Illuminations, Wishes, Frozen Fireworks, etc. - Best Unconventional Spots?

[kbmartin]

Hi all!

I'm looking for some advice regarding the big end-of-the-night shows at WDW. Personally, I will not spend two hours staking out a spot for viewing them, but I would like to be able to see them. I need to add that I am only 5'1" and will have trouble seeing if I have to stand behind others. I hate feeling like I'm stuck in a herd but will grin and bear it for my DH, who has never been to a park other than MK and SHOULD experience these shows.

Illuminations - Right now we might try to get to the second level of Tokyo Dining/Mitsukoshi around 8:15 pm for a 9 pm show. Is that realistic? If not ... what is a realistic place? Also, can you see the show from Future World? I haven't seen anything about that on Disney sites...

Wishes - What's a good place for viewing that others may not flock to? I'm open to just about anything.

Frozen Fireworks - I have heard good things, so we might give this a shot. What is a good place for viewing that other guests may not flock to?

Fantasmic - Where should we sit (facing the stage) if we want to be the first people out of the park? I remember reading once that there is a special exit that goes straight to the entrance...

THANKS!!!

 

[figment_jii]

Illuminations - Right now we might try to get to the second level of Tokyo Dining/Mitsukoshi around 8:15 pm for a 9 pm show. Is that realistic? If not ... what is a realistic place? Also, can you see the show from Future World? I haven't seen anything about that on Disney sites...

You can't really see IllumiNations from Future World proper. You have to be able to see the middle of World Showcase lagoon. If you're trying to find a dining location, I would probably go with R&C because they have a reserved viewing area. If you do not get a patio table, you can still go out there to see the show. Otherwise, if you are willing to pay and are going on the right day, the IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party might be a good option.

Wishes - What's a good place for viewing that others may not flock to? I'm open to just about anything.

There are some good viewing area outside of the MK; I like the boat dock at GF.

 

[MelanieRI]

Wishes - Try being on the back side of the castle, like near Winnie the Pooh. The fireworks are really close to you!

Frozen Fireworks - I actually had amazing views of this from the YC/BC shoreline (even watched one night from the pool) but of course, no music this way (we did the Premium Package one night), but I've heard standing away from the hat (as it blocks the fireworks) is good.

 

[dkhurley]

Wishes - I would recommend to be in New Fantasyland near Belle's village/Under The Sea. Outside of the park has some great options like the outdoor balconies at the Contemporary. The 4th floor has the fantastic outdoor viewing area with benches!

Illuminations - Japan is a good option when you are on that 2nd floor outside of Tokyo Dining. There's not too many unknown spots for Illuminations anymore unfortunately.

Frozen - Having just seen them for the first time, I would recommend outside the park. If you start walking down the path headed towards the Boardwalk, you can have a great view looking across the water at the park. I stood right towards the beginning of the path and had a great view as well as being able to hear the music. You miss the stage show aspect of it from there, but if you're more worried about the fireworks, it was a great view and no crowds!

 

[kbmartin]

I really appreciate the info. Two people suggested going to Fantasyland for Wishes. Is there anything I would miss by being behind the castle, though?

Same question for the Frozen fireworks. If we are outside the park, I know we will be missing something... What exactly is the stage show aspect of it? (Sorry - I'm sure there are lots of posts about it...) And whatever it is, would it be better to see it with the fireworks?

 

[siskaren]

1. I really appreciate the info. Two people suggested going to Fantasyland for Wishes. Is there anything I would miss by being behind the castle, though?

2. Same question for the Frozen fireworks. If we are outside the park, I know we will be missing something... What exactly is the stage show aspect of it? (Sorry - I'm sure there are lots of posts about it...) And whatever it is, would it be better to see it with the fireworks?

1. You would miss the Celebrate the Magic show that's projected on the front of the castle.

2. You can see the stage show here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8m_3QRhNM

I think you would be missing a lot if you missed the stage show.

 

[nkereina]

Hi all!

I'm looking for some advice regarding the big end-of-the-night shows at WDW. Personally, I will not spend two hours staking out a spot for viewing them, but I would like to be able to see them. I need to add that I am only 5'1" and will have trouble seeing if I have to stand behind others. I hate feeling like I'm stuck in a herd but will grin and bear it for my DH, who has never been to a park other than MK and SHOULD experience these shows.

Illuminations - Right now we might try to get to the second level of Tokyo Dining/Mitsukoshi around 8:15 pm for a 9 pm show. Is that realistic? If not ... what is a realistic place? Also, can you see the show from Future World? I haven't seen anything about that on Disney sites...

Wishes - What's a good place for viewing that others may not flock to? I'm open to just about anything.

Frozen Fireworks - I have heard good things, so we might give this a shot. What is a good place for viewing that other guests may not flock to?

Fantasmic - Where should we sit (facing the stage) if we want to be the first people out of the park? I remember reading once that there is a special exit that goes straight to the entrance...

THANKS!!!

Illuminations - any interest in dining at Rose & Crown? If so, and you can snag an ADR for anywhere from 7pm-8:15pm, that's a good low-stress way to have a good spot for Illumination. Several table on their outdoor patio have a clear view of the show, while others have an obstructed view. Those with an obstructed view are invited to the special viewing area reserved for R&C customers. Plus you get a good meal to boot. And no, you can't see it from Future World.

Fantasmic - We actually opt to use the standing room only section when we go to Fantasmic. There are stair-like platforms you stand on, so even if you're in the back, you are slightly elevated over the people in front of you. By voluntarily going to this section, we arrive 20-30 mins before show time. As the show is winding down, we begin making our way to the exit, and beat the rush out of the theater. If you take a seat, you could be stuck in the middle of a bleacher row.