhorn are very impressive, I have not checked Small World or Main Street buildings.

 

[Tinkerbell19672]

Try and position yourselves to see the castle, the Matterhorn, and the sky to the left of the castle where the majority of the fireworks will go off. This is my favorite fireworks show at Disneyland.

Where's a good place to stand for that? Near plaza inn? I've never had luck seeing fireworks close to castle because tress are always in the way . We only have 1 chance to see them too so I want to get it right

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Around the hub - try Main Street near the entrance to Tomorrowland. We usually stand by Refreshment Corner, but more in the middle of the street. (of course, a lot of people try that area, so it will be crowded)

 

[3TinksAndAnEeyore]

Hey Khokhonutt, check out this week's Disneyland Update over at MiceChat for some really beautiful photos taken by Scott Attula. He took them from Frontierland across from the BTMRR entrance and they are quite spectacular. You would miss the castle projections, but if Big Thunder trail hasn't reopened by the time of your trip, this would probably be a great place to set up a tripod to get shots. Ive always heard that watching the fireworks while actually riding BTMRR is also an amazing experience.

 

[Khokhonutt]

Hey Khokhonutt, check out this week's Disneyland Update over at MiceChat for some really beautiful photos taken by Scott Attula. He took them from Frontierland across from the BTMRR entrance and they are quite spectacular. You would miss the castle projections, but if Big Thunder trail hasn't reopened by the time of your trip, this would probably be a great place to set up a tripod to get shots. Ive always heard that watching the fireworks while actually riding BTMRR is also an amazing experience.

Awesome! Thanks!