Just Returned - a few thoughts and will answer q's

[Luv Bunnies]

We like to have a plan during very crowded times. We decide on where we're going and who will stay together. Usually I stay with DS19 and my DH stays with DS16. We started doing this when the kids were small and we've continued doing it. Our older guy has Asperger's and can get anxious in crowds, so he stays with me. Sometimes we duck into stores or out of the way spots and let the crowds thin out. It can be difficult to keep all four of us together, so I tell DH, "I have A, you have R. Meet us at Big Thunder if we get separated."

 

[disneyfanatick]

I will be traveling with my dd and dn mid 20's and mom who is 77 years young is there any place where there are actually seats? Did a quick research it seems even with a dining package you still need to park your butt on the ground, the younger ones and me it will not be a problem but with mom that isn't going happen. Any suggestions on how to get her an actually seat would be greatly appreciated.

We are WDW vets so we are used to the hurry and wait mentality not sure if that is how Disneyland works too.

 

[Gisele]

I will be traveling with my dd and dn mid 20's and mom who is 77 years young is there any place where there are actually seats? Did a quick research it seems even with a dining package you still need to park your butt on the ground, the younger ones and me it will not be a problem but with mom that isn't going happen. Any suggestions on how to get her an actually seat would be greatly appreciated.

We are WDW vets so we are used to the hurry and wait mentality not sure if that is how Disneyland works too.

This is all that I am aware of at this time:


https://disneyland.disney.go.com/entertainment/disneyland/fantasmic/

Then click on "Accessibility and Other Information"

 

[disneyfanatick]

This is all that I am aware of at this time:


https://disneyland.disney.go.com/entertainment/disneyland/fantasmic/

Then click on "Accessibility and Other Information"

thanks for the quick response mom isn't in a wheel chair I just need to know if their is a "senior" sitting area

 

[Gisele]

thanks for the quick response mom isn't in a wheel chair I just need to know if their is a "senior" sitting area

I was thinking that if anything maybe a wheelchair or ECV could be rented just long enough to watch F! Might not be a good thought but maybe it may be a good idea in this situation?

 

[dotfurio]

My family watched the second fantasmic show from one of the closed restaurants seating areas across the way. It wasn't the perfect view, but at least it's sitting down. No FP. Others were there and no CMs shooed us away, so I guess it was allowed.

We were near the castle on the Tomorrowland side for the fireworks show. It was crazy trying to leave afterwards - I've never seen crowds so bad there. We were directed by CMs into Frontierland - not even allowed to try to exit DL. When we got closer to the river there was another standstill as the CMs said they were trying to get Fantasmic guests to exit their area. In the past they opened the back walkways along Main St to exit - IDK if they even did that this time as we weren't permitted anywhere near there. We ended up going through Frontierland to Fantasyland and hanging out for while until the crowds cleared.

 

[Lm3js]

I will be far, FAR away from the parade when it happens. I see the route does not go through Adventureland/Frontierland/NOS, so I'll be hanging out there for that haha.

The parade route does not, however, they are routing the crowds after the parade through there and they also merge with the Fantasmic let out. A bit of a mess really.

 

[Lm3js]

Is the singing POTC donkey back? Gracias.

No, singing donkey is still gone. Crab is back. We found out where the hidden Mickey is. Also my son noticed that the Turtle/Rabbit scene in Splash Mountain, the Singing Rabbit is missing

 

[Lm3js]

Can I ask about your fireworks view from the F! seating? I think I want to do Blue Bayou, Fantasmic, staying there for fireworks - staying in that area while crowds clear doing a ride or two, and then catching 2nd parade. I know I will miss Tink. Otherwise is the view okay? Music piped in? I have read my other options are fireworks by small world/matterhorn and catching 2nd parade. I think I can't see fireworks from Main St without committing to first parade or the strategy of waiting in shops and rushing into the street. I'll be with husband, 2 kids (7 and 9) and likely my mother in law who can't move that quickly (knee issues). Sorry for the long post, just stressing as we have just that one night and I want to see both the fireworks and parade - but I don't want to invest 2 hours pre-parade to make it all happen. I will be back in September and November when hopefully things are a little calmer.

The fireworks and music were fine in the Fantasmic seating area. It is like your own private showing.

 

[Lm3js]

This is what I have planned for my arrival day as well. Should be in DL by noon and have a 5:30 Blue Bayho F! reservation. Sounds like it's a good plan!

We thought it worked out great. We left BB, went to restroom over by NO square and then walked down and did Pooh (walkon/no line), went to the Pooh Corner store then went back and caught the show.

 

[Lm3js]

"Running while holding hands" you say? I heard that is a gateway to teenage pregnancy.

J/k. I know what you meant, but the first image that popped in my head had me cracking up.

Ha Ha! I was just trying to calm the fears of all the bad behavior stories. We were lucky and didn't experience anything awful. EXCEPT - the general lack of self-awareness from everyone drove me a little batty... the stopping at the exits or entrances of rides or walkways to figure out your plan, read the map, hand out snacks... move to the side, folks.

 

[Gisele]

We left BB, went to restroom over by NO square and then walked down and did Pooh (walkon/no line), went to the Pooh Corner

I find the pooh and toiety refrence amusing! Lol
Cracks me up.

 

[Kuffam]

I will add, do not enter the park during the first Paint the Night Parade. My daughter and I tried it on Friday and it was a disaster. They wanted everyone to enter the right side of the park, but with the parade blocking the street, there was no where to go. We ended up ducking into the art studio and waiting until the parade was done and they allowed everyone to take a back stage hallway.

 

[disneyfanatick]

My family watched the second fantasmic show from one of the closed restaurants seating areas across the way. It wasn't the perfect view, but at least it's sitting down. No FP. Others were there and no CMs shooed us away, so I guess it was allowed.

How long before the show did you need to secure a spot?

 

[dotfurio]

We got there maybe 5 min before show time and there were still plenty of empty seats during the show.