How do I get Prefered Viewing w/out a package?

[Chicago526]

Is it possible to get the prefered viewing locations for Wishes/Illuminations/Fantasmic without having to puchase the silver add-on?

I crunched the numbers for my (possible) 8 night stay in December, and it makes more sence to just do hotel and a 7 day hopper rather than a package. BUT....I REALLY REALLY REALLY want NOT to have to wait 1 or 2 hours for prime viewing spots for the evening parks shows (really!). I don't mind paying money, buying dinner, or going through other hoops to do this if it means more time in the parks in the evening and not having my butt go numb on a bench waiting for the show to start.

Any suggestions are welcome!!!

By the way, what are weekday park hours the first week of December? Anybody have a guess?

TIA!!!!!!

 

[SnackyStacky]

As far as I know, Fantasmic is the only show that offers reserved seating with a dinner package. (I'm not sure which restuarants participate in this, or if they all do....someone here can fill in the blanks on that, or you can call Disney Dining and ask about the Fantasmic dinner package)

As far as I know, none of the other nighttime shows have preferred seating without a vacation package.

Maybe someone else knows better.

 

[kandmwedding]

As far as I know a Silver/Gold Add-On is the only way to get preferred viewing for Wishes/Illuminations. But just as an FYI... the package does not get you preferred viewing for Fantasmic. The onyl way to do that is with one of the dinners.

And just so you know... the preferred viewing locations aren't all that great in my opinion! The spot for Wishes is the patio by the Plaza restaurant. It's nice that it has a place to sit, but has lots of trees around that get in the way. And I personally think it's too close to the action. You don't get to see the whole thing.

The spot for Illuminations is the boat dock near Morocco. You must stand during this one, and don't have too great a view. I personally think the show looks much better from the UK, Canada or Mexico.

Since both Wishes and Illuminations are pretty large shows, you can see them from tons of spots. I've never staked out a spot for fireworks more than 15 minutes ahead of the show, and have never been disappointed. Granted I have to stand, but that's no big deal for me.

Hope that helps!

 

[kilee]

I wouldn't pay extra for the package just to get the preferred view. There are so many places to view Wishes and Illuminations. As for Fantasmic, with careful planning, the hr ahead of time is a great way to take a load off and relax for a little bit.