For anyone with past/recent Holiday nighttime shows knowledge!

[LisaDKG]

I am trying to figure out how many days of tickets I will need for a trip from Dec 23 - Jan 02 and if I would do well buying a hopper or not (never needed one before).
We can hit the parks for any number of days between Dec 24th and January 01 but I am hoping to get by with only getting a 6 day MYW if we can fit most of our early morning park touring and nighttime show watching in to those (we spend lots of time at our resort and Disney Springs too).
Does anyone remember from last year what nighttime shows were shown when and for how many days around Christmas and New Year's? I know that asking for exact times will be pointless this early but I am interested in trying to schedule the following:

1. MK - HEA - in the park, close to the castle to see the projections - will they even show them during Christmas/New Year's week? We've seen the Frozen/castle lighting show so I am asking about the actual HEA fireworks

2. MK - Christmas Firework shows - Dec 24th & 25th? Are these different from HEA or just amended with an add-on like Christmas Illuminations? Do they need to be seen in the park or can they be enjoyed from the Contemporary (can try for a CG ADR or we'll go to Top of the World)

3. Epcot - Illuminations with Peace on Earth ending - Dec 24th & 25th? (will probably do this and Candlelight Processional on Dec 24th if possible)

4. MK - New Years Fireworks - Dec 30 & 31? My understanding is that these are totally different from HEA and Christmas shows? I would try to watch these on Dec 30 or Jan 01 if they show them on these dates but again would like to know if these are an IN PARK must do?

5. Epcot - New Years Fireworks - Dec 30 & 31? Once again, this is different from Illuminations right? We will most likely try to be in the park for Dec 31st

6. AK - we'd like to be able to see it lit up at night and try for ROL but this is usually a half-day park for us and we'll catch it in the evening on another trip if necessary

7. HS - Jingle Bell Bam/Star Wars - I can't remember what these are called? HS is also a half-day park for us and all reports I've read point to not making a special trip for Jingle Bam. If we're there, we'll watch but I WOULD make an effort to see the Star Wars show and I think I read it started showing on Jan 01? Can anyone confirm?

8. MK Afternoon Christmas Parade - We've seen it during an MVMCP but I've read that during this week it is shown in the afternoon - anyone know if it will be moved to 2 pm like FOF? I'll watch it if I'm there but that is prime napping time for my DH and DTeenagers!

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[hakepb]

Usually it was just the Holiday Wishes from Dec 21-ish until Dec 30 (when they show the NYE fireworks)
There may not be HEA until the night of Jan 1

 

[LisaDKG]

Omigosh! I don't know how I didn't remember that MK's Christmas fireworks are Holiday Wishes! We've definitely seen those too then and that is helpful but I'll definitely be hoping they switch to HEA on Jan 01st to catch it.
Anyone else with any insight regarding the other holiday shows at the other parks?

 

[cutigerlady]

We were there last year from 12/18-12/23. Epcot had the holiday version of illuminations every night. Don't forget to see the Candlelight Processional at Epcot! I would highly recommend the dining package for this. Also, the Santa's around the world are really neat.

At MK, the afternoon parade switches over to the MVMCP the day after the last party (which was later last year.

We did the Jingle Bell Jungle BAM dessert party at HS. The price was crazy expensive (premium pricing closer to Christmas and after). It was our present to my parents and they loved it. The cast members went out of their way to make them feel special. However, the show was rained out!

My family loves spending a day to go around to see all the gingerbread displays at the hotels (C, GF, BW, BC, and YC). Also at the deluxe hotels they had meet & greets in the lobby with characters dressed up for the holidays.

The DS holiday drone show was neat to watch. We didn't do the Christmas tree trail though. We also enjoyed the singers/bands/shows spread throughout DS. You can meet Santa there until the 24th (you get a text return time so you don't need to wait for hours).

 

[CAS239]

To you're number 4. MK NYE fireworks are done on Dec 30th and 31st.

Number 5. Epcot NYE fireworks are only done on dec 31st. They are not done on the 30th

And both shows are special shows only shown on those days

 

[soniam]

The NYE shows at Epcot and MK are pretty amazing, especially the MK one.

We don't know yet if Jingle Bell/Jingle Bam will return or not. It's a cute show but not spectacular. It replaced Star Wars during that time. I can't remember when Star Wars came back though. @yulilin3 might remember. Star Wars is definitely worth seeing. JBJB is good if you happen to be in the park. I wouldn't do the dessert party for it; however, I would and will be doing the dessert party for Star Wars for the 3rd time in August.