Illuminations or Wishes? wwyd?

[mtemm]

we are heading to wdw in october and will have the opportunity to hopefully see one of these...not both, one. we need to choose. we are staying at the y/c and our kids are 4, 2, and 2.

Our kids are normally early to bed...7pm. I figure they may go to bed a bit later, maybe 8, at wdw, but I don't want to push it more than that, except to see how they are for our last night and try to do either illuminations or wishes. I think wishes would be wonderful, but the idea of just walking thru the international gateway after illuminations is making that more attractive.

wwyd?

(eta: some more info...we will not have a car, so we will have to take the bus if we go to mk. we will have a stroller with us, but my kids do not/will not/have never fallen asleep in it. None of mine have ever been that kid who falls asleep when tired no matter where they are. instead they tend to scream and get hysterical until they are in their bed (see the appeal of the quick getaway? lol).

 

[Fran98765]

wishes! and you'll be surprised how well they'll hold up if you are doing things.

 

[FFdisney24]

Wishes!

 

[chamonix]

Wishes would be my choice all things being equal, but since they're not, lol--do Illuminations. The kids won't like it as much, but they'll probably be sleeping anyway at that point-? Meaning, if it's just for you, do Illuminations. If you think they will be awake and enjoy it, do Wishes. Can you drive your own car to the TTC/MK? Are you using strollers? (so they can sleep no matter where you are, and you can walk/transfer or "move" them about easily)

Wishes is best, but don't feel bad if you choose Illuminations. It's awesome too!

 

[mking624]

Well there is more than one thing coming into play. You say that your kids might go to bed later...at about 8pm. If that's the time you want your kids in bed, you need to take into consideration the time the fireworks begin. Also, don't forget that after Wishes, there's the extra time of getting back to the resort (especially if you're taking resort transportation).

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

Wishes is my favorite show ever, followed closely by Fantasmic. There are a couple of sites that have video of the shows if you'd like to check them out before hand, but I'd definitely say DON'T MISS WISHES!!!

 

[chamonix]

Just wanted to add that it takes time (but not more hassle really) to stroll from the MK after Wishes to the monorail, but if the kids are comfortable and easy to manuever, do Wishes. If you don't mind them being in strollers until much later than their usual bedtime. If not, do Illuminations.

 

[mtemm]

thanks, and keep the replies coming!

some more info...we will not have a car, so we will have to take the bus if we go to mk. we will have a stroller with us, but my kids do not/will not/have never fallen asleep in it. None of mine have ever been that kid who falls asleep when tired no matter where they are. instead they tend to scream and get hysterical until they are in their bed (see the appeal of the quick getaway? lol).

 

[DisneyGirl17]

Tough one...
Illuminations is somewhat loud since you're right there and I don't know how well your DDs can hold up with loud noises... But it is a site to see...

Wishes is...A tear jerker...At least for me... But it's not as loud and it's truely amazing. I'm not saying that Illuminations is... But Wishes includes music, fireworks(obviously), and a story line. And I'm sure that special fly by by Tinker Bell is a perk on good weather days...
Have you considered seeing Fantasmic!?

 

[scrappinmom]

I'd say Wishes. Not only for the show itself...but then your kids can also see Spectromagic! I think it's the most wonderful combination in all of DIsney.

Enjoy! What a wonderful age your kiddos are for the magic

 

[pixiepower1971]

Are you planning on going back to the rsort mid afternoon for a nap? I would vote for a nap and then they can stay up for Wishes! I can't imagine a trip without Spectro and Wishes.

You may be surprised at how your kids do. I always try to play it by ear. Mine were always able to stay up for the nighttime shows.

I would vote for Spectro and Wishes, the Fantasmic, then Illuminations. Illuminations is awesome but a little old for them. Mine never picked it at that age!

 

[Kerri]

My vote is for Wishes, as well.

My children (now 5 and 3) are usually in bed by 8-8:30. However, they have always stayed up later at WDW. Two years ago they even made it to midnight at the MNSSHP! We always play it by ear and take each day as it comes, judge their attitude/behavior and make decisions on an "as needed" basis.

As Fran98765 and pixiepower1971 said, you might be surprised at how well they'll do.

We go every year (this will be their 5th and 3rd trip, respectively), so it's not a big deal to miss certain things. But Wishes is a MUST DO for all of us. My kids call fireworks "Mickey Magic" and it truly is magical.

Whatever you choose, have a great trip with your family!

 

[mtemm]

thanks all! okay, I think what we are going to do is try wishes. well, what we'll do is try to do spectromagic and see how they are and hopefully stay for wishes. all of this will be played by ear...how the kids are doing, etc.

any tips as to when to get there for spectro and where the best spot is for both spectro and wishes?

 

[lorli]

Since you already decided on Wishes, my .02 is too wonderful, but Wishes is absolutely wonderful. DD (5) is also not a napper, although she fell asleep twice our first year at 3, in her stroller. She is also one who wants to go go go, do do do, she never wanted to call it quits, so we were able to catch it all on our first trip. We didn't want her to miss anything, because we didn't know when we would be back again. As it now turns out we have gone every year and bought into dvc and plan to go at least once a year. Disney is an amazing place and it kept dd riveted all day and all night. That said, if getting a front row seat for spectro is important you want to be prepared to find a seat curbside 2-2 1/2 before the parade. I would choose to sit in the loop infront of the castle, this allows you to see the parade and have great viewing for Wishes, and you are not far from Main St. and the exit. If having a front row seat is not important, then 15 - 30 minutes prior to start time find a place where the kids might see, never done this so I can't give advice here. Of course there is always the possibility of standing on Main St. for a quick exit. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[Mickey1122]

I would have picked Illuminations. We think it's nicer and more polished. It does sort of have it's own story, and it is coreographed better than wishes. The music is better too. Just my opinion.