For preschooler: Spectro, Illuminations, or Fantasmic??

[ccgegg]

While in WDW, Spectro and Illuminations start at 9pm which would really be pushing it for our DS (1) but we want to see one or both of these with our DD (4). Or would a preschooler not really care about these? If appealing, then which would you recommend, since doing both may not be an option?

Fantasmic starts at 7pm. What is it? Good for a preschooler?

 

[QuickGold]

Spectro. It'll be the least scary and have most characters.

 

[Wee Annie]

I had assumed that all were too late for my children (we like to get up early). Which one of the three is the most "can't miss" for families with younger children? Or does anyone suggest that maybe these are "can misses" while the children are young and are not worth their potential crankiness the next day?

 

[jkmmah]

Fantasmic is frightening to some kids. Our almost 3 year old and 7 year old's didn't enjoy much of the show. I would advise against it if your kids are frightened by dragons, fire, suspensful music, etc.

Illuminations is gorgeous but for a preschooler it just doesn't have the moving impact that it does for adults, I think. To a small child it's fireworks, with a long pause in the middle.

Spectro would be my top pick for children the age of yours. It will hold their attention and is magical, too! You can get the fireworks at MK with Wishes, as well!

 

[DissyLove]

My 6 year old was a little scared at Fantasmic. Great show, but the flames and dragon kind of freaked him out. I would go with spectromagic or illuminations. The fireworks show at illuminations is great if your little one likes fireworks. Just try to get a nap in that day maybe, since it will be a late night!

 

[jkmmah]

Wee Annie--of the three the only one that I'd say is a "can't miss" for your children would be Spectro. The other two won't be anything special for them, probably. I'd try to rest your kids during the afternoon so they'll be able to stay up for Spectro. The first time you see it truly is magical and a moment to remember.

 

[Minnie824]

My 3yo currently is in bed 8-9ish and 9mo goes to bed around 6pm! That being said, when we go in Nov, DD will be 4, and we'll get up early, nap and hopefully make it to shows, as for younger one...we'll see. Thats the plan anyway. We're going to see Illuminations and Spectro hopefully and Fantasmic, we'll see how they do with the others first.

 

[ccgegg]

Thanks for the great advice! I was thinking Fantasmic was a given to do since it starts at 7pm. Now I know to forewarn our DD (4).

Any tips on a good place to view Spectro and Wishes and get a jump on the crowd out of the park? (taking a bus back to SSR) UOG has great advice on Illuminations, but I can't find anything on Spectro.

 

[timandlesley]

I second that Spectro is the way to go. Our 3 year old LOVED it last summer (of course we did to). I just posted a great place to view parades thread and the best advice I got was on the train station by the main entrance looking down at Main Street. They said to get there early because the spots go quick. I would love this because last year we waited for an hour on Main Street, had the perfect spot. As SOON as the lights went down a lady came with her daughter and pushed my son in the front out of the way and refused to move. Our front row seats we had been there an hour for now became a crowded second row and my son had trouble seeing. I am all for the train station to avoid the crowds and pushing.

Lesley

 

[DissyLove]

Thanks for the great advice! I was thinking Fantasmic was a given to do since it starts at 7pm. Now I know to forewarn our DD (4).

Any tips on a good place to view Spectro and Wishes and get a jump on the crowd out of the park? (taking a bus back to SSR) UOG has great advice on Illuminations, but I can't find anything on Spectro.

We saw Wishes from the Main St. Train Station balcony-an OK view and was very close to the exit when the park closes and the show is over.....

 

[wendy1974]

I would definitely say do Spectro without a doubt. It has the characters that they can see up close, pretty floats and great music

 

[Stitch's Greatest Fa]

I do not have children, but would agree with everyone else and would see SPECTRO. I think that Fantasmic could be scary (lots of fire, darkness, loud npoises) and Illuminations would not mean much, however there would be plenty characters for your DD to recognise in Spectro.

 

[TSirgey]

My dd was a little over 3 when we went last year and she loved Spectro and Fantasmic. Illuminations was what we saw first and she was not really excited about it. She is scared of anything, so she really enjoyed Fantasmic. As adults, Fantasmic impressed us more than any other show.

I think Spectro is awesome too. It has all the magic of Disney.