Nighttime show viewing outside the parks

[hsmamato2]

I haven't been to WDW since last spring,and plan to go in a few months. So in the past,with the older night shows, I knew pretty much what was playing,when and how to view it if not in the parks.(I tend to avoid crowds if possible) IS there anywhere I can look for updated info with the new shows? Any maps,etc? It seems from what I'm reading that most shows are lower to the ground,and projected on a building or something. (I don't like the sound of that b/c I imagine lots of crowds in one place to watch) So,fireworks,music, good non park places to watch?Any advice appreciated.

 

[ParrotBill]

At MK, the projections make it so you really want to be in the hub, that's why they expanded the amount of walkway there. Outside viewing gives you some visibility to fireworks.
Same for HS, you need to see the Chinese Theater for the projections. Outside viewing gives you some visibility to fireworks.
In AK you need to be in the viewing areas, there is no viewing from outside.
In EPCOT, no change, outside viewing gives you some visibility to fireworks.

 

[Robo]

At MK, the projections make it so you really want to be in the hub, that's why they expanded the amount of walkway there. Outside viewing gives you some visibility to fireworks.
Same for HS, you need to see the Chinese Theater for the projections. Outside viewing gives you some visibility to fireworks.
In AK you need to be in the viewing areas, there is no viewing from outside.
In EPCOT, no change, outside viewing gives you some visibility to fireworks.

Nicely summed, ParrotBill!

You can check my WDW Maps sticky post (link in my signature) for maps of
outside MK and outside DHS viewing areas.
But, as Bill said, the shows will be of diminished enjoyment without being able to see the projections.

 

[hsmamato2]

Thanks! Robo I was searching the maps thread,and couldn't find what I was looking for- I enjoy watching,for example the Mk fireworks from elsewhere,esp. with piped in music, even knowing it's not the full effect- but since the shows are more projection-centric now I was looking for others like me who like to view from odd places.

 

[tinka-belle]

FWIW, we tried the new HEA fireworks at MK from both inside the park at the old FP garden by Casey's, and from outside the park near the boat docks when we were just connecting to transportation from Trails End at FW on another night. The new graphics are amazing and well themed to the music and the bursts, however I found I was concentrating more on the graphics than the fireworks display itself. From outside MK no view at all of the graphics on the castle, but fireworks were still spectacular with the new music.

The graphics do enhance the storyline, but still a great display without them.

 

[Robo]

Thanks! Robo I was searching the maps thread,and couldn't find what I was looking for- I enjoy watching,for example the Mk fireworks from elsewhere,esp. with piped in music,

I'm trying to make sure I'm understanding your statement above.
The title of your post is, "Nighttime show viewing outside the parks"
In my "WDW Maps" sticky...
In the MK post: I do have a large collection of specifically outside-the-MK fireworks viewing locations,
which mention the audio availability and quality.

In the DHS post: I do have a map of a specifically outside-DHS fireworks viewing location, there is no audio available outside DHS.

If these are not what you are looking for, that's fine, I just wanted you to know that they are there.

 

[hsmamato2]

I'm trying to make sure I'm understanding your statement above.
The title of your post is, "Nighttime show viewing outside the parks"
In my "WDW Maps" sticky...
In the MK post: I do have a large collection of specifically outside-the-MK fireworks viewing locations,
which mention the audio availability and quality.

In the DHS post: I do have a map of a specifically outside-DHS fireworks viewing location, there is no audio available outside DHS.

If these are not what you are looking for, that's fine, I just wanted you to know that they are there.

Thanks -I'll go have another look,I didn't see those notations (but I miss alot at times) I love your maps!

 

[hsmamato2]

FWIW, we tried the new HEA fireworks at MK from both inside the park at the old FP garden by Casey's, and from outside the park near the boat docks when we were just connecting to transportation from Trails End at FW on another night. The new graphics are amazing and well themed to the music and the bursts, however I found I was concentrating more on the graphics than the fireworks display itself. From outside MK no view at all of the graphics on the castle, but fireworks were still spectacular with the new music.

The graphics do enhance the storyline, but still a great display without them.

Thanks- good to know that!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I haven't been to WDW since last spring,and plan to go in a few months. So in the past,with the older night shows, I knew pretty much what was playing,when and how to view it if not in the parks.(I tend to avoid crowds if possible) IS there anywhere I can look for updated info with the new shows? Any maps,etc? It seems from what I'm reading that most shows are lower to the ground,and projected on a building or something. (I don't like the sound of that b/c I imagine lots of crowds in one place to watch) So,fireworks,music, good non park places to watch?Any advice appreciated.

I like watching the MK fireworks from outside Narcoosee's restaurant at the Grand Floridian. They pipe in the music and you can stand in the grass next to the restaurant and not block the people in the restaurant.

There is a very good viewing area for Illuminations on the bridge between the Beach Club and the Boardwalk resorts. You can hear the music and you are very close to the fireworks there.

You can see the high fireworks from the Star Wars fireworks by standing on the path to the Boardwalk, close to the HS parking lot. You can also see those fireworks from the Yacht Club and Beach Club, although you won't hear any music.

 

[MouseOfCards]

I'm trying to make sure I'm understanding your statement above.
The title of your post is, "Nighttime show viewing outside the parks"
In my "WDW Maps" sticky...
In the MK post: I do have a large collection of specifically outside-the-MK fireworks viewing locations,
which mention the audio availability and quality.

In the DHS post: I do have a map of a specifically outside-DHS fireworks viewing location, there is no audio available outside DHS.

If these are not what you are looking for, that's fine, I just wanted you to know that they are there.

Thanks!