Oct 1 Was A Total Blast and Disney Enchantment Was Awesome

[sdk1231]

Just back from a great trip 9/30-10/6. Here are my observations of The Big Day 10/1 and of Enchantment. To set the stage, I'm pretty old (LOL). I traveled solo, and met up with my 21 year old daughter who's a CM at DHS Oga's Cantina and her 22 yr old boyfriend who's a Disney College Program CP at World of Disney in Disney Springs. Since I was solo, and since announcements were coming fast and furious prior to my trip, I booked a couple of things and flew by the seat of my pants the rest of the trip. I stayed at the Grand Floridian.

9/30 - got a dinner reservation for CRT the day before. Ate at CRT and just walked around the park. Watched the live stream of the dedication ceremony and media showing of Enchantment from the Grand Flo. Fireworks viewing from the GF was good.

10/1 - hit the walkway from GF to the MK at 6AM and walked over with other happy guests. Really great vibe. Got to the MK and all the tapstiles were open. We tapped in and were on Main Street before 6:30. Saw a CM handling Virtual Queue for Big Top Souvenirs (who were selling 10/1 merch) and got on the Virtual Queue. Headed to the Hub, where my daughter got some great photopass photos. Photopass was free to all guests on 10/1. We're AP, so that didn't matter for us, but cool for other guests. It was still dark at that point, so she has some great photos that look like night photos, but were morning photos. Went to the holding area for Resort Guest Early Entry - bridge to get into Fantasyland (by Teacups). Stood there while the sun came up. Someone in front of us collapsed to the ground and my CM daughter took off running for a CM and a Leader to call paramedics. I called out to the crowd for medical assistance. Within minutes an RN and an EMT came forward, and my daughter returned with CM and Leader and a wheelchair. The person who collapsed had fainted and was recovering and was placed in the wheelchair. The crowd completely backed off to give them room, and many people offered water bottles, fans, etc. Great group show of support and assistance. Rope dropped at that point, and Early Entry crowd were let in. My daughter went immediately to Dumbo and then to 7 Dwarfs. I was waiting for her at Dumbo area and realized that I was right by a popcorn cart. I figured that I'd just join the popcorn cart line and get a souvenir popcorn bucket. I don't really care about them, but figured since I was just standing there anyway, why not. Meantime, my daughter finished SDMT and headed over to Big Top Souvenirs. I had already decided that I was a hard pass on 10/1 Merch Madness, so I did not join her. I got my 2 popcorn buckets (gold Mickey balloons) and went over to the Hub to watch the welcome show. It was the usual morning welcome show, with the characters in their costumes. It was not overly crowded. I had an ECV and had absolutely NO problem negotiating the crowd. I'd expected a NYE level crowd. It wasn't one tenth of that. I rode over to the Plaza/Rose Garden area and saw some bigwigs out doing media, then tooled over to Adventureland, up through Frontierland and back to Fantasyland/Storybook Circus. Every ride was walk on. I couldn't believe it. I think all the people were shopping in the Emporium, waiting for their virtual queue spot at Big Top Souvenirs, or were in line at the popcorn carts waiting for the popcorn buckets. By then, my daughter was done at Big Top Souvenirs, where she'd gotten 2 of just about everything. (Okay, I'm exaggerating, but she got her allotted 2 of a lot of stuff). We then went all over the MK at a leisurely pace enjoying the ambiance, stopping and chatting with people, watched the cavalcades, did photopass photos and my daughter rode whatever she wanted to ride with really short waits. My husband had elected not to come fearing total NYE level craziness (we go for NYE every year) and I kept texting him saying "This is so chill - it's NOTHING like New Year's!" We had mobile ordered lunch at Columbia Harbor House but canceled our order, opting to return to the GF for lunch and an afternoon break. On the way out, we saw Josh and some other bigwigs doing a photo shoot with the original 1971 CM's in the Rose Garden. We stopped and my daughter chatted with the CM's, who were all super nice and super happy to speak with her. They found out she was a CM and gave her lots of support. Josh chatted with my daughter and took a selfie with her. He could not have been nicer. On the way out, Main Street was easy to negotiate, but more crowded than anywhere else in the park. Emporium area looked a bit crazy. Did people go to the MK on 10/1 just to shop? I guess so. I like Merch, but I wasn't at the MK that day just to shop. Somewhere on Main Street we ran into a lady who had 2 blue popcorn buckets. We traded one of our gold for one of her blue. People we ran into were so friendly that day. We walked back to the Grand ate lunch at a nice shaded table at Gasparilla Grill (quick serve) by 12:30. We took a pool/resort break until heading back into the park after dinner. We had dinner reservations at Diamond Horseshoe but canceled them and opted to eat dinner at GF Cafe instead. After dinner, we headed back to the MK for Enchantment.

