MK Fireworks or Star Wars with 5 year old?

[SwanVT2]

Going with DD 5, and her bedtime is 8/8:30. I remember my dad carrying me from the fireworks and sleeping on the bus (and I was 8)! Is it worth it to have her stay up late? Initially with the electric parade I was all for it, but now that it is just the fireworks, I'm not so sure.

We are staying at BWV, so maybe we should go to the Star Wars show at DHS instead?

Thank you!

 

[Klayfish]

Is she afraid of flashing lights and loud noises? If not, then yes, I'd say its absolutely worth it. My kids bedtime was a similar time when they were 5-8 years old. We took them to Wishes. They were having so much fun that they didn't realize it was getting late at night. We also made sure they didn't walk much during the day and tire themselves out...we used strollers. Besides, this is a unique opportunity. Where else will they get to see something like this? To me, it's worth them getting a little cranky when it's over, or having to let them sleep in a bit the next morning.

 

[SwanVT2]

Is she afraid of flashing lights and loud noises? If not, then yes, I'd say its absolutely worth it. My kids bedtime was a similar time when they were 5-8 years old. We took them to Wishes. They were having so much fun that they didn't realize it was getting late at night. We also made sure they didn't walk much during the day and tire themselves out...we used strollers. Besides, this is a unique opportunity. Where else will they get to see something like this? To me, it's worth them getting a little cranky when it's over, or having to let them sleep in a bit the next morning.

She is not afraid of the lights. I think she'd be OK. Did you return to the hotel in the afternoon to rest or just go straight? Should we do a sit down dinner to rest? (Already have LTT planned for lunch on the day I was thinking of staying for fireworks. Thanks!

 

[Klayfish]

It's actually more of a "challenge" for us because we don't stay on property, we rent a townhouse off property. On nights when we do fireworks we either returned to the townhouse midday for a nap, or just didn't even show up at MK until 4pm. Yes, I'd sit down for dinner to rest, even if it's a counter service restaurant. It's a good rest for both the kids and parents. The other thing you can do is plan whatever you need to for post fireworks in getting back to your hotel. Will you need a snack? Pack it. Maybe pack PJs (we've done that) so that she can just go to bed when you get back to the hotel. Just have everything fairly organized for getting back and getting her to bed. It's better than trying to scramble with cranky kids...ask me how I know.

 

[MattAgony]

Knowing that your child is a girl, I would choose Wishes! over Star Wars. Unless she is a Star Wars fan. The magic and wonder of Wishes! would be the ideal choice for me. If this is her 1st time seeing the fireworks, then defiantly choose Wishes! There are some very good dining locations to relax during the day (Columbia Harbor House, BoG, Plaza Restaurant, Crystal Palace (Characters), etc.).

However, if she is a Star Wars fan then this would be your ideal choice. Sci-Fi Dine is a good restaurant to eat at. Brown Derby would also be a good restaurant, but not "kid themed". Being a new nighttime show, Star Wars is very impressive and immersive. The use of strobe lights and pyrotechnics might startle but not horrify her.

EDIT: LLT is perfect to relax and take a break from all the walking.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[keishashadow]

Going with DD 5, and her bedtime is 8/8:30. I remember my dad carrying me from the fireworks and sleeping on the bus (and I was 8)! Is it worth it to have her stay up late? Initially with the electric parade I was all for it, but now that it is just the fireworks, I'm not so sure.

We are staying at BWV, so maybe we should go to the Star Wars show at DHS instead?

Thank you!

Just back with soon to be 6 y.o. GD. So glad I had a stroller, even tho it was an awful rental.

Worst case she can zonk out in it.

The line gets long for boat back to BWV after FW/Fantasmic...try to cut away early

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I'll do the obligatory "only you know you child" disclaimer, but for me, it would be Wishes hands down.

Been taking DS from 3 to now 6...my personal rule of thumb is to just roll with the moment and not push later nights. If we've been running around a lot and he's tired, I'll call off a late night fireworks. If he's rested and in good spirits, we'll go watch Wishes in the park. DS is pretty much a trooper and handles it well, but sometimes you can just tell when sleep is needed.

Although I do try to trade off a couple of relatively normal bedtime nights with a late night - helps with morale!

Also, a Mickey Bar bribery can help with a little "cooperation" while waiting for Wishes.

 

[Disneymom1126]

For a 5 year old I would definitely go with wishes and Celebrate the Magic right before the fireworks - the projections on the castle will be from movies more relatable for a 5 year old than Star Wars will likely be (unless you ave a big Star Wars fan on your hands!).

One thing to think about is to think about a good place to watch - it gets pretty crowded around the castle for the fireworks - there are lots of tips on that on the message board just do a search for wishes viewing!

 

[IrishNYC]

When DD was 5 we went with the plan to see the fireworks in each park, but with the caveat that we'd follow her lead based on how tired she was. We didn't see any fireworks that trip. Girl likes her sleep!

 

[Ariel on Land]

If you have to pick one, then Wishes, but if you have a stroller, let her crash in that on the way home! We typically do 8ish bedtime too, but WDW is different! We also try to get an afternoon rest in, too.

 

[CinderellaDream]

Another vote for Wishes. I have two daughters who normally go to sleep around 8pm at home but we always stay up late for fireworks at Disney. The Star Wars fireworks are awesome but the Celebrate the Magic/Wishes experience is so much better in my opinion.

 

[scrapquitler]

Going with DD 5, and her bedtime is 8/8:30. I remember my dad carrying me from the fireworks and sleeping on the bus (and I was 8)! Is it worth it to have her stay up late? Initially with the electric parade I was all for it, but now that it is just the fireworks, I'm not so sure.

We are staying at BWV, so maybe we should go to the Star Wars show at DHS instead?

Thank you!

It's vacation, and it will be a great memory for her. Personally, I'd do both.