FP+: Electric Parade vs. Fireworks - which or both, and why?

[JZCubed]

OK, so I got all the FP+ I wanted. Now I have to determine if I want all I got.....

We are starting our Park day during an evening at Magic Kingdom.

We have FP+ for both early Electrical Parade (9pm) & FP+ for Wishes (10pm).

Our plan is to see the fireworks. Rides are not a priority on this night.

I am traveling with a 6 y.o. who will be rested.

Please provide insight as to why you would keep/disgard these FP+ - either / both / one / none - for Electric Parade and/or Wishes Fireworks.

As always,
Thank you in advance.

 

[soniam]

I would definitely see both. However, I don't know about using FP+ for them. We always just walk up 15-30 minutes before and find a spot that's not infringing upon people who were already waiting or blocking others. If you feel that you must wait 60min+ to find the optimal spot, then FP+ might be for you. However, I have been reading bad reports about the Wishes FP+. It's overhead, so it's pretty easy to see from the whole park, especially near the the front & castle.

 

[JZCubed]

I would definitely see both. However, I don't know about using FP+ for them. We always just walk up 15-30 minutes before and find a spot that's not infringing upon people who were already waiting or blocking others. If you feel that you must wait 60min+ to find the optimal spot, then FP+ might be for you. However, I have been reading bad reports about the Wishes FP+. It's overhead, so it's pretty easy to see from the whole park, especially near the the front & castle.

The Electric Parade FP+ seems to be on front/center of Castle, so if we utilize those and just about stay where we are, that should be fine.

Because those Wishes FP+ look as if they are off to the side and we'd like to be more central for the Castle Lighting, no?

 

[soniam]

The Electric Parade FP+ seems to be on front/center of Castle, so if we utilize those and just about stay where we are, that should be fine.

Because those Wishes FP+ look as if they are off to the side and we'd like to be more central for the Castle Lighting, no?

I think the lighting is better from the front. However, we saw it from the Tomorrowland Terrace last month, and being that close up, it was fine from the side. I have also seen it from in front of the bathrooms near Tomorrowland Terrace, and it was good there too.

 

[SPSRAS]

We just did this with our DD 6 last week and I have to say I'm 100% not sure what is best. We had FP+ for Wishes not for MSEP. The current FP+ viewing area for MSEP is around the flagpole near the entrance on main street. On the advice of easywdw we viewed the parade from the same area near the fire station (but not the fast pass area) We arrived there later than we planned about 8:45 and we got a spot right on the rope. When the parade was over we followed it up main street to the Wishes FP area on the right. IMO there are 2 big negatives for the Wishes FP -one is that it is quite crowded and for a short 6 year old very difficult to see (not so much the fireworks but the castle projection) We were able to get to the very front of the viewing area and you do have about 3 feet that in front of you that is left open for the walkway so that does help. But I still had to hold my DD for the whole projections show and her dad did for the fireworks. The other negative is those new huge streetlights do block the view of the projection - quite a bit. Now - on to the pros - right after we arrived in the FP area my DD remembered that she didn't get her Mickey bar I had promised earlier. I asked the CM how much time I had and since I had 20 minutes ran out to buy one. Thankfully I left her and my bag with my husband. It was a total zoo around the hub - I was dodging and diving, literally jumping over people, ducking under them. And all the taped off viewing areas were crammed 3-4 people deep. So in comparison the FP area seemed much calmer and easier viewing. There is no way my DD would have seen anything from the hub. And also a big plus for the viewing area on the right is the tomorrow land pass through behind main street. We go out ahead of the whole crowd and were on the 2nd monorail - only waiting about 5 min. I think the main reason why it's difficult to say is that you probably can find a better place for viewing both - the question is do you wan to take the time to do it. People were sitting on main street curb at 7:30 waiting for the parade. We had much better luck last year when the MSEP viewing was right in front of the castle and then we just stayed put for Wishes. Looking back on it - I think I would do it the same again - for us the Wishes FP was worth it.

 

[Robo]

The Electric Parade FP+ seems to be on front/center of Castle, so if we utilize those and just about stay where we are, that should be fine.

No. That is not the case.
The FP+ parade viewing area is in Town Square at the head of Main Street USA.


And, the parade FP+ viewing area is not a good place to see the fireworks.

 

[Robo]

Below is a "work-in-progress" of my overview of the new Hub.
Some of the "outer" sidewalks shown have not been built yet.
Some of the unfinished areas have since been finished.
Again, a work-in-progress, all the way around.
The original photo is by Scott Keating, posted on WDWMagic.

