Leaving MK then returning for fireworks Q

[SwanVT2]

Our last fast pass is 2:20 at 7 dwarves. I was thinking we would return to SSR (it'll just be me and DD age 7 at the park) for a pool break with DH then return to MK for the 8 pm parade. This will be end of February. What time should we leave hotel to get to MK? Is there an evening parade? Also should we get a spot on the top.of the train station to see the fireworks or get closer? I don't want DD to get squished!! Thank you

 

[GADisneyDad14]

There is no evening MK parade.

Happily Ever After (MK’s fireworks spectacular) is at 8pm in late Feb.

Since Happly Ever After has both castle projections and fireworks, I would recommend being closer to the castle to get the full experience (but not too close). The Train Station is “just OK” - but doesn’t offer the full show experience, in my opinion.

I would probably leave your resort 6-6:30’ish, or earlier if inclined. I’d err towards being early as I’d rather take my time pre-fireworks to grab a snack, mill around, get a lay of the land..... vs rushing because a bus is delayed, takes forever, MK/the Hub is packed, or whatever the circumstance.

 

[5kidsmommy]

Another option if you really want a good view and not get squished is a dessert party. Since only two of you are going it wouldn't be a huge expense.

 

[SwanVT2]

Another option if you really want a good view and not get squished is a dessert party. Since only two of you are going it wouldn't be a huge expense.

Oh good idea!!

 

[SwanVT2]

Another option if you really want a good view and not get squished is a dessert party. Since only two of you are going it wouldn't be a huge expense.

How is it getting out of the park from the dessert party location?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

How is it getting out of the park from the dessert party location?

There are two dessert parties to choose from - one in the Plaza Garden (which we prefer as it has a better view of the castle) and one on the Tomorrowland Terrace (seated, which is a bonus, but not the best view). When we book the Plaza Garden party, we always hang back in the garden as the majority of the crowds clear. Once most of the crowds are gone, we head down Main St. It's another perk of booking the party as it keeps you completely out of the hub crowds both before, during and after the fireworks.

 

[disneygirlsng]

The side gate that goes behind the side of Main Street usually gets opened in my experience after the fireworks, which is pretty close to the dessert party area. Or you could book the Plaza Garden After Fireworks party, where you eat your desserts after the fireworks. This allows time for Main Street to clear.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Not sure of your exact date, but Once Upon a Time (OUAT) is scheduled at 8:45pm (after HEA) for some of late Feb. Sticking around the watch that show can also pass some time to let crowds clear after HEA.

 

[SwanVT2]

The side gate that goes behind the side of Main Street usually gets opened in my experience after the fireworks, which is pretty close to the dessert party area. Or you could book the Plaza Garden After Fireworks party, where you eat your desserts after the fireworks. This allows time for Main Street to clear.

thanks. Maybe when DD is older. She is only 7 so it'll already be a late night!

 

[SwanVT2]

Oh good idea!!

I see that the booking time is 6:30. The show is at 8, correct? Do we need to arrive at 6:30? Is it worth it to? Thank you.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I see that the booking time is 6:30. The show is at 8, correct? Do we need to arrive at 6:30? Is it worth it to? Thank you.

The Plaza Garden Viewing dessert party has a check-in time 1.5 hours pre-show. I personally think that is wayyyy too early to check in, but many people will be there on time. We prefer to arrive more 45’ish mins pre show (or even less), although in full disclosure desserts are not our primary motivation so we spend maybe 5-10 mins there, and then on to the garden to relax pre-show. Others may likely want more value for their dollars with the desserts/food, so will spend more time on that part.

 

[SwanVT2]

The Plaza Garden Viewing dessert party has a check-in time 1.5 hours pre-show. I personally think that is wayyyy too early to check in, but many people will be there on time. We prefer to arrive more 45’ish mins pre show (or even less), although in full disclosure desserts are not our primary motivation so we spend maybe 5-10 mins there, and then on to the garden to relax pre-show. Others may likely want more value for their dollars with the desserts/food, so will spend more time on that part.

Is it essential to get there early for a good viewing spot or is it a wide enough space that this is not an issue? Thank you.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Is it essential to get there early for a good viewing spot or is it a wide enough space that this is not an issue? Thank you.

The Plaza Garden East hosts guests attending the Plaza Garden party (the “Before” party) and the After Fireworks party. The After Fireworks party has a check-in time of 1 hour pre-show (vs the 1.5 hours pre-show for the Plaza Garden party).

It is more art than science determining just when one should move over to the garden and exact conditions can vary on any given night.

But generally speaking, there are no BAD views in the Plaza Garden East. There ARE various planters in the garden, trees around, light poles, etc that one MAY want to maneuver around for a more unobstructed view, but generally speaking these aren’t major obstructions.

I personally prefer to be on the back rail more on the Main Street side of the garden - but I’m not necesssarily going to be upset if it’s full on my arrival.

As you get towards showtime it is a growing crowd in the garden - I’d suggest not leaving it to the very last minute, but you don’t need to be in there an hour before hand either.

Hope that helps!

 

[SwanVT2]

The Plaza Garden East hosts guests attending the Plaza Garden party (the “Before” party) and the After Fireworks party. The After Fireworks party has a check-in time of 1 hour pre-show (vs the 1.5 hours pre-show for the Plaza Garden party).

It is more art than science determining just when one should move over to the garden and exact conditions can vary on any given night.

But generally speaking, there are no BAD views in the Plaza Garden East. There ARE various planters in the garden, trees around, light poles, etc that one MAY want to maneuver around for a more unobstructed view, but generally speaking these aren’t major obstructions.

I personally prefer to be on the back rail more on the Main Street side of the garden - but I’m not necesssarily going to be upset if it’s full on my arrival.

As you get towards showtime it is a growing crowd in the garden - I’d suggest not leaving it to the very last minute, but you don’t need to be in there an hour before hand either.

Hope that helps!

Yes, thank you!