Enchantment: I admit that I was sure I'd hate it. I tend to resist change when it comes to my fireworks. I LOVED Wishes. The first time I saw HEA, I hated it! I soon came to love it, and eventually became a total HEA fan. On this trip I saw Enchantment from several different points of view.
1. Via Livestream on 9/30 while watching from the Grand Floridian boat dock
2. 10/1 benches by Frontierland near Sleepy Hollow
3. 10/2 California Grill observation deck
4. 10/3 Main Street
5. 10/5 Plaza Garden Dessert Party Viewing Area

Livestream/GF view... I was "iffy". 10/1... I felt like it was a maybe kind of over-the-top, a lot going on. Didn't love the song, but did love the instrumental portions and the Angela Bassett narration. Cali Grill, thought it viewed very nicely from outside the park, liked the song better. Main Street, looked great, song continued to grow on me. Plaza Garden View was AWESOME. Perfect view. You can turn around and see Main Street projections if you're so inclined. By this last, I had come to really like the song. I got "choked up" at one point - which was the moment I'd been waiting for... Wishes and HEA had a certain emotional resonance for me, and I was glad that this new show "took me there".

Pyro - seemed better/more than HEA. It seemed to me that there were multiple mini-finales throughout the show. Spotlights - seemed way more than HEA. Lasers - really cool lasers, and I don't recall there being any in HEA (maybe there were, and I just don't remember). The lighting in the trees was awesome - it kept changing to match the show. The Castle projections were super sharp, super well done, and frankly, I thought were a whole level above the HEA projections. Main Street projections were pretty cool. Didn't blow me away or anything, but were cool. I wouldn't go out of my way to view from Main Street, unless you have some extra time and just want to see that view.

The "story".... I have to admit I'm not a "story" person. For those who area, the story, I guess, was about tackling adversity/uncertainty and "finding yourself" or whatever. I liked it just fine. It seemed to me that Disney is hyper-focused on Inclusion/Diversity, which I appreciate. On my last viewing, I noticed a brief rainbow incorporated into one section, and I thought it was well done. In fact, I thought all of the "inclusion" was well done, and I applauded the efforts of the show to do all of that. I didn't see much that was in my "old school" wheelhouse... such as Mickey, Cinderella, Snow White, etc. Maybe they were in there somewhere and I missed them, I don't know. I came away from this trip thinking, "Well, I guess I've got to watch Moana, Coco and Brave." I've never seen those movies. Moana is obviously the new "big deal" at Disney. Moana seemed to be everywhere, for whatever reason. There were Moana, Coco and Brave segments in both Enchantment and Harmonious, so I need to get more up to date. I saw the Wreck It Ralph guy in the show at one point, and I've never seen that movie, and probably never will. He was brief. Those elf-like guys from that other new movie were in there too (I saw that movie and can't remember what it was called, and found it extremely forgettable). My kids are grown, so I rarely watch animated movies.

Bottom line, I came away thinking Enchantment was awesome. Disclaimer: these are just my own humble opinions.

 

[jthornton94]

Thank you! As we head to WDW in just a few hours it is awesome to read such a great review!

 

[sdk1231]

Thank you! As we head to WDW in just a few hours it is awesome to read such a great review!

Excellent - have fun! And for whatever it's worth, I got some awesome day before / same day dining reservations including CRT, Steakhouse71, Citricos, California Grill, Beaches and Cream, BOG

 

[gharter]

Good to hear that it is better in person. have seen several videos and wasn't excited, but was hoping it was better in person and sounds like it is.

 

[MiketheGrate]

Really enjoyed the positive review and suggestions on different viewing angles for the show.