 

[Robo]

Below is a rough estimate of the Fireworks viewing spots
based on other posters' info on the boards and personal experience.

This is a new version of this map that features a representation of the new hub and its FP+ Wishes viewing areas.
At this point, I'm not sure how the new "outer sidewalks" will be allowed or blocked
for fireworks viewers.
Not all of the sidewalks I've depicted have actually been built, yet.
As the actual Hub construction goes along, I'll revamp the shaded areas.

-------------------

A look at the MK Parade Route-
Disney's (MS) Electrical Parade starts near the Firehouse and exits near Splash Mtn.
The 3 O'Clock Parade (Festival of Fantasy) and both the MVMCP and MNSSHP parades start near Spalsh Mtn. and exit near the Firehouse.

Less crowded than on Main Street, but still spectacular viewing can be found near the Hall of Presidents, or deep into Frontierland, past the Country Bears.
(But, from those locations you won't be able to see the spectacular, not-to-be-missed show that is actually projected on the front of the Castle, "Celebrate the Magic," which begins about 15 minutes before the fireworks.)

 

[JZCubed]

No. That is not the case.
The FP+ parade viewing area is in Town Square at the head of Main Street USA.


And, the parade FP+ viewing area is not a good place to see the fireworks.

Ya'see, that's why the DisBoards are the best (Robo, you're top of the heap).

I thought the Parade FP+ by the Entrance was temporary while Hub was being completed. Frankly, I thought Parade FP+ was in front of Castle stage.

But Robo has also noted that the Fireworks FP+ is 'Prime' viewing.

So I'm of the opinion to keep my Fireworks FP+ and use my other FP+ for something else.

 

[Robo]

I thought the Parade FP+ by the Entrance was temporary while Hub was being completed. Frankly, I thought Parade FP+ was in front of Castle stage.

As far as anyone knows, it IS temporary while Hub is being completed.

The Hub is not completed, and the areas that are still under construction are the areas
nearer the castle.

We'll have to wait and see what they do with the parade FP+ viewing after they finally DO complete the Hub rebuild.

 

[Cackyschmackers]

(But, from those locations you won't be able to see the spectacular, not-to-be-missed show that is actually projected on the front of the Castle, "Celebrate the Magic," which begins about 15 minutes before the fireworks.)

Robo: During our upcoming visit in Oct, we'd like to be as far away from the castle (and close to the exit) for Wishes as we can for an easy escape when it ends when the park closes afterwards. But how far back are you actually able to still see the Celebrate the Magic projection? We heard there was okay viewing pretty far from the hub; but are you only able to see the projections from the hub?

 

[mikana876]

How long would we have to "claim land" if we wanted to secure a spot on the curb for MSEP that is also within the green "prime viewing" area on robo's fireworks map? We have one night to see both, so just trying to figure out the best spot with a good view for both.

 

[Robo]

Robo: During our upcoming visit in Oct, we'd like to be as far away from the castle (and close to the exit) for Wishes as we can for an easy escape when it ends when the park closes afterwards. But how far back are you actually able to still see the Celebrate the Magic projection? We heard there was okay viewing pretty far from the hub; but are you only able to see the projections from the hub?

I'd go no farther south than midway between the Hub and the Main St. RR Station.

 

[Robo]

How long would we have to "claim land" if we wanted to secure a spot on the curb for MSEP that is also within the green "prime viewing" area on robo's fireworks map? We have one night to see both, so just trying to figure out the best spot with a good view for both.

Somewhere between 60-135 minutes, give for take 30 minutes...
depending on every variable factor you can think of.

 

[Brandi Harris]

The Hub is not completed, and the areas that are still under construction are the areas

 

[JZCubed]

As far as anyone knows, it IS temporary while Hub is being completed.

The Hub is not completed, and the areas that are still under construction are the areas
nearer the castle.

We'll have to wait and see what they do with the parade FP+ viewing after they finally DO complete the Hub rebuild.

Well then, Im'ma gonna' hold-on to that Parade FP+ for a few more weeks and see what happens.

Should not be too difficult to Cancel a Parade FP+ and 'exchange' one for something on the low-and-slow-side if the Hub is not done soon; something like Jungle Cruise or Small World, after a Haunted Mansion FP+ (so that my young child can stomp her feet at me for a few more minutes before complaining about the fireworks she is being dragged to see).....

....Then, she will see her Disney friends atop the parade floats and she will marvel at the Castle Lighting. All bad thoughts will be forgotten (until the selfie-sticks start poking around), and her family shall forever live happily ever after......The Mickey Bars are on me.

Magical, truly magical.

Enjoy your morning routine (I'd say coffee, but I drink tea this time of day).