Is it worth it? (spectromagic on Saturday)

[novafan]

We are going to WDW in September, from the 7th-14th. The only showing of Spectromagic that week at MK is on Saturday, the 13th. I keep seeing on this board that Saturdays at MK are horrible as far as crowds. My children are 3 and 1. They won't know what they are missing, even though I'm sure it would WOW them in the moment. Would it even be worth it to go to MK that evening for the show though? It's going to be the end of our vacation, at the end of a long day (we are doing Epcot that day) and they are pretty young.

Should I just enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere at Epcot or another park on that Saturday night, or should we attempt to see that one and only Spectro for the week? I really want to see it, but I'll pass if the crowds are really THAT bad.

Oh, we are not a huge Disney family (ducking!) I can't say when we'll be back to WDW. I know we'll probably take the kids 1, maybe 2 more time while they are young, so we will be back one day.

 

[K and K's Mommy]

SpectroMagic and the fireworks after it are pure Disney magic in my opinion. My 4 and 1 year old loved it when we went. There was only one SpectroMagic parade the week we were there, and the crowd was tolerable. I got a spot about 45 minutes before the parade, and my DH took the kids on one more ride.

 

[novafan]

That sounds positive K and K's mommy. Maybe we will try it. I keep hearing how great the crowds are in Sept (as in low) so maybe it won't be so bad. I remember being 5 years old (24 years ago) and seeing the Main St. Electrical Parade and that DEFINITELY sticks out in my mind as the most magical moment. I'm anxious to see some more replies, but I am open to the idea of trying to get there.

I love reading all the "magical moments" threads here and how cool would it be to do Spectro and Fireworks on our last night at WDW!

 

[jcemom]

I've been debating this same issue myself. I'm curious to hear everyone's opinions. Though we're going in February, it will be off-peak also, and I'm sure Spectro will only be on Saturday.

My kids are older (10, 9, 1) except for the baby, but I really don't want to fight large crowds.

 

[Dan Murphy]

The crowds will be less than now, Kerry, as it is after Labor Day. If you are up to it, do it, it is a good one. A great place to watch it from is in the area of the Liberty Tree Tavern, not as crowded at Main Street/Hub areas, and afterward, you will have a magnificent, unobstructed view of Fantasy in the Sky. After all that, if you (and more importantly, the kids) are still awake and not cranky, relax a bit in the Liberty Square area, people watch. Then leisurely stroll over to the hub area, find a place to sit, and wait (again, assuming kids are not driving you nuts by this time, LOL) for the Kiss Goodnight. http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/media/quicktim/kiss.mov (Quicktime required) Well worth it, and a great way to end your WDW trip. I know you said it will be a long day, that's asking a lot, LOL, but it is very nice, and after all that, you will probably be a huge Disney family.

Hope you enjoy, whatever you choose to do, and please make sure to come back and visit us here on the DIS, check out the Community Board.

Dan

 

[novafan]

Okay, you guys have me convinced. It didn't take much, did it? That little video clip was cool!!!!! It kind of made me tear up thinking of saying goodbye to Disney like that. I have a perfect plan now. We'll do Epcot in the AM and have lunch there, but then I'll send the little ones back to CR with my In-law's to rest up and tell them to meet us for dinner at the Liberty Tavern. PERFECTO! In the mean time, DH and I can ride all the cool "adult" rides at EPCOT in the PM.

 

[sarahandhannahsmom]

We are going the same time as you guys. We were scheduled to leave on Sat 9/13. When we found out that this day was the only showing of Spectro. , we decided to stay an extra day (not leave until Sunday) just to see it.

Everyone says it's quite a sight. We figured since we're already here, (and spending a bundle I might add) we might as well go for it. Like you, I'm not sure when we'll be able to come again.

I'm a disney fanatic, but budget constraints might keep us away.

Oh well, there's always the lottery.

Maybe we'll see you there........

Have a great trip

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by novafan
........It kind of made me tear up thinking of saying goodbye to Disney like that. I have a perfect plan now....

Gotcha!!!!!!!

Remember, that Kiss takes place 45 minutes to an hour AFTER the fireworks are over and the park looks like it is closing up. If you want to see it, you need to hang out at the Hub. Also, the wording is a bit different from that clip, but similar. I have teared up every time I have seen it. It is so simple, but so DISNEY.