On a side note, make some time to watch Moana. It's very possible that it's the Disney movie I've seen the most times now, just because my 7 year old son has been watching it for what feels like 4 years at this point. The songs are some of the catchiest I've ever heard in a Disney movie.

 

[PFopma]

Thanks for a great 10/1 review. We had a similar experience. You were smart to miss the merchandise mess!

Yes - watch Moana, Coco and also Soul if you haven't seen them.

My nephew a former cast member got to MK around 5:30 and walked into the Emporium. My sister and I got there at 6:30 and there was a very long line at the Emporium. My nephew was still in the store on line at a register - he witnessed one of the fights that happened. We headed to the lockers to stash his purchases. The large lockers were already sold out so we got 2 small. He thought he got a Big Top virtual queue spot but when we arrived he found out he never got the confirmation. He saw a cast member he knew on line and they said they had an extra person in their party and he joined them. We waited outside and sat across from the entrance. I was able to pull up the Anniversary collection on my phone so we could look at the items. He was able to get me a spirit jersey, the grey short sleeve shirt and an ornament. He bought some things for himself and my sister. We walked back to the Hub and watched the park opening ceremony at 9 am. If we didn't know it was the 50th we would not have found out from that show. We expected something a little more and so did others from the conversations we could hear around us. We went back to the lockers to store the Big Top purchases. At this point all lockers were sold out - it was 9:30 am. We headed up Main Street to get breakfast. My sister and I went to Casey's/Plaza area to find a table. My nephew got on line at the Main St Bakery but after about 20 minutes he called and asked if I could relieve him on line. He just needed to sit after 5 hours of running nonstop. Most of the people we met and the crowd in general were very nice but there were a few. We were finishing breakfast when a woman stood near us and asked sarcastically to everyone within earshot if everyone was just staying for the fireworks. Everyone around us agreed that she was rude. No one wanted to give up their table to her. My nephew found an older couple with grandchildren and offered them our table.

After the shopping frenzy we were free to enjoy the rest of the day and like the OP said the lines for attractions were very short. We walked on Pirates, Big Thunder, Small World, and Space Mountain. But one woman said she waited an hour on line for Dole Whip! We had a 5 pm ADR for Skippers but they were running 45 min behind - we had a nice leisurely dinner there - my nephew was a Skipper during his CP so it's his favorite restaurant. I loved Enchantment but my nephew said he didn't care fo the story. I wasn't crazy about the projections on Main Street. I thought they were a distraction but We watched from further down Main St on the 3rd and I did like them better. We all LOVED Harmonious, though!

 

[sdk1231]

Really enjoyed the positive review and suggestions on different viewing angles for the show.

On a side note, make some time to watch Moana. It's very possible that it's the Disney movie I've seen the most times now, just because my 7 year old son has been watching it for what feels like 4 years at this point. The songs are some of the catchiest I've ever heard in a Disney movie.

I will definitely watch Moana very soon. Your point on the songs is interesting. I know a couple of them and they're both great! There is definitely one Moana song is in Enchantment, maybe 2. Side note: I remembered the name of the elf movie... Onward. Side note #2 - I'm going nuts because I can't identify the instrumental music played during the "scary" segment of Enchantment. I totally know the song, but can't think of what it's from. I'm drawing a complete blank. I hate when that happens! (When I hear what it is, I'm going to go "Of course!!")

 

[jthornton94]

I will definitely watch Moana very soon. Your point on the songs is interesting. I know a couple of them and they're both great! There is definitely one Moana song is in Enchantment, maybe 2. Side note: I remembered the name of the elf movie... Onward. Side note #2 - I'm going nuts because I can't identify the instrumental music played during the "scary" segment of Enchantment. I totally know the song, but can't think of what it's from. I'm drawing a complete blank. I hate when that happens! (When I hear what it is, I'm going to go "Of course!!")

Lin Manual Miranda helped write at least one of the Moana songs.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Lin Manual Miranda helped write at least one of the Moana songs.

He wrote or co-wrote most of the lyrics and music in the soundtrack.

My almost 6 year old son loves this movie and music. But seriously, if I have to hear “Shiny” one more time….

Im’m glad Moana is included in the new show as well as Coco. That’s another favorite of my kid. Looking forward to seeing it next summer.

 

[sdk1231]

Lin Manual Miranda helped write at least one of the Moana songs.

