FP+ Parade/fireworks locations

[TooBoyz4us]

Could someone please tell me where the FP+ parade and fireworks special viewing areas are located in MK & WS (and any other parks that have it).

And, if you feel that using FP+ for this preferred viewing spot is worth it.

Thankyou kindly!!

 

[Robo]

2- Could someone please tell me where the FP+ parade and fireworks special viewing areas are located in MK & WS (and any other parks that have it).

1- And, if you feel that using FP+ for this preferred viewing spot is worth it.

1- That, only you can decide, based on the other FP+ attractions you want vs the importance of seeing the evening spectaculars.


2- MSEP area is in the Hub in front of the Castle.
Wishes area is in the Rose Garden (which is at even a sharper "off-angle" to the show than the AAA area.)
IllumiNations area is in Showcase Plaza between the twin gift shops near the bridge to FW. (#14 on Epcot map below.)
Fantasmic! seating is in the center of the theater in the Mickey -or- Pocahontas section.
(Any of this could change at any time, of course.)

The AAA Viewing section I have marked as "Lower Tables" on the top image.
Rose Garden is at quite a sharp "off-angle" to the show.

 

[TooBoyz4us]

Thank you bunches Robo!!

 

[mesaboy2]

I think the MSEP FP+ is not a bad choice. I don't think the Wishes FP+ is worth it.

 

[jaiminee krikit]

I was there in August and used a FP+ for Wishes. Honestly, it was my favorite use of the FP+. Sure, I like seeing Wishes from Main Street USA and having the fireworks directly behind the castle. But to get that seat (in August) you typically have to sit well over an hour before they even begin. With the FP+, I went over to the Rose Garden right before the projection show started, got to sit down on grass and spread out my legs (some people were even laying down) and relax comfortably. The spot was great for the projection show, and then Tink flew directly over us as Wishes began. I really liked how the fireworks were slightly to the right of the castle - gave me great photos. I also liked that no one could come up right before the show began and stand right in front of me. After the show I just wanted to enjoy the park, but some people sat and relaxed for a bit longer while the crowds died down. I don't know if they kick you out at a certain point, though. We do typically spend half of our stay at the MK, so if you're only going for one day I would use FP+ on something else.

 

[mesaboy2]

I was there in August and used a FP+ for Wishes. Honestly, it was my favorite use of the FP+. Sure, I like seeing Wishes from Main Street USA and having the fireworks directly behind the castle. But to get that seat (in August) you typically have to sit well over an hour before they even begin. With the FP+, I went over to the Rose Garden right before the projection show started, got to sit down on grass and spread out my legs (some people were even laying down) and relax comfortably. The spot was great for the projection show, and then Tink flew directly over us as Wishes began. I really liked how the fireworks were slightly to the right of the castle - gave me great photos. I also liked that no one could come up right before the show began and stand right in front of me. After the show I just wanted to enjoy the park, but some people sat and relaxed for a bit longer while the crowds died down. I don't know if they kick you out at a certain point, though. We do typically spend half of our stay at the MK, so if you're only going for one day I would use FP+ on something else.

I've never quite understood this. To see the fireworks, all you need is a place to stand most anywhere in the southern Hub or Main Street area. Is it not possible to find a few square feet to stand in just 15-20 minutes before? Unlike a parade, there is no front row since everybody will be looking up anyway....

I'm honestly curious. I have Wishes a solid C on my FP+ priority list for this very reason--should not be hard to get a decent spot shortly before. (I understand the appeal of being to spread out in a dedicated area, however.)

 

[shyjade]

The problem is, they currently are not offering FP+'s for MSEP or Wishes. Some guests were able to book them for August & early September dates, but nothing else has been released since. There are MANY Disers patiently waiting for them to become available...

 

[tinkerbell313]

Robo,

I love your information and your pictures/maps...so very helpful.

I realize you always put a disclaimer on your info which is great.

I just wanted to let you know that when we were at Epcot on Sept. 6...our FP+ viewing area was the small area in front of gift shop (13) closest to Canada...it wasn't area 14.

I know Disney will be continuously changing until they find what works for them

 

[jaiminee krikit]

I'm honestly curious. I have Wishes a solid C on my FP+ priority list for this very reason--should not be hard to get a decent spot shortly before. (I understand the appeal of being to spread out in a dedicated area, however.)

I liked, no I LOVED that I had no one close enough to touch me during the fireworks. By the end of the day, I am beyond sick of feeling like a sardine in a can. And, I am short, so if someone who is 6 ft tall with a child sitting on their shoulders stands in front of me, I can't see the fireworks very well. (And I get irritated that someone would even do that). It was just a nice relaxed way to end a crazy day!

