Opinions - Spectomagic or Sing A Long?

[brymolmom]

Well, I've had my itinerary complete for a couple weeks (we go on 9/14) and even laminated it a few days ago. And now, of course, I'm entertaining a major change.

Originally I didn't think that Spectromagic was showing any of the days we're there (we go on a Wednesday and then leave on Monday), but reviewing hours yesterday I see that Spectromagic is showing on the very first night we arrive. Well, I already have PS's for Trail's End on that night and planned on the sing-a-long at FW afterward. Now I'm not sure which one to do. And I'm not sure if I can fit in the sing a long on a different evening.

My kids are 3 ds and almost 2 dd - any opinions on which one would be better if we have to choose one or the other? They really like songs and singing but I don't think they'll know any/many of the sing-a-long songs anyway. Can anyone tell me the kind of songs they sing? Are they all from Disney movies? Recent movies? Any general 'campfire' songs?

How about Spectro- is it really 'not to be missed'?

The only other factor that concerns me is doing a 'late night' on our very first night there. My kids are usuallly in bed by 8:30 but if we go to Spectro we'll likely try to stay for fireworks and then by the time we catch a bus back to POP, it'll be a late night. We have AK planned for the following morning and I wanted to get an early start. I'm just not sure which to do.

Any thoughts or opinions?

Thanks,
Karen

 

[dsnymomof4]

I cannot comment on the sing-along, as we have never done that. I can tell you that for us, Spectromagic is our must-see on every trip. It is truly magical. I will never forget the look of awe and amazement on my children's faces (DS10,DD7,DD6,DD3)as we sat on the curb on Main Street and watched the amazing floats and characters go by. It is something I will never forget. It is moments like that that keep us coming back (going again in December)!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Spectromagic without a doubt! My kids love SPectro and have since we first started taking them. Even ds who was only 2 on our first trip was spellbound by Spectro.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

We have done Sing a long once and Spectro 3 times. So I guess we like Spectro 3 times as much!
Sing- a-long had Chip & Dale,they went through audience patting heads and teasing. A sing a long but volume was low, not easy song for kids. Only remember the last, the classic M-I-C.song. A cartoon then a movie.Two firepits to toast marshmallows for S'mores. Wouldn't travel to Campground just for Sing a long but if already there for dinner i would go. Somewhere there is a list of the movies shown for the rest of each month.

 

[utahkennedys]

Ok, maybe I am the only one, but our family doesn't enjoy Spectro. Maybe it is the crazy crowds, having to arrive way early to get a seat, feeling like a herd of cattle trying to get out of the park when everyone else is too, waiting forever for transportation, etc. So, we went once and won't go again. I haven't been to the sing-a-long, but really want to try it with dd3. Good luck deciding.

 

[travelitis]

Spectro! It's the best parade you'll see at Disney and the lights and music will really appeal to the kids. SpectroMagic is one of my very favorite Disney events.

Have you considered watching the electrical water pageant?

 

[newtowdw1]

Ok, I have a couple questions:
Are you ever going back? If so, hold Spectro and get the kids to bed.

Are they afraid of the dark? If so, hold Spectro and get the kids to bed.

They turn all the lights on Main St off. Which didn't bother my kids, but the 3 year olds around me began screaming like banshees! Also, the littler kids (including my DS) seemed kind of overwhelmed. He much preferred the daylight parades.

Since you're already in Ft. Wilderness, do the campfire. It's low key, pleasant, and easy to get away from if the kids freak out or get too cranky. Buy cheap glow bracelets before you go...it really helps you keep track of them and they work great as nightlights! If the kids are cheerful and pleasant, head to the Settlement about 30 minutes before the fireworks would go off. The electric light pageant goes by the beach at 9:45 every night. That was perfect for us, because the fireworks then went off at 10.
If you stay at Ft Wilderness until MK closes, figure out how you want to get to Pop. Maybe get on a boat to MK right before the fireworks go off, watch them as you cross the water, then hop a bus to Pop before anyone else gets out of the park.
Have fun!

 

[brymolmom]

Thanks for your responses. I knew I'd get some differing opinions so it has definitely made me think about it from different angles, but I'm still not sure what we're going to do.

Megan- Yes, we'll be returning to WDW. As soon as I can convince my husband that we need to do it. And no, the kids aren't really scared of the dark although I could see them being confused as soon as the lights go out.

I haven't really considered the Electrical Water Pageant. Is it always so late at night or does it change based on season? Where is the best location to see it?

Thanks for all the info.
Karen

 

[newtowdw1]

I am pretty sure that the electric light pageant is always 9:45 Ft Wilderness. It starts at 9:00 ish from Grand Floridian, then travels around the lakes. It has about 7 floats. I think I remember music, but could have just been the pixie dust in the air! Probably the best place to see it is to the left of the docks. It spreads out as it comes, starting with a sea serpent. It is very cute and my kids were enchanted.

DH says he would recommend the sing-a-long too. Much less structure, fewer people, more interactive. Not as late.

Have fun! We sure did!