parades & fireworks

[MMDRMMBL]

My husband and I and our 2 kids 9 & 12 are plannig our 1st wdw trip in Oct. With all the things to do I am trying not to plan everything to the minute. I am determined to go and just have fun . I was wondering with all the parades and fireworks show which ones are a must see. Do you have any tips for getting good spots other than showing up hours before the event.

 

[barneythebassett]

We saw Illuminations in Epcot, Spectromagic in MK, Wishes in MK. We had previously seen Fantasmic and our kids were not particularly fond of the fire on the water and the loud noises. They did like Wishes and Spectromagic. We watched Spectromagic from Pecos Bills in Frontierland. We rode Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain prior to the parade and ordered food to eat on the patio outside. We were able to eat and view the parade without having to stake out a spot hours ahead of time. I would rather have a lesser viewing spot that to give up riding an extra attraction or two. The kids stood on the stools from the table and viewed the parade through the fence surrounding the patio. Very good for us...we also watched Wishes from Frontierland and would rather have view that from Main Street. I think we were at the wrong angle to get the full effect but in the right spot to enjoy more rides!!

 

[RUSHBURY]

Hi

On our 1st trip my youngest was only 3 and didn't like loud noises so the fireworks were a no-no. Having been bitten by the 'bug' !! and now planing our 6th trip we've watched all the fireworks shows with the exception of Spectromagic - a must for this year. We watched Epcot Illuminations from the speciality cruise so it was amazing and well worth the money for the cruise. My children thought Fantasmic was absolutely brilliant as did DH & I - haven't seen wishes yet - another must for this year - but we saw Fantasy In The Sky which was the previous fireworks show - it was excellent.

Have fun and expect to be bitten by the Disney 'bug' !!!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

MK Spectromagic & Wishes - you can get last minute spots in Frontieland
MGM Fantasmic is an absolute must and I strongly reccomend the pkg - you have to eat anyway and I'd rather ride some rides for the extra hour
AK Although not a ride or parade Festival of the Lion King is a must
Epcot Illuminations I never have luck getting a last minute spot and for whatever reason this is the park my DD's poop out in.

Have fun planning! It is half the fun!