FP wishes viewing is a joke

[ACJT]

we are at MK here tonight and had FP for wishes viewing area. We arrived at the return time listed. Talk about packing them in like sardines. There were so many people in there that the kind CM advised me of better places to go. This is such a shame as the old rose garden location was such a nice non crowded and relaxing spot to view wishes. My advice and opinion on this FP is "don't bother with it". Honestly, if Disney cut back the number of passes significantly I would reconsider my opinion.

 

[kcbutterfly]

Do you mind sharing the better places to view Wishes that the CM advised you of? Thank you so much.

 

[cakebaker]

They do seem to be having issues getting the crowd level right on this. One day you hear it's not crowded at all, the next we get a report like yours. I don't know if it's crowd levels or just not being able to figure out a good number, but I hope they get it settled soon. Thanks for your update and sorry it's disappointing.

 

[MrKnight]

I agree with the OP, I always advise against using a FP+ selection for a firework viewing, it is simply not worth it and can be better used for an actual attraction that has a queue. Even though there are certain spots that are slightly better than others for firework viewing, at the end of the day, as long as you are inside the park and at least within viewing distance of ANY part of the castle then you can clearly see the show without needing to be packed into a "special" area that has very little advantage..

 

[goofyernmost]

I still have trouble with that whole FP idea to watch fireworks that are overhead. They don't start earlier for those with FP, they might be in a more central location in relation to the Castle, but, the fireworks are visible from miles away. Personally, as a long time traveler to WDW, I would never waste a FP on that or the parade. It's in the open air, it all starts at the same time for everyone and it is a waste of a FP that could actually make a difference. The only thing that might make it worthwhile is if it includes the Castle Projection Show... that needs a closer location or really good eyesight.

 

[ACJT]

Do you mind sharing the better places to view Wishes that the CM advised you of? Thank you so much.

Yes, she suggested going out the park bypass exit which would bring me out to the Main Street entrance area. We ended up going to the walkway going over to tomorrow land. It was "ok"

 

[soniam]

Does anyone know if the you can still stand in front of the restrooms at the Tomorrowland Terrace? Basically, right in front of the bypass exit. It looked like it might be blocked off now or part of the FP+ area. We stood there in late July. It wasn't very crowded and had a nice view. The only problem was when people walked by and decided to stop right in front of you. The CMs and crowd were pretty good about shaming people into leaving though, especially since some of the people had been waiting there since the parade started.

EDIT: Don't feel too bad. At least you didn't pay for the dessert party to get only an insignificantly slightly better view. We probably won't be doing that again. I believe we could have bought an army's worth of rice krispy treats, Mickey bars, and drinks for the same price.

 

[ACJT]

I still have trouble with that whole FP idea to watch fireworks that are overhead. They don't start earlier for those with FP, they might be in a more central location in relation to the Castle, but, the fireworks are visible from miles away. Personally, as a long time traveler to WDW, I would never waste a FP on that or the parade. It's in the open air, it all starts at the same time for everyone and it is a waste of a FP that could actually make a difference. The only thing that might make it worthwhile is if it includes the Castle Projection Show... that needs a closer location or really good eyesight.

I think your point of view is by in large bang on. However we've found that with an autistic child, having a decent spot waiting for us where our son could sit down and not feel cramped for space was somewhat priceless. It made wishes an enjoyable time for our son.

 

[Xennia]

I always go to the bridge where tinker bells flies over. That's the best spot for me. Not dead center but full view and experience everything.

 

[CAS239]

On the contrary, I highly enjoy the wishes FP

I was one of the ones who said I'd never use a FP for fireworks or parades, but after using Wishes once, it's a great FP to do.

We've done it twice now, first time on Easter weekend and second time last weekend. Both times were great. We were by no means crammed in like sardines like some people say they experience. Upon entering both times the CM's say "when the show starts it'll be standing room only". This is up to the guests within the area, the CM's don't force you to stand. Most of the people just choose to cram themselves together up near the front. If everyone really wanted to spread out and all sit, they could.

Now both times we've went to the back of the FP area and either sat on the railing, or sat on the ground and leaned against the railing. Few others around us, but most of the people were all standing up front crammed in next to each other. That was their choice. The projection show and fireworks looked just as good 20-25 feet back where we were, vs those standing near the front shoulder to shoulder. We sat and enjoyed it and had about 5 feet between us and the next few people.

Both nights were busy nights in MK, however I never saw anywhere close to thinking they gave out too many Wishes FP's and it was too crowded. If they really wanted to cram everybody in and take up the whole area, they probably could've put about 50 more people in on both nights we were there.

And the side that we prefer and have done both times is the FP area closest to Tomorrowland, the East side FP area.

 

[alkc71]

I always go to the bridge where tinker bells flies over. That's the best spot for me. Not dead center but full view and experience everything.

That is where we go too away from the crowds but still had a great view of the castle show and wishes

 

[kcbutterfly]

I always go to the bridge where tinker bells flies over. That's the best spot for me. Not dead center but full view and experience everything.