 

[mesaboy2]

I liked, no I LOVED that I had no one close enough to touch me during the fireworks. By the end of the day, I am beyond sick of feeling like a sardine in a can. And, I am short, so if someone who is 6 ft tall with a child sitting on their shoulders stands in front of me, I can't see the fireworks very well. (And I get irritated that someone would even do that). It was just a nice relaxed way to end a crazy day!

Glad it worked out for you.

 

[Robo]

Robo,

I love your information and your pictures/maps...so very helpful.

I realize you always put a disclaimer on your info which is great.

I just wanted to let you know that when we were at Epcot on Sept. 6...our FP+ viewing area was the small area in front of gift shop (13) closest to Canada...it wasn't area 14.

I know Disney will be continuously changing until they find what works for them

Thanks for the info (and the kind words!)

 

[wtrowbridge]

We did FP plus for MSEP two weeks ago and it was the best one! I highly suggest it if it becomes avl. Because you do not have to try to get a spot early and you do not have to move after the parade. You can stay where you are and have an awesome view of the castle for wishes.

 

[HopperFan]

MSEP - totally worth it for viewing. If trying to tape parade maybe not so much. We had a great view and loved seeing the castle in the background. After we also had a good view of Wishes. They did not make you move so this was a 2 for 1 for us. Backing up in the hub would have been better for fireworks but it was packed already.

WISHES - if you have seen it before or do not need the direct head on view, the Rose Garden was great. Plenty of room to sit (for now) and not be crowded. We picked at back of garden so I could use a small tripod for my camera and tape. You still can see the front of castle and projection was great. But fireworks were off to right of castle not behind it. Best was Tinkerbell flies right over your head. This one is truly relative on your needs.

CELEBRATE PARADE - same seating as MSEP, was great, loved being so upclose to the floats and take pictures of them with the castle behind them. But not important to me to be up front so not sure I would do this again.

FANTASMIC - was great. Finally no awful line on Sunset. The arena was filled with organization and planning and we had a center seat for the first time in years. IF the middle section is important you have to do FP+ or Dining Package.

ILLUMINATIONS - was our waste of a FP+. Space very small and if you aren't one of the first in the lines you don't get a rail "seat". Everyone stood and with the globe etc part on the water, we couldn't see it. Were in line for 40 minutes and that was an hour before show time and we still were about 4th row back from the rail. An hour in advance I've done much better on my own.

Of course since this is all new and the spaces we were in were not permanent setups, this could all change at any time as they tweek the system.

 

[DISzy]

We used FP+ for Fantasmic a couple of weeks ago. It was so great to not have to line up so early or stand in the very back. We walked in to the theatre just 15 minutes before it started. The only criticism I have is that people in the FP section would not scoot together and there were not cast members helping. We had to crawl over people and the four of us had to sit separately. I think the system just needs a little tweaking. Overall, I think it is fantastic. The FP section is right in the center.

 

[jsebsirois]

We used FP+ for Fantasmic a couple of weeks ago. It was so great to not have to line up so early or stand in the very back. We walked in to the theatre just 15 minutes before it started. The only criticism I have is that people in the FP section would not scoot together and there were not cast members helping. We had to crawl over people and the four of us had to sit separately. I think the system just needs a little tweaking. Overall, I think it is fantastic. The FP section is right in the center.

Great to read that! We were able to book FP+ for Fantasmic yesterday and can't wait to see this great show without the waiting!

Quick question, when or where do CM verify your MB? Is it at the entrance of the theater or at the section?

 

[HopperFan]

Great to read that! We were able to book FP+ for Fantasmic yesterday and can't wait to see this great show without the waiting!

Quick question, when or where do CM verify your MB? Is it at the entrance of the theater or at the section?

At the entrance there are now two lines, Stand By and the FastPass+/Dining Package entrance. You scan there (or show your Dining ticket). You go to a waiting area about 1/3 way in where there are additional scanning machines. We were held there to a specific time then began letting everyone in. So two scans. Once we reached the theater CMs were holding ropes so that we were guided into the correct sections. For now it was very organized.

 

[Sammie]

I felt Illuminations was worth it, I did not think Wishes was.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

I have fastpass+ selections for both illuminations and fantastic and I am very much looking forward to not waiting in line for an hr+with two small children. That alone will be worth it for us

 

[numberonenole]

At the entrance there are now two lines, Stand By and the FastPass+/Dining Package entrance. You scan there (or show your Dining ticket). You go to a waiting area about 1/3 way in where there are additional scanning machines. We were held there to a specific time then began letting everyone in. So two scans. Once we reached the theater CMs were holding ropes so that we were guided into the correct sections. For now it was very organized.

Does this mean everyone uses the main entrance and not the side? We have used the dining plan and always went up through the side. i don't even know how to go the main way!

Thanks!

 

[bdklein]

Our FP+ Experience last week

Great insight,thanks.