Well, there you go! No wonder they're good!

 

[PFopma]

I Side note #2 - I'm going nuts because I can't identify the instrumental music played during the "scary" segment of Enchantment. I totally know the song, but can't think of what it's from. I'm drawing a complete blank. I hate when that happens! (When I hear what it is, I'm going to go "Of course!!")

I don't know the name of the music but I'm pretty sure it was in Fantasia and also used in the older Illuminations. I have some of that music on a Parks CD.

 

[sdk1231]

Thanks for a great 10/1 review. We had a similar experience. You were smart to miss the merchandise mess!

Yes - watch Moana, Coco and also Soul if you haven't seen them.

My nephew a former cast member got to MK around 5:30 and walked into the Emporium. My sister and I got there at 6:30 and there was a very long line at the Emporium. My nephew was still in the store on line at a register - he witnessed one of the fights that happened. We headed to the lockers to stash his purchases. The large lockers were already sold out so we got 2 small. He thought he got a Big Top virtual queue spot but when we arrived he found out he never got the confirmation. He saw a cast member he knew on line and they said they had an extra person in their party and he joined them. We waited outside and sat across from the entrance. I was able to pull up the Anniversary collection on my phone so we could look at the items. He was able to get me a spirit jersey, the grey short sleeve shirt and an ornament. He bought some things for himself and my sister. We walked back to the Hub and watched the park opening ceremony at 9 am. If we didn't know it was the 50th we would not have found out from that show. We expected something a little more and so did others from the conversations we could hear around us. We went back to the lockers to store the Big Top purchases. At this point all lockers were sold out - it was 9:30 am. We headed up Main Street to get breakfast. My sister and I went to Casey's/Plaza area to find a table. My nephew got on line at the Main St Bakery but after about 20 minutes he called and asked if I could relieve him on line. He just needed to sit after 5 hours of running nonstop. Most of the people we met and the crowd in general were very nice but there were a few. We were finishing breakfast when a woman stood near us and asked sarcastically to everyone within earshot if everyone was just staying for the fireworks. Everyone around us agreed that she was rude. No one wanted to give up their table to her. My nephew found an older couple with grandchildren and offered them our table.

After the shopping frenzy we were free to enjoy the rest of the day and like the OP said the lines for attractions were very short. We walked on Pirates, Big Thunder, Small World, and Space Mountain. But one woman said she waited an hour on line for Dole Whip! We had a 5 pm ADR for Skippers but they were running 45 min behind - we had a nice leisurely dinner there - my nephew was a Skipper during his CP so it's his favorite restaurant. I loved Enchantment but my nephew said he didn't care fo the story. I wasn't crazy about the projections on Main Street. I thought they were a distraction but We watched from further down Main St on the 3rd and I did like them better. We all LOVED Harmonious, though!

Glad you had a similar experience. So nice of your nephew to give up his table for the grandparents with grandchildren. That was kind of our thinking in dropping our MK dinner reservation. We were fine eating at the resort - figured someone in MK could use our MK reservation. I will watch Moana and Coco. I have seen Soul. I liked it. It was kind of odd though... the whole "death/afterlife" theme. It's not one I'd watch again even though I liked it. Did you love Harmonious? I watched it with great interest. Upon conclusion my text to my husband at home was "Harmonious was Showstopper Wowzer!" After thinking about it, I feel the same. Like Holy Cow Wowzer! It's just so totally different from Illuminations, I can't even really compare the two. It's like apples and oranges. I personally loved Illuminations. I thought it had "heart" and had a certain lyrical quality. Harmonious, for me, was all flash. There was one segment of Harmonious that I disliked, only because I didn't like the music (a super-hyped up musical number that I believe was from the Tiana movie, which I have not seen, of course). The rest of the show I liked, but as a total spectacle. It wasn't "heart warming" for me in any way.

 

[luv2cheer92]

Yes!!! We had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed Enchantment as well. I had avoided anything about it before hand, but watched a video after and it is definitely better in person. We were about half way back on Main Street and were able to see so much of what was going on all around us, it was a perfect spot.

We got up around 4:30 (it was just me and my mom this trip). We were on the second bus from Pop, got to MK around 5:50ish I believe. When we walked in there were several CMs very loudly announcing the VQ for merch, so we joined that and were around 500th in line for that.