What bridge is that? How early do you have to get a spot there on crowded days?

 

[ACJT]

S

On the contrary, I highly enjoy the wishes FP

I was one of the ones who said I'd never use a FP for fireworks or parades, but after using Wishes once, it's a great FP to do.

We've done it twice now, first time on Easter weekend and second time last weekend. Both times were great. We were by no means crammed in like sardines like some people say they experience. Upon entering both times the CM's say "when the show starts it'll be standing room only". This is up to the guests within the area, the CM's don't force you to stand. Most of the people just choose to cram themselves together up near the front. If everyone really wanted to spread out and all sit, they could.

Now both times we've went to the back of the FP area and either sat on the railing, or sat on the ground and leaned against the railing. Few others around us, but most of the people were all standing up front crammed in next to each other. That was their choice. The projection show and fireworks looked just as good 20-25 feet back where we were, vs those standing near the front shoulder to shoulder. We sat and enjoyed it and had about 5 feet between us and the next few people.

Both nights were busy nights in MK, however I never saw anywhere close to thinking they gave out too many Wishes FP's and it was too crowded. If they really wanted to cram everybody in and take up the whole area, they probably could've put about 50 more people in on both nights we were there.

And the side that we prefer and have done both times is the FP area closest to Tomorrowland, the East side FP area.

I wonder if they are truly still trying to get their capacity number correct. What your experience was, would be ok with me.

When we went to scan our magic bands, the FP crowd was packed in so tight that our party of seven would not have even fit into the viewing area. The CM at the entrance area was a super nice lady, and was very apologetic for the situation.

I also wonder if Disneys motives with there new FP wishes viewing area is different than the experience they had in the rose garden. Seems like they are trying to pack as many as they can into a good location to make room for more people in other areas??? Just a thought based on tonight's experience and that of others. Hey, I guess it's their choice to make.

 

[lllGurulll]

Yes, she suggested going out the park bypass exit which would bring me out to the Main Street entrance area. We ended up going to the walkway going over to tomorrow land. It was "ok"

That walkway is actually the one area in front of the castle I like to stand to watch. Of course, the CMs try to run you out of it all the time. We usually stand right next to the "cut out" area for the trash receptacle. Other than that, I watch the fireworks from the train station.

 

[IheartRapunzel]

My experience was completely different. We were there March 7-13. The 7th was our travel day and after traveling and being in the park all day it was a good idea to get a FP for wishes. When we went there was maybe 10 people tops. People were laying out like they were on the beach lol and we were never once told its standing room only. It's interesting to see how much it's changed

 

[wisblue]

Maybe they are still fiddling with the capacity. It's also worth keeping in mind that there are two areas and you can choose either one. It is possible that on a given night one side gets more crowded than the other.

We used a FP for Wishes on the Thursday after Easter (crowd level 10 day) after dinner at BOG and using FPs for 7DMT and A&E. The thing we liked best about it was being able to sit on the artificial turf and rest while we waited for the castle show and Wishes. We were up closer to the front with one row of people ahead of us. Someone else who was there that night said on the boards that they stayed near the back with plenty of space, but thought the people in front looked like they were packed in like sardines. From our perspective, we were less packed in and more comfortable than when you stand in the crowds on the street. There was also less of the last second jostling and repositioning than we often see in other places.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the experience varies some from night to night based on the behavior of the people in the area. As for "wasting" a FP on it, that's a matter of personal choice. Because we had a trip of a full week, we were able to do all of the attractions we wanted (most of them more than once) by use of rope drop and FP+. So, we didn't feel like we wasted the FP at all. It made the evening of our BOG dinner more relaxing and enjoyable.

 

[Xennia]

What bridge is that? How early do you have to get a spot there on crowded days?

Ok let's say your standing in front of the castle. Head to tomorrowland. That bridge. You can stand on the sides just don't block people in the center that are moving. I get there with 10 to 15 mins ahead of time.

When tink flies over its the best feeling.

 

[mom2rtk]

Ok let's say your standing in front of the castle. Head to tomorrowland. That bridge. You can stand on the sides just don't block people in the center that are moving. I get there with 10 to 15 mins ahead of time.

When tink flies over its the best feeling.

The last time we went you couldn't even cross that bridge that close to show time. It was completely full of people. The only last minute spot was there because the tree blocked the castle.

Sounds like an awesome spot in less crowded circumstances.

 

[Robo]

Yes, she suggested going out the park bypass exit which would bring me out to

1. the Main Street entrance area.

We ended up going to the

2. walkway going over to tomorrow land. It was "ok"

1. That's a really poor area to try to watch the fireworks.
And, you can't see Celebrate the Magic from there.
Sorry, but she gave you bad advice, for that.

2. One of the better viewing spots. But, you have to be in the right place.
If you go too far towards Tomorrowland, your view will be blocked.

 

[Robo]

It's getting far more difficult to find a good place to see all three evening events at MK.