How far in advance for MK fireworks?

[BraveLittleToaster2]

How far in advance do I need to stake out a spot for the MK fireworks? I will have a three year old so hoping it isn't an hour or more. Would it be worth the money to do the dessert party so I don't need to wait?

Thanks for advice.

 

[pitpat]

http://www.easywdw.com/easy/blog/review-happily-ever-after-dessert-party-review-at-magic-kingdom/

good writeup here

 

[ceeceegee]

Also see this thread here on the boards: https://www.disboards.com/threads/r...a-garden-viewing.3604693/page-9#post-57812752

I would say that the Plaza View Dessert Party is worth it to avoid the crush of humanity trying to view HEA.

 

[Bullseye]

In early June we lined up 45 minutes before and that worked fine. Hub was already filling up, but there was still plenty of spots. Of course if you want a really prime spot you might have to go slightly earlier than that.

 

[CAS239]

You can show up 10-15 min before the fireworks, but it'll already be crowded and I only recommend that if everyone in your party is tall.

With a child you'll want a prime spot where they can see so I'd recommend getting there 45+ min before

 

[EdmondD]

You can show up 10-15 min before the fireworks, but it'll already be crowded and I only recommend that if everyone in your party is tall.
With a child you'll want a prime spot where they can see so I'd recommend getting there 45+ min before

Agreed with this. We showed up maybe 30 minutes prior, directly in front of the castle at the hub, and we sat with everyone else. About 15 minutes prior they had us all stand up and we all moved together some. Held my son (6) at eye level, ie. not on my shoulders. It was perfectly fine.

 

[oktxregulators]

We make sure we always get there 90 minutes before and put down ponchos in front of one of the rails by the statue of Walt so when the show comes there is nobody in front of us that we are trying to look over.

We were there July 3rd and people were camping out at 6 for a spot.

 

[Tiki Birdland]

Attended HEA last night. Got to the hub about 45 minutes early. Got a good spot and sat and chatted about the day. DS and DD (newly minted teenagers) counted the show as THE HIGHLIGHT of the trip! Gotta say, YouTube videos don't do it justice.

Didn't stay for the castle light show at 945pm. Looking to do both on Sunday.

Best strategies we learned here were
* get to the hub 45 min early
* take your time leaving the park
* If you park at the TTC, take the resort monorail. You're one extra stop from TTC and you'll avoid the HUGE crowds

 

[whiporee]

it's easy to spend other people's money, but I'd say do the Garden desert party. it's the cheaper of the two, and with all the projections on the castle, it's a better view. It allows you another half hour of doing stuff rather than staking out a spot.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

At MK on July 6 we got a great spot on Main Street about halfway between the Partners statue and Casey's. This was available about 45 minutes before the show.

 

[mamateacher]

We make sure we always get there 90 minutes before and put down ponchos in front of one of the rails by the statue of Walt so when the show comes there is nobody in front of us that we are trying to look over.

We were there July 3rd and people were camping out at 6 for a spot.

Where is the statue of Walt located? I'd love to find this spot!

 

[TDSAXX]

Where is the statue of Walt located? I'd love to find this spot!

In hub directly in front of castle. Statue of Walt holding Mickey's hand.

 

[wonderstruck88]

I'm having the same dilemma - I have no problem camping out way ahead of time, but my 3 and 5 year old are unlikely to agree - also considering the dessert party.