I didn't really have plans to go into the Emporium that early, but there wasn't much else to do, so we did that and were part of all the chaos. But it was kinda fun to be honest lol. Lots of excitement all around.

We made it down to the castle by 7:30 or so and stayed to watch the opening show.
Then we rope dropped Jungle Cruise and had the absolute best skipper of all time, Marshal. Perfect in every way.

We had Casey's for lunch. Had to wait about 30 minutes or so for the food, but wasn't too bad. The CMs were shouting out the names, but they had fairly soft voices. There was a guest in there waiting with a very, very loud voice lol, so any time a CM would say a name, she would shout it out too. She was given a free dessert for helping out, which I thought was a nice gesture.

I was feeling a little overheated and dehydrated and wanted to take some stuff back to the hotel, so we did that around 1. We were not back very long at all, I went back around 2:30 and my mom came back around 3:30. During that time I did Peter Pan. I wasn't paying much attention and started to walk into the LL queue, realized it pretty quickly and started to turn around when the CM said, "is it just you? Come on". She said happy 50th! So that was a very nice little bit of pixie dust, since I didn't have to wait at all.

We rode everything in the park throughout the day. I loved singing happy birthday to the Country Bears and tiki birds. The CMs really made everything throughout the day so special and magical.

We got our spot for Enchantment around 7 and everyone around us absolutely loved it.

We did a few more rides afterwards and walked out right at 11.

Overall it was a perfect day!!

 

[Eeyore daily]

I feel like Enchantment is something that you could watch from afar and not miss a thing. I didn't think it is as necessary to sit in front of the castle to enjoy it. The projection imo are disjointed.

 

[MiketheGrate]

I don't know the name of the music but I'm pretty sure it was in Fantasia and also used in the older Illuminations. I have some of that music on a Parks CD.

Night on Bald Mountain?

 

[sdk1231]

Night on Bald Mountain?

I posted the question elsewhere and you're right! Thanks!

 

[ars0525]

We were there Oct 1st as well & similar experience as you. Got in there by 8:30am (they sent our bus behind MK to enter from the other side). Once you got past Main Street (all the shopper lines, picture takers, media folks) the park was pretty open. Rides were short waits or walk ons. We lucked out getting a 12:50pm ADR to Crystal Palace on Thursday morning by checking the app frequently. Left the park about 3:15pm for the hotel since we had ridden most what we wanted. People were already camping out for the fireworks in the hub. Got a notice at 4pm they had closed park hopping. Headed back to the park after 6pm. People were camped down Main Street for the fireworks so you could only walk on the sidewalks. We cut thru in front of Casey's to head for Adventureland & again the actual park was pretty open past all that. Did some more rides/shows before standing on the path between Adventureland/Frontierland to watch the fireworks. Not a great spot but the line kept moving up so we didn't have too much tree blockage by the time the show started. After the fireworks took a moment & then headed off for more rides to finish the night. Mom said her favorite part was we rode 7DMT very last at closing time & our train was full of people clapping & singing. Got pictures from Photopass that were behind the castle & carousel. No wait & a cool angle with a 50th sign. Front of the castle lines were crazy long for pictures. We moseyed down Main Street taking pictures & got a bus ride back to the hotel (no line for that either!).

Overall we had a great day. But we weren't there for the shopping or merchandise. Even the fireworks I know we'll be back so waiting for a good viewing spot wasn't our priority. We had fun riding all the original rides shows that were there opening day & having a dole whip. Really had no idea what to expect so we were delighted with how our day turned out!

 

[JiminyCricketNJ]

Just back from a great trip 9/30-10/6. Here are my observations of The Big Day 10/1 and of Enchantment. To set the stage, I'm pretty old (LOL). I traveled solo, and met up with my 21 year old daughter who's a CM at DHS Oga's Cantina and her 22 yr old boyfriend who's a Disney College Program CP at World of Disney in Disney Springs. Since I was solo, and since announcements were coming fast and furious prior to my trip, I booked a couple of things and flew by the seat of my pants the rest of the trip. I stayed at the Grand Floridian.

9/30 - got a dinner reservation for CRT the day before. Ate at CRT and just walked around the park. Watched the live stream of the dedication ceremony and media showing of Enchantment from the Grand Flo. Fireworks viewing from the GF was good.

