Frazzled WDW newbie - tips for dining and fireworks viewing together

[AngelStar]

Hi all,

This is a multi-question post from a worried WDW newbie. I will be going on the Land/Sea vacation as part of my wish trip at the end of this month. All of these questions will be related to my 4 nights at WDW (Sun-Thurs morning -- 25th to the 29th).

I am planning to catch all of the special nightly events that happen there, including MK's Wishes and SpectroMagic; Epcot's Illuminations; and MGM's Fantasmic.

According to the schedule here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/july04.cfm - Wishes runs at 10pm (on the days I'm at WDW), Spectro at 9pm; Illuminations at 9pm; Fantasmic at 9pm (and 10:30 on two days).

1) Do you think we can do Wishes and Spectro on the same night? (They are one hour apart and Spectro is first at 20min and then Wishes at 12min).

2) For Fantasmic, would it be a lighter crowd at the 10:30 one? Since we are staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort, will we have time to watch the show (26 min, so would end at about 11pm) and still catch transportation back to the CBR, seeing as MGM closes at 10pm all nights?

3) Can you suggest GREAT viewing spots for EACH of the four shows... I want to see/hear/experience all of the show as much as possible.

4) We are also planning a sit-down dinner at a restaurant 3 of the nights we are there... 1 at each of MK, Epcot, and MGM. And, then a lunch on the last full day at a restaurant.

EDIT: I just realized dinner doesn't have to be at the parks...esp if a resort offers a better restaurant-and-viewing-location combo.

a) For each of the shows, can you all suggest a GREAT (in terms of viewing location AND food/value/atmosphere) place to go for dinner where we could also watch the night show and see/hear/experience it all (preferably a place where we can get a table on a terrace/balcony, or something like that...)?

b) For MK dinner night, would we be able to catch BOTH shows from same restaurant or not (on the same day)?

c) If not, then can you suggest a good dinner place for each of the two shows (Spectro and Wishes) and recommend which one is better.

d) For each of the shows/dinners thing, what time would we have to make a PS for at each of the restaurants (taking into consideration the time of each night event)? Note: We are looking at normal restaurants and not really any character meals... HOWEVER, if a character meal offers the best location for a show, please let us know.

5) Can a not-too-pricey lunch be recommended at each of the parks OR any of the resorts at a restaurant? Something that's great food, good value, nice atmosphere!

Just for reference, four of us are going - dad and mom in the 40s, 22-year-old brother, I am 18.

For all of these questions, feel free to post a variety of suggestions. Thank you all so much for your tips thus far on the board... it's been so helpful and reassuring!


~Angel~ aka Frazzled Newbie

 

[soccercruiser87]

you can have dinner and watch wishes from the california grill on top of the contemporary resort.

 

[samsid99]

We just arrived home from a nine day stay at WDW.

First you can view the parade and wishes together. We did twice, the parade starts at main street at 9:00, and then wishes started at 10. Finding good viewing spots shouldn't be hard being you are all adults. MY girls are little and want to be right up front so we have to stake out a good spot and wait.

My favorite spot to view wishes is from the tomorrow land bridge. You have an excellent view of the castle and tink when she flies.

Fantasmic was great! But both shows when we were there we crowded, but they way the theater is set up their really isn't a bad seat. We preferred the early show, we were able to catch the bus a little bit earlier to swim at the resort before bed.

As far as Illuminations go...we were not impressed at all. Again to get a good spot you really have to stake one out and wait. And with all the trees around the world showcase it wasn't good viewing anywhere. And just in general we were not impressed. It wasn't nearly as good as wishes or fantasmic. If you decide you need to skip one, this is the one I would for go. Take the boat over to MGM and see Fantasmic one more time! It is way better!

Have a great trip.

 

[The Sweetness]

Counter service isnt *ALL* burgers and dogs... At MK check out Cosmic Rays (you can sit awawy from Ray if he annoys you a bit)

At Epcot, try the food court at The LAnd (plenty of options)

 

[nydisney14]

I recommend doing a package with one of the restaurants at MGM. You could eat dinner and then you will have reserved seats for fantasmic in the first couple of rows. It's a package deal and very worth it, you do not have to wait on the long line to get in see fantasmic. PS is needed.

There are no restaurants in MK to see Spectromagic or Wishes (accept you could see wishes from California Grill at the Contempary). You pretty much have to find a seat along the curb to see the parade and fireworks.

Illuminations is really cool, and again there is only curb side seating for this as well. You cannot see the show, but the restaurant in Japan is really good, they cook your meal in front of you. PS is needed..

Enjoy your trip

 

[safetymom]

We love Illuminations. I also love the fact that we can walk up almost at start time and find a good place to watch the fireworks. Epcot also isn't as hard to get out of as the other parks at closing time.

 

[disneygoof]

We once had a wonderful dinner in France at Les Chefs de France and watched the Epcot fireworks over dessert. You would probably have to request a table with a window view. I think (going back 6 years) that only half the restaurant can see out the windows.