Have you used FP+ for a parade or Wishes?

[VP037388]

Where exactly are the spots and how was the experience? Is the view really better? We have little kids who tend to get trampled when trying to save a spot/view the parades. My worry is that Disney will try and cram 200 ppl into a 100 person spot and called it "preferred".

 

[Robo]

Where exactly are the spots...

 

[shyjade]

We used FP+ for MSEP last October and we thought it was absolutely worth it. While the area wasn't empty, it was certainly less crammed than the people outside the viewing area had it, and they had to stake out their spots earlier. We did have a FP+ for Wishes that night but ended up just staying put after the parade and watching from there, which we regretted (the area was overcome by a rude group of guests and we were too close to the castle to get a good view of Wishes).

We also used FP+ for Illuminations & Fantasmic on that that trip (having never seen either before):

Fantasmic was NOT worth it, as they didn't even have the FP+ section roped off so anyone could (and did) sit in that section. We actually ended up moving ourselves to a different section for better viewing. Next time we see Fantasmic we'll come in at the end and stand in the back if we need to.

Illuminations was nice & relaxing and quite empty when we went. We were able to spread out and relax with lots of ground space around us. We probably didn't "need" it but that was before FP+ tiering so it was worth our peace of mind to know we had a decent spot to watch it. We won't do it again because of the tiering system at Epcot.

 

[Robo]

Fantasmic was NOT worth it, as they didn't even have the FP+ section roped off so anyone could (and did) sit in that section. We actually ended up moving ourselves to a different section for better viewing. Next time we see Fantasmic we'll come in at the end and stand in the back if we need to.

That situation is no longer the case.

The Fantasmic! theater now offers LOTS of reserved area(s) for FP+.
Basically the entire (audience) left half of the theater is now seating reserved for FP+ holders,
and is held for FP+ guests until approx. 5 minutes before the show starts.

 

[dssdevl]

I advise anyone to FP anyparade they or their kids are interested in. We did for the Festival of Fantasy our last trip and it really boosted the enjoyment.
You get to stretch out as there are so few people in the area and the kids get front row and really feel like the characters are waving to them and feel more involved.

For me the real pleasure was looking at the folks behind the rope behind us and sneering.

 

[shyjade]

That situation is no longer the case.

The Fantasmic! theater now offers LOTS of reserved area(s) for FP+.
Basically the entire (audience) left half of the theater is now seating reserved for FP+ holders,
and is held for FP+ guests until approx. 5 minutes before the show starts.

Thanks Robo, I had no idea they changed that. Glad they did!

 

[Kalea]

Where exactly are the spots and how was the experience? Is the view really better? We have little kids who tend to get trampled when trying to save a spot/view the parades. My worry is that Disney will try and cram 200 ppl into a 100 person spot and called it "preferred".

We chose FP+ for MSEP & Wishes. The view for Wishes was not better, per se, but it was nice. There was a large, grassy area and there was plenty of room for us to lay down and stretch out. It wasn't crammed full, but I don't know how close to capacity it was.

 

[ferd]

We've done FP+ for FOF a few times and like that we don't have to stake out our spot an hour or so before the parade begins. The view is great with the castle as a backdrop and they don't cram the space too full. HOWEVER, I highly recommend arriving to the space BEFORE your FP+ tells you to arrive. Both times we arrived right at the time our FP+ said (I think 2:45 for the 3:00 parade) and we got some of the last space 'on the rope.' People who arrived shortly after would have to stand behind those of us seated at the ropes. The area isn't packed and you can stretch out some, but if you want your kids to be close enough to get the character interaction on the ropes, you'll want to arrive a bit earlier..

Also note, the reserved section has ZERO shade, so come prepared. Bring something to sit on (a towel or blanket because the ground is HOT) and bring water and possibly a parasol or something for shade. Spritzing fan and a chilly pad come in handy, too.

I will add, we've also used FP+ for the MSEP and it's great. That night they held everyone with FP+ outside of the reserved space until about a quarter til, whereas it seems for the afternoon parade they let people in much earlier.

 

[FargoBear]

Great map. After looking at that I'm leaning toward using a third fastpass (after Anna/Elsa and Mine Train) for the parade. I lug 3k-4k in camera equipment around and the parade photos with the castle as a backdrop would be fantastic.

 

[nkereina]

We also used it for MSEP in November. We found we did still have to get there early to get a good spot within the roped off area, and the entrance to the area took forever to get through - the handheld band scanners move at a snail's pace. Once inside, we were able to get a spot leaning against the fence and mostly kids/families were against the rope in the "front row". Once the parade began, they did remove the rope so anyone could have filtered in but it seemed as though most people were in their spot by that time. We ended up staying in the same spot for Wishes which was also a good view.