10/1 - hit the walkway from GF to the MK at 6AM and walked over with other happy guests. Really great vibe. Got to the MK and all the tapstiles were open. We tapped in and were on Main Street before 6:30. Saw a CM handling Virtual Queue for Big Top Souvenirs (who were selling 10/1 merch) and got on the Virtual Queue. Headed to the Hub, where my daughter got some great photopass photos. Photopass was free to all guests on 10/1. We're AP, so that didn't matter for us, but cool for other guests. It was still dark at that point, so she has some great photos that look like night photos, but were morning photos. Went to the holding area for Resort Guest Early Entry - bridge to get into Fantasyland (by Teacups). Stood there while the sun came up. Someone in front of us collapsed to the ground and my CM daughter took off running for a CM and a Leader to call paramedics. I called out to the crowd for medical assistance. Within minutes an RN and an EMT came forward, and my daughter returned with CM and Leader and a wheelchair. The person who collapsed had fainted and was recovering and was placed in the wheelchair. The crowd completely backed off to give them room, and many people offered water bottles, fans, etc. Great group show of support and assistance. Rope dropped at that point, and Early Entry crowd were let in. My daughter went immediately to Dumbo and then to 7 Dwarfs. I was waiting for her at Dumbo area and realized that I was right by a popcorn cart. I figured that I'd just join the popcorn cart line and get a souvenir popcorn bucket. I don't really care about them, but figured since I was just standing there anyway, why not. Meantime, my daughter finished SDMT and headed over to Big Top Souvenirs. I had already decided that I was a hard pass on 10/1 Merch Madness, so I did not join her. I got my 2 popcorn buckets (gold Mickey balloons) and went over to the Hub to watch the welcome show. It was the usual morning welcome show, with the characters in their costumes. It was not overly crowded. I had an ECV and had absolutely NO problem negotiating the crowd. I'd expected a NYE level crowd. It wasn't one tenth of that. I rode over to the Plaza/Rose Garden area and saw some bigwigs out doing media, then tooled over to Adventureland, up through Frontierland and back to Fantasyland/Storybook Circus. Every ride was walk on. I couldn't believe it. I think all the people were shopping in the Emporium, waiting for their virtual queue spot at Big Top Souvenirs, or were in line at the popcorn carts waiting for the popcorn buckets. By then, my daughter was done at Big Top Souvenirs, where she'd gotten 2 of just about everything. (Okay, I'm exaggerating, but she got her allotted 2 of a lot of stuff). We then went all over the MK at a leisurely pace enjoying the ambiance, stopping and chatting with people, watched the cavalcades, did photopass photos and my daughter rode whatever she wanted to ride with really short waits. My husband had elected not to come fearing total NYE level craziness (we go for NYE every year) and I kept texting him saying "This is so chill - it's NOTHING like New Year's!" We had mobile ordered lunch at Columbia Harbor House but canceled our order, opting to return to the GF for lunch and an afternoon break. On the way out, we saw Josh and some other bigwigs doing a photo shoot with the original 1971 CM's in the Rose Garden. We stopped and my daughter chatted with the CM's, who were all super nice and super happy to speak with her. They found out she was a CM and gave her lots of support. Josh chatted with my daughter and took a selfie with her. He could not have been nicer. On the way out, Main Street was easy to negotiate, but more crowded than anywhere else in the park. Emporium area looked a bit crazy. Did people go to the MK on 10/1 just to shop? I guess so. I like Merch, but I wasn't at the MK that day just to shop. Somewhere on Main Street we ran into a lady who had 2 blue popcorn buckets. We traded one of our gold for one of her blue. People we ran into were so friendly that day. We walked back to the Grand ate lunch at a nice shaded table at Gasparilla Grill (quick serve) by 12:30. We took a pool/resort break until heading back into the park after dinner. We had dinner reservations at Diamond Horseshoe but canceled them and opted to eat dinner at GF Cafe instead. After dinner, we headed back to the MK for Enchantment.

