Need Suggestions for PTN and Disneyland Forever Viewing

[jiminy14]

My youngest DD is extremely claustrophobic and does not handle large crowds very well. We are WDW regulars and are familiar with what areas are comfortable for her to view the parades and fireworks. We have only been to DL a few times and never really bothered with the parades or fireworks. Since these two events are very special, we would like to include them on this trip but would appreciate suggestions as to viewing areas that my DD could manage.

 

[Butterfly123]

I would suggest trying both from the IASW area. The fireworks won't be quite as spectacular there as opposed to the Hub or Main St., but it should be less congested, and there will be projections on the outside of IASW. You should also be able to get a spot for PtN with less waiting than if you were on Main St.

I don't know how claustrophobic your daughter is, or what time of year you are going, but it is inevitable that there will be crowds for the show.

 

[jiminy14]

We will be visiting from 9/25-10/1. She is very claustrophobic when it comes to crowds. She experienced a major freak out at EPCOT on New Year's Eve when stuck in a non-moving mass of people. She can handle most crowds as long as they are not pushing and shoving her. We usually just position her in the middle of our family to provide a sort of "buffer" for her. Any suggestions as to how we can minimize the stress for her is greatly appreciated.

 

[VandVsmama]

How old is she?

I agree with watching the parade and fireworks from IASW area but it will still be pretty crowded. One option would be to get a front row spot right along the parade route do no one is in front of her. However, for fireworks, everyone stands up and the street fills in with people. And that might make her very nervous.

Along one side of the parade route near IASW, there is a raised area and you could try for one of those spots right near the railing. She will be a tad higher than everyone else and you would not need to move for fireworks. But you will pretty much be locked in at that location for everything until fireworks end and the crowd dissipates.

 

[jiminy14]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think we will try for the IASW area.

 

[Butterfly123]

I would also plan to hang out for a while after the fireworks to give the crowds a chance to calm down before you leave. Because Main Street gets very very crowded with people all trying to leave the same time.

 

[Malcon10t]

IASW is a great area to view from. You miss some of the fireworks, however, great for the parade, and smaller crowds. After fireworks, I agree with hanging out. The path from IASW thru the area by Matterhorn will be blocked for "fireworks debris" and it usually takes 10-15 mins to open. (Although we watched from there the second night it opened and it was closer to 30 mins....)

 

[VandVsmama]

I am not claustrophobic but the enormous crowds are a huge reason why we are not interested is watching fireworks from the hub or Main Street.

 

[Troopers]

My youngest DD is extremely claustrophobic and does not handle large crowds very well. We are WDW regulars and are familiar with what areas are comfortable for her to view the parades and fireworks. We have only been to DL a few times and never really bothered with the parades or fireworks. Since these two events are very special, we would like to include them on this trip but would appreciate suggestions as to viewing areas that my DD could manage.

I suggest at the upstairs railroad platform...it doesn't get to crowded there because it's a small area. There may have the center area roped off for VIPs (guests of the Disney Company). View of the parade is fine but there is limited view of the castle (if the center area is roped off) and matterhorn; and you'll likely have to get there at the earlier parade to save as spot for front row.