How far in advance for a good spot for fireworks?

[jacobsmommy]

We are doing the Fantasmic package and the WOC package, but we'd still like to see the fireworks from in front of the castle on Wednesday, June 23rd. How far in advance will we have to scope out a spot. It doesn't have to be the best spot, we'd just like to see Dumbo and Tinkerbell.

 

[DSNY4ever]

We usually just walk out onto mainstreet in the hub area about 10-15 minutes before they start (depending on the crowd level- we usually go during the very low seasons). But if you have a large group or kids with you, you will need to find a spot earlier where you know you can all stand together and the kids will be able to see.

 

[jacobsmommy]

It will be the first night after the AP blackout-so not sure about crowd levels. We have a family of four-me, dh, 6yo ds and 2yo dd.

 

[Funball]

don't take my advice. but when i want a good seat i sit in front of the castle on main st, and wait like everyone else and i do this at 8pm. that way it's not too long of a wait, but at least i can claim my space! i still get trampled though. people are soo rude! so beware, cause either they don't pay attention or don't care as they walk through the crowds that have been waiting since 8pm for fireworks in front of castle!! near the castle also has less obstructed view..

 

[HydroGuy]

The thing about fireworks is that they can and do cancel the show at the last minute due to winds aloft. Some people really swear by getting close to the castle which may take a 2+ hour wait. I have never found it in me to wait 2+ hours for something that might get cancelled at the last minute. I am willing to wait 30-45 minutes - maybe 60 at most - if it could get cancelled. If you come 30-45 minutes before you can get a good place in the hub - usually. Being an unblocked AP night it will be busier than normal. Just watch out for trees blocking your view of the castle and above and behind the castle.

See "HydroGuy's Fireworks Rule" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199851

 

[Funball]

yes that may be true..hydro.but i have seen the hub 30 min before the show...and that is all i am going to say

 

[jacobsmommy]

Let me rephrase this: it's the first night of the AP blackout. Does that make a difference? We will be able to see the fireworks from our seats at Fantasmic, but wanted a better spot on our first full day there. My kids are excited about every possible thing at Disneyland. Our two year old has just about flipped her lid!

 

[HydroGuy]

Let me rephrase this: it's the first night of the AP blackout. Does that make a difference? We will be able to see the fireworks from our seats at Fantasmic, but wanted a better spot on our first full day there. My kids are excited about every possible thing at Disneyland. Our two year old has just about flipped her lid!

Yes, it will make a big difference. No SoCal AP holders to compete with who can afford to wait many hours just for fireworks. You can see the fireworks from the Fantasmic area but you will miss certain show elements like Tink and Dumbo flying.

 

[Funball]

it might make a difference. yeah my best advise would be do what you think is right for your family to view fireworks. the best spot on your first full day is in front of the castle... at least that is what i think. you can see the fireworks from fantasmic, BUT you can't see dumbo and tinkerbell.

 

[HydroGuy]

yes that may be true..hydro.but i have seen the hub 30 min before the show...and that is all i am going to say

My last couple summer trips I have gotten a spot in the hub with a good view of the show 20-30 minutes before. It was not insanely crowded. With World of Color over at DCA it will take more pressure of DL at night. I would not recommend showing up 20-30 minutes early - 45+ is better - but it was possible when I was there.

We are going to see Magical next month with a group of seven and I will show up 30-40 minutes before most likely. But on previous nights if I have time I will spy the crowds beforehand to see and maybe go earlier if it looks like I should.

 

[Nala83]

Yah, I like to spy the crowds as well- but I do it on the day of. If you work your day so that you're sort of near the hub as it's getting closer to fireworks time, one of you can pop out and scan the area. Take a peak an hour before the show starts. Is it filling up? How about 45 minutes before the show? Not filling up yet, come back and peak in another 10-15 minutes.

Use a runner for this- if you're going to haul the kids back and forth, you might as well camp out!

 

[rentayenta]

2 hours.

 

[mommyof2boys1girl]

We were there a few weeks ago, and parked on Main St at about 8pm for 9:45 fireworks. Off season, but a Saturday night (both SoCal and AP's blocked). We had a stroller and 3 kids, so felt we couldn't just "walk up" to find a spot - we were just too big. The fireworks were delayed, then finally cancelled by 10pm. It seemed to take forever to clear enough people so that we could get the stroller out - we knew by 9 that they were going to cancel everything (flags on the castle were whipping around like crazy), but by that time we were completely locked in by bodies all around. And I now understand why people complain about those who try to "get through" - we got stepped on so many times!! My eldest child had to stand, simply so he wouldn't be trodden upon by tons of people trying to walk over everyone! Perhaps DL should consider keeping open a walkway or something, because I swear I might have gone a little ballistic if we'd gotten stepped on one more time!

Not sure if there is a solution with little ones, though, especially if you will have a stroller or various other space consuming child related paraphenelia.

Sorry - I didn't answer your question - just thought I might shed a little light on how things sometimes go - I didn't understand before....now I do....

 

[Funball]

, but a Saturday night (both SoCal and AP's blocked).

OFF TOPIC: please try and make me understand the above sentence... are all ap's blocked or just some?

 

[Brady's Mom]

OFF TOPIC: please try and make me understand the above sentence... are all ap's blocked or just some?

Just some - Deluxe AP's are blocked a LOT of Saturdays and a few holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving and So Cal AP's (both levels) are blocked a LOT of days in general.

You can check the black out dates on the Disneyland website if you go to the buy an AP section of the site. It shows the black out calendar and you can choose your dates based on that - you can also choose to buy an AP based on the calendar, too. I will check the Disneyland site if I am visiting at a busy season to see what AP's are blocked out and which are allowed in the parks when I want to visit.

 

[nannyz]

Just got back from DL. Saw the fireworks two nights. Both times we sat at a table at Plaza Inn and had a very good view between the trees. We got there between 8 and 8:30 for the 9:25 fireworks.