Enchantment: I admit that I was sure I'd hate it. I tend to resist change when it comes to my fireworks. I LOVED Wishes. The first time I saw HEA, I hated it! I soon came to love it, and eventually became a total HEA fan. On this trip I saw Enchantment from several different points of view.
1. Via Livestream on 9/30 while watching from the Grand Floridian boat dock
2. 10/1 benches by Frontierland near Sleepy Hollow
3. 10/2 California Grill observation deck
4. 10/3 Main Street
5. 10/5 Plaza Garden Dessert Party Viewing Area

Livestream/GF view... I was "iffy". 10/1... I felt like it was a maybe kind of over-the-top, a lot going on. Didn't love the song, but did love the instrumental portions and the Angela Bassett narration. Cali Grill, thought it viewed very nicely from outside the park, liked the song better. Main Street, looked great, song continued to grow on me. Plaza Garden View was AWESOME. Perfect view. You can turn around and see Main Street projections if you're so inclined. By this last, I had come to really like the song. I got "choked up" at one point - which was the moment I'd been waiting for... Wishes and HEA had a certain emotional resonance for me, and I was glad that this new show "took me there".

Pyro - seemed better/more than HEA. It seemed to me that there were multiple mini-finales throughout the show. Spotlights - seemed way more than HEA. Lasers - really cool lasers, and I don't recall there being any in HEA (maybe there were, and I just don't remember). The lighting in the trees was awesome - it kept changing to match the show. The Castle projections were super sharp, super well done, and frankly, I thought were a whole level above the HEA projections. Main Street projections were pretty cool. Didn't blow me away or anything, but were cool. I wouldn't go out of my way to view from Main Street, unless you have some extra time and just want to see that view.

The "story".... I have to admit I'm not a "story" person. For those who area, the story, I guess, was about tackling adversity/uncertainty and "finding yourself" or whatever. I liked it just fine. It seemed to me that Disney is hyper-focused on Inclusion/Diversity, which I appreciate. On my last viewing, I noticed a brief rainbow incorporated into one section, and I thought it was well done. In fact, I thought all of the "inclusion" was well done, and I applauded the efforts of the show to do all of that. I didn't see much that was in my "old school" wheelhouse... such as Mickey, Cinderella, Snow White, etc. Maybe they were in there somewhere and I missed them, I don't know. I came away from this trip thinking, "Well, I guess I've got to watch Moana, Coco and Brave." I've never seen those movies. Moana is obviously the new "big deal" at Disney. Moana seemed to be everywhere, for whatever reason. There were Moana, Coco and Brave segments in both Enchantment and Harmonious, so I need to get more up to date. I saw the Wreck It Ralph guy in the show at one point, and I've never seen that movie, and probably never will. He was brief. Those elf-like guys from that other new movie were in there too (I saw that movie and can't remember what it was called, and found it extremely forgettable). My kids are grown, so I rarely watch animated movies.

Bottom line, I came away thinking Enchantment was awesome. Disclaimer: these are just my own humble opinions.

I love your trip report and your thoughts/details! We were at GF too, and the walk over to MK on 10/1 with everyone early that morning was something I will never forget! We arrived a bit later than you (6:30 a.m.) but the energy of the other guests and CM's was the best. Everyone was really in an upbeat mood. I am not a merch person (I did get my 50th commemorative pennies in the Emporium and a Small World vault t-shirt however), so we went straight to the hub after some pictures on main street. I was hoping for more of a show/ speeches to open the park that day rather than the 2 minutes of characters on stage but that's ok.
We watched Enchantment to the left front of the castle. We met a couple who had been opening day cast members- he drove the Monorail and she sold tickets in Fantasyland. They were so cute and had the best stories, so that was better than any show/speech to open the park. After watching Enchantment three times (night before from GF, on 10/1 and 10/4), it is fine -just not my favorite. I love Wishes and HEA. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and perspective about it.
I have to say that I felt the CM's were so welcoming at every park during this trip. We had some terrific interactions at MK and HS specifically.

 

[OhhBother]

So nice to hear from other people who had a great Oct. 1 experience like we did. I was beginning to think it was just us and @luv2cheer92 who had an amazing day! I can't believe it's been almost a week since we were there. I'll forever be grateful to have been part of it!

 

[Disney Fool]

to sdk 1231 (original poster) Thank you so much for posting a positive, honest review! It was refreshing to read that somebody actually enjoys going to Disney!!!!