Need some planning brainstorming...

[MommaBerd]

I say “brainstorming” because we are dealing with some unknowns.

Our trip is 4/12-4/14 - only three nights. I reserved a dining package for WoC for Thursday (4/12) night (last night). According to the schedule, there is no other nighttime entertainment this night.

Friday, 4/13, I have a F! dinner package. Both Pixar Fireworks and PTN start that night.

Saturday night, 4/14, is where I need help. Of course, we want to do it “all.” But can we realistically see both the Fireworks and PTN on the same night? (Fireworks @ 9:30; PTN @ 8:45 & 10:45) Also, this is not a Passholder blockout date, so I’m thinking the park will be *really* crowded with locals coming to check out the new/returning entertainment...

In some ways, F! is a low priority show compared to the others I know it’s different, and reportedly better, than the DHS version. But, we skip it when we go to WDW... I would say PTN will be a sure thing on Saturday. Or maybe we should see it Friday when there are AP blackouts? So I need to figure out the best way to see the fireworks.

I’m open to rearranging plans...any suggestions?

 

[lalasmama]

Personally, I would watch the first Fantasmic, and then stay in the same spot for the fireworks. They will project the pictures onto water screens right on the river. Then, on Saturday, I'd do PTN.

 

[MommaBerd]

Personally, I would watch the first Fantasmic, and then stay in the same spot for the fireworks. They will project the pictures onto water screens right on the river. Then, on Saturday, I'd do PTN.

BUT we won’t get to see the Up! House fly across the sky... of course that is weather-dependent.

 

[lalasmama]

BUT we won’t get to see the Up! House fly across the sky... of course that is weather-dependent.

Fair point... In my case, I hate crowds (ironic, considering my love of Disneyland!), so I'm willing to forgo seeing whatever is flying over the castle to avoid Main Street at fireworks-countdown and show!

 

[MommaBerd]

Fair point... In my case, I hate crowds (ironic, considering my love of Disneyland!), so I'm willing to forgo seeing whatever is flying over the castle to avoid Main Street at fireworks-countdown and show!

LOL! I get that, for sure.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

I would stay in place after F! on Friday and watch the fireworks from the ROA. Given how packed the viewing areas could be for the opening night of the new fireworks show, you probably won't make it back to the Hub or Main Street in time to find good spots before the show starts. And you will already have very good viewing spots along the riverfront. Then on Saturday, camp for good spots for the fireworks. Right after the fireworks show ends, start making your way out (this will take a while) to DCA to look for spots for PTN. If part of your group can move faster, have them go ahead and text you when they find spots. The parade route in DCA is quite long (almost a mile, by some reports, from start to finish), so if you won't need "perfect" spots, you should be able to squeeze in somewhere along the way. And you'll have the benefit of any reports from the night before giving tips on good spots. We don't yet know which direction PTN will go for the first run and for the second (same both times? Opposite directions? -- again, you'll discover this from the reports after opening night), but if you can aim for spots at the end of the parade route, you should be able to find spots after fireworks. Just move as quickly as you safely can. Does this make sense? Good luck!

 

[MommaBerd]

I would stay in place after F! on Friday and watch the fireworks from the ROA. Given how packed the viewing areas could be for the opening night of the new fireworks show, you probably won't make it back to the Hub or Main Street in time to find good spots before the show starts. And you will already have very good viewing spots along the riverfront. Then on Saturday, camp for good spots for the fireworks. Right after the fireworks show ends, start making your way out (this will take a while) to DCA to look for spots for PTN. If part of your group can move faster, have them go ahead and text you when they find spots. The parade route in DCA is quite long (almost a mile, by some reports, from start to finish), so if you won't need "perfect" spots, you should be able to squeeze in somewhere along the way. And you'll have the benefit of any reports from the night before giving tips on good spots. We don't yet know which direction PTN will go for the first run and for the second (same both times? Opposite directions? -- again, you'll discover this from the reports after opening night), but if you can aim for spots at the end of the parade route, you should be able to find spots after fireworks. Just move as quickly as you safely can. Does this make sense? Good luck!

Thank you! This is very helpful.