Nighttime shows

[smorkovsky]

We will be rope drop people. All kids (10,9,4) are early risers and early to bed...as are we.

I don't want to miss those evening shows and the experience of Disney after dark.

That said, I doubt there will be tons of support for my desire to return to the parks in the evenings. Perhaps, and that will be great, but I'm not anticipating it. And after a couple of days, the kids are going to be tired, thus cranky.

Which shows would you say that we MUST make it for.....especially considering we may only get one or two (I think 2 is wishful thinking, even)??

 

[Itinkso]

My choices would be:

MK: fireworks and electrical parade/DEP/MSEP on the same night
DHS: Fantasmic

 

[mummabear]

No one should go to Disney without seeing Wishes. If you were to fit in a 2nd I would go for F!

 

[DisneyAllyC]

Yeah definitely Wishes and Fantasmic

 

[figment_jii]

I would vote for the Magic Kingdom. You might be able to get in a double header: Wishes fireworks and the Electric Parade. Wishes is a fireworks show and you'll probably need to get there at least 30 minutes early to find a spot with a decent view. The Electric Parade is cute and again, I'd start looking for a spot about 30 minutes before the parade. (Note these times are based on my trips in October and March. So if you're going during the high season, you might want to add time.)

If you are willing to splurge and your kids like dessert, maybe you can tempt them with the Dessert Party. According to EasyWDW it's $25/adult and $13/child.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/magic-kingdom/tomorrowland-terrace-fireworks-dessert-party/
http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorized/wishes-dessert-party-review-is-it-worth-it/

Other than those, the only other night time shows I can readily think of are IllumiNations (Epcot) and Fantasmic! (DHS).

IllumiNations - The beginning and ending of IllumiNations has fire and fireworks, but the middle can be boring (I've seen lots of children and adults begin to fidget during the the section with the globe).

Fantasmic! - It's a pretty popular show with characters, water effects, fireworks and fire. If you've seen the DLR version, then this one pales, but if not, it can be fun to see. The biggest drawback is that it's pretty popular and it's not uncommon to have to wait in line (45 minutes to an hour) to get into the stadium.

 

[PictureJumpr]

Not sure what time of year you are planning on, but Fantasmic has its first show (if there are two, or "only" show if there is just the one that night) pretty soon after it gets completely dark - in summer, that's 9pm, but in fall-winter it's 6:30-7pm.

Illuminations also goes off at 9pm.

The MK night time stuff can be later, depending on the time of year and the schedule for the day/week, and Wishes will go off anywhere from 9pm to 11pm, with the MSEP running just before and/or just after Wishes.

I'd have to agree with the earlier poster - I'd pick them in this order:
MK - Wishes/MSEP. Must.
DHS - Fantasmic. Somewhat less compelling.
EPCOT - Illuminations. I know lots of folks lovelovelove this one, but for me it is just ok. I never make an effort to see it; if we're in the park and wandering around when it goes off, we'll stop for a few minutes to watch.




Keep in mind, while the time shift isn't a lot (one hour different than Central), if your family is accustomed to being asleep by 9, that is 10 at WDW.

 

[sandbmisnfla]

Another vote for Wishes and Fantasmic- keep in mind you will need to get a seat early for good viewing

 

[P00H1010]

I love all of the evening shows and all are a must for me....but my favorite by far is Wishes

 

[cefcdana]

They are easy to do together but my first vote would be for the Electrical Parade and then Wishes.

 

[Suzanne74]

Just to let you know, we leave the parks from 1-4pm (avoid peak sun and wait times) to nap/swim so the kids (and adults!) can tolerate the evenings and nights. I couldn't imagine going to Disney and missing all the nightlife. The parks are so pretty at night and rides like Speedway and Astro Orbiter are more fun without the sun.

MK have the two best ones - electrical parade and wishes.
Fantastic and Illuminations are good but distant 2nd and 3rd.

If they truly can't make it to 9-10pm, I recommend watching Wishes from the transportation center. It is a great view and they plug the music in. Then you can avoid the crowds and be in your hotel quickly.

 

[andyman8]

Well, I'm going to offer several solutions for you!

I think most would agree that Wishes (MK's fireworks) are essential to any Disney experience. While I don't find Wishes to be necessarily "jaw-dropping" like the other two, it's still worth a visit.

Anyways, if your dilemma is not entering a park, you may want to consider making ADRs for Narcoossee's or California Grill (if it's open by the time you go) if you can afford them. This way, you can have dinner and enjoy the fireworks right from your table (or from a nearby viewing area in some cases). Make your ADR for just under 90 minutes from when the fireworks begin.

To be honest, while I do like IllumiNations better than Wishes, if you must choose, I'd skip it in favor of Fantasmic!. Just a personal opinion though. I find Fantasmic! to be neater and much more exciting, excellent soundtrack. Outstanding special effects, and pretty comprehensive story. I'd recommend the Fantasmic! Dining Package.

 

[orangefan15]

Another vote for Wishes/MSEP first and Fantasmic second.

If you don't want to do a park, maybe you could at least watch Wishes from the Poly beach (or GF or CR). That way you could see the fireworks without having to deal with the crowds pouring out of MK right after the show.

 

[dpswift]

Your family might surprise you as well. Many people love the parks enough to cut back on sleep.


Of the 3 I would try to see Wishes. DH and I are going to the desert party for the first time and I am looking forward to it. Illuminations, and Fantasmic! have never done much for me. Surprisingly the rest of my family is not that into the shows either.

 

[smorkovsky]

I love hearing everyone's opinion on these topics! Thanks for taking the time to respond, everyone!!

 

[ska2]

Yup I agree with the others, Wishes first Fantasmic second. Both are so amazing and really know how to make you emotional by the end.