 

[tazz23]

Im also going the week of the 7th to the 14th and we're flying back to the UK on the Sunday- Ive heard from so many people that spectromagic is a must but ive never heard of the goodnight kiss? You'll probably see my boyfriend and I waiting to see it too now!
I was just wondering if you can see tinkerbell leaving the castle from liberty tree tavern as Im really looking forward to seeing this sight!? Thank you very much!

 

[novafan]

Bumping for the answer about Tinkerbell. Can you see her from Liberty Tavern?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Nope, no Tink from LTT. From LTT you get a SUPER view of the fireworks (I do have them I think in the Dec link in my signature), BUT, you do lose the perspective of the fireworks coming from directly behind the Castle (because you are to the left of the Castle and the fireworks are actually set off several blocks to the rear of the Castle). And, you do not see Tink. Big decision, see the best view of the fireworks, OR, maintain the perspective of them behind the Castle and see Tink, along with the crowds.

Wherever you are, it's great, you are in the Magic Kingdom.

 

[sarahandhannahsmom]

Okay....I can't get the video. Can someone tell me about the kiss goodnight? We will see spectromagic on 9/13 and I'd really like to see this.

Someone please tell me what it is and where to see it. Should we watch the parade and fireworks from one area then move somewhere else for the kiss?

thanks for help

 

[going4the1sttime]

I'm sitting here reading this thread and I swear that I feel Disney "dumb". We have a grou pf 8 going and none of us have ever been to Disney. There are 6 adults and 2 children. When my son was 2 he saw a commercial for Disney and said he wanted to go there, I told him when he was 5. Well guess what, 5 is quickly approaching and boy oh boy does he remember what I said. We are traveling with my neighbors who have a 6 year old girl and my parents. This entire trip is a suprise for his birthday.

Can someone tell me what Spectromagic is and what the dates are for October? We will be there from October 4-October 12 at CSR.

Any suggestions or help would be appreciated! All this planning is overwhelming!

Thanks

Dawn

 

[Gabrielle]

I saw Spectromagic four times last week - twice on the same night. Can you tell I love this parade?


I never wait for it. I can't bear waiting around for it and then feeling shoved out of my spot by other more agressive folks. Instead, I find a spot somewhere around the train station and I've always lucked out, finding a good spot. It might not be right at the curb but it's close enough.

I think kids who are 3 and 1 will have a difficult time waiting for this parade. I'd stay for it, but I wouldn't wait around for it. I'd stand back a little from the crowds who jostle to the curb and hold the kids and stay to the back.

 

[Jillpie]

I will never forget the first time I saw Spectromagic. I can easily tell you that it the first time that I actually felt it...the Disney magic that everyone talks about. Wait till you hear the music, it will literally move you to tears, its so beautiful. Then the lights, the characters at night, you'll never, ever forget it. Make sure you see this parade...its more than just a parade, its an experience in itself.

 

[Harambe]

I am probably one of those folks who have said "never again" to Spectro if it is only showing on the Saturday. The park is just too packed for me! But if you have never seen the parade then I would attempt to go into MK just for the parade. Yes the crowd will be there, but if you find a spot near the entrance/exit (or the train staton area, as someone mentioned) you can get in and out quickly. There's even an ice cream guy to your right when you walk in, to grab a Mickey Bar before the parade.

Of course, you won't get to see the fireworks or Tinkerbell. But if you feel the little ones will be tired, and you still want to see the parade - this would be an option.

The last time we went to MK on the Saturday (off season), we were waiting in lines for 1 and a half hours! On our next trip - we are having a nice dinner at our resort and going to bed early on the Saturday night! But we have already seen the wonderful parade, so it is an easy decision for us.

 

[jcemom]

Park hours: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wa...ore/parkhours/parkhoursindex?id=ParkHoursRoot

Click on the Entertainment link at the bottom of each day to see what's scheduled. (It will open a little pop-up window.)

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://wdwig.com/spectromagic.htm

http://laughingplace.com/Info-Att-A-MK-ENT-SPECTRO.asp

http://www.pansophist.com/sm.htm

http://www.mouseplanet.com/mike/unheralded_treasures.htm