MK or Epcot Better for Fireworks with Little Ones?

[lotus14]

Traveling 8/30 with DD5 and DD2 for our first Disney trip. My kids are used to going to bed early, and since I don't want to push them too hard, I'd like to plan on doing fireworks only one night of our stay. The question is which one would be better to do? I believe Fantasmic would be the best show, but from the description, I think it would scare my girls.

I'm concerned not only with who has the best evening show but also which one would be easiest to exit from in the evening. Or which would have the best/most comfy seating areas. The whole atmosphere is almost more important than the show itself. I'm not sure that any sort of fireworks wouldn't just scare the pants off them!

 

[natnelliesmom]

The MK fireworks are best for the little ones. They are not as loud and have pleasant happy music to go along. They are also the easiest to exit out afterwards. Epcot is a big walk back from the WS to the busses.

Fantasmic is a bit louder- can be scarier if you sit up front. But my kids enjoyed it at a young age.

Illuminations in Epcot is a great show. Just don't sit along the edge of the lagoon right in front of a fireworks launcher (very surprising) or right in front of one of those giant torches- the fire is hot and can scare little ones.
My girls enjoyed this show as well.

My kids tend to be rather realistic and don't scare easily, so they are not a good barometer for what other kids like. My two year old was feeling up Chip and Dale's backs for their zippers! And I hadn't said anything about costumes!

If you are concerned about their fear- stick to the MK for fireworks. They are much tamer, but still a great show.

-Sarah

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Just my opinion on the nighttime stuff based on my experience with my little girls.

Epcots fireworks - crowded and hard to get a place to sit and watch. the firworks are set off round the lake so are very loud in my opinion. When oldest DD was 4 they really upset her and we had to leave. Also it is a bit of a hassle getting out as the park is closing and everyone is heading to the exit.

Fantasmic is a lovely show. My DDs are a but nervous of the "baddies" etc but DD7 managed fine this year and DD3 managed fine by covering her eyes with my hand when she didn;t like a bit. Good thing is you get a seat and there are toilets, and snack bars near by to keep you going. You need to get there quite early though. So it can be a long wait.

Magic Kingdom fireworks are in my opinion the best to watch. You can easily get a place to watch them from - maybe a seat if you are early. They don't seem to be as loud as they are set up a bit further back. If they are too loud you can go into one of the shops on main street. They take place not long after spectromagic too which is great as you can easily do both. It is quite busy getting out afterwards. What we did this year was we watched spectromagic and then got the monorail to the ticket and transportation centre. We walked down to where the boat goes to the fence overlooking the castle and watched Wishes from there. Its a great view. You can only hear the narration faintly so it does miss that but the fireworks look fantastic from there. Then when it is done you are already almost out and can make your way to the car. I know other people like to watch them from the resort beaches.

Hope you get something to suit you!

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

We did MK one night last year with our then 2-year-old and it worked out great. Rested up in the afternoon then headed to MK in time to get a seat on the curb just across from the train station before the Spectomagic parade. Used the stroller to "hold" our spot so one parent could kind of chase DS around the area while we waited (bring something to entertain during this period). We were there in early May so crowds weren't too bad and we didn't have to get there super-early. Prior to the parade actually starting, they had a couple of high school marching bands go by and DS really like that. Then he LOVED the parade, which he watched from his stroller. After the parade, we got some popcorn and drinks and went up to the top of the train station to watch the fireworks. The area near the railing was all taken of course, but the view from further back on that balcony was still perfect. And we were right at the front of the crowd to get out.

We actually had planned to just see the parade, but DS was in a good mood still, so we stayed for the fireworks. The schedule that night had the fireworks starting about 30mins or so after the end of the parade went by us.

 

[crisi]

I'd do MKs - but I'd do it from the beach at the Poly. Stick around for the Electrical Water Parade if your kids can make it another 20 minutes. (Its hokey, but its still an original). Then I'd spend the $15 on a cab back to your resort if you aren't staying at a monorail resort.

We watched them last time from the beach at the Wilderness Lodge - the trees and Contemporary block some of the fireworks - but the ease of not having to put up with crowds - heavenly.

On a similar note, if you choose Epcot (the fireworks are low which I think makes them more intense for small children - its also a narrated 'show' - which can be boring for kids - with fireworks intervals - watch from France or England or Morrocco - then head through the International Gateway and catch a cab from the Yacht and Beach Club.

 

[ireland_nicole]

I agree w/ most of the pp's

Fantasmic is a been there, done that, won't be going back with our kids. The story is kind of disjointed, and one of mine ended up really freaking out with the dragon. Not worth the crush of people to get in anymore.

Illuminations is lovely, it's one of my favorite shows, but it doesn't have the "wow" factor for little kids as much as MK

Wishes is really lovely, classic Disney, plus then you see Tink, and you get to watch those fireworks over the castle, just really magical.

If you're worried about your kiddo and the noise levels, you can get ear protectors.