...Is it possible to see the Light Parade in DCA at 8:45, and then see the fireworks at 9:25 at DL? Could we just pop in somewhere near the entrance on MS and see them - I assume it will be crowded, but just wondering if we couldn't find some type of spot near the train station. Can't remember how long the parade is...
Okay, first, location location location. In order to have the best chance to pull this off, you want to be in the right spot when watching the parade. You want a spot in line with the entrance of the DCA. We try to get a spot within the scope of the Golden Gate Bridge. (This will make complete sense when you see it.) As soon as the last float passes by you, your party heads straight to the exit. (You will NOT be the only one doing this.)
The second you see the last float, you turn and "walk with purpose" towards the gate. You cross the Esplanade between the 2 parks and hit the Main Gate to DL. Here's where your first road block is going to hit. If you were the only one doing this, you could soar right in. However, you are going to meet a wall of fellow guests that are also just leaving DCA to catch the fireworks - all of whom have to pass through the turnstiles with you. Then, you (and all of your new best friends) have to funnel through the tunnels under the railroad and enter Main Street. Here, you will meet your next batch of new best friends: all the people that have been camped out for hours to watch the fireworks show.
Is it do-able? Yes. Does it require patience, perseverance, and an acceptance to not have the best view, but a view? Yes. But it can be done.
Now, when we went, the ELP started late. This means there is NO chance of hitting Main Street before the fireworks. In fact, they started as the last float passed in front of us. As we were exiting DCA, we were watching the fireworks framed within the Golden Gate Bridge while walking towards the exit of DCA. If was actually pretty cool. If you get out of DCA before the fireworks start, you still have to get in the Main Gate of DL AND on to Main Street. Remembering that you are not the only one with this plan, this is not easy as there will be a backlog at the gates entering DL. It is at this point that you have a decision to make. You can either just hang in the Esplanade between the 2 parks and watch the fireworks OR attempt to get in the Park and get to Main Street.
Also, how is getting a spot for the 2nd F!? I know the first one needs hours of stake out - I guess for the 2nd you can't even try until the 1st one (and fireworks I would guess) clear...
You do NOT wait for the 1st to clear before heading in for the 2nd Fantasmic! If you do, you will never see it.
To watch the 2nd Fantasmic! show, you ideally want to watch the fireworks right where Adventureland / Frontierland joins Main Street. Now, if you are all the way over to the left, on Main Street, you will have trees blocking the left/above the castle area - which is not good. So, you want to be more center, but on the side of Adv/Front entrance (just slightly). If this is not do-able (because of watching ELP), then just do as best as you can.
The SECOND the fireworks show ends, you turn and "walk with purpose" toward the entrance to Frontierland. There will be CMs directing people everywhere. Your key is to get as far up Main Street as possible. If it is very crowded they will be directing people in a circle pattern. This keeping everyone moving, but if you join in on the wrong side of the Main Street, you get sent around the long way, which you REALLY don't want. So watch the pattern and before you step on that sidewalk. Once you are heading toward the River, what we do is hold on to each other hand in hand and walk sort-of single file with the crowd.
Now, here's the key: As you (and many others) are moving toward the River, all those who watch the 1st Fantasmic show are heading out to Main Street. For this reason it's important that you listen to where the cast members are telling you to walk and go there. You will think, "But everyone is going that way. It's a mass of people. We're done." BUT - if you have done the above, you are in front of most of the mass of people. Keep walking. When you get to New Orleans Square, go to the river front. Most people will stay up by pirates. This is where you can break a bit from the crowd. Others will be there already. That's ok. Others will have spots. That's ok. Remember, there are LOTS of people behind you - you are in front of them. Yay you! Find a spot. Claim it. Enjoy.
It's not as difficult to do as it sounds when reading this, it's just a case of trying to be in front of the crowds, not behind them.
Have fun!
