Please help me understand the nighttime shows...

[ToyStory3]

There is WOC in DCA but you can't view it very well unless you have reserved seating or a FP. Is that correct? And, MSEP is now in DL....are there fireworks, as well? Thanks!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Yep, DL has MSEP! Fireworks depend on when you're there. What are your park dates? Outside of high seasons fireworks run Fri-Sun weather permitting.

You have the general idea of WOC. Sometimes, I think you can get standing space without a FP but it won't be "good" (there will be people standing in front of you). Keep in mind a WOC FP doesn't affect your ability to get a ride FP right away in the morning, WOC FP are "disconnected" from the rest of the system. Now, a FP doesn't guarantee even a halfway decent view, unless you get there an hour or more ahead of time to make sure you are at the front of your FP section. It's entirely possible to have a family of 6 feet tall people standing in front of you. Will they let you in front? Yeah right! (Obviously that doesn't happen all that often but it IS possible. More common is the parent who puts the short kid on their shoulders right in front of you.)

Reserved Seating (aka the Dessert party) will give you a nice view of WOC. It's expensive but I can't recommend it enough! Did it, loved it. Not squeezed in touching parts of other people you'd really rather not touch, straining to see over the people in front of you, camping out ahead of time and standing after a long park day . SIT back, have a glass of champagne, & enjoy the show in all it's beauty!

 

[Skyegirl1999]

It's not hard to get a WOC FP (it's not like you need to rush over to get it; they're often still available mid-afternoon), but as PP mentioned, you still have to get there early to get a good viewing spot.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

There are also dining packages (CCR, WCT, Ariel's) for WOC. The packages come with a FP for a reserved section (central front for WCT and Ariel's and central further back for CCR). Fantasmic! is supposed to be back this summer in DL, so that would be another night time option depending on your trip dates.

 

[luckycharliegirl]

There are also dining packages (CCR, WCT, Ariel's) for WOC. The packages come with a FP for a reserved section (central front for WCT and Ariel's and central further back for CCR). Fantasmic! is supposed to be back this summer in DL, so that would be another night time option depending on your trip dates.

Are the dining package seats good? Better than dessert party or just as good?

 

[Nevada Jen]

I guess it depends what you call better. From my point of view, dining package is absolutely not as good or better than dessert package seating. First of all, dining package is not seating. Its standing. I guess you could get closer if you get in line really early but I'm not sure closer is better anyway. Dessert party, you are sitting on chairs on a raised patio. Sort of like box seats at the symphony.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Are the dining package seats good? Better than dessert party or just as good?

They aren't seats, just FP to prime viewing sections where you stand. @theluckyrabbit has a rundown of FP vs Dining Package FP vs dessert party seating here: https://www.disboards.com/threads/woc-fp-vs-dining-package.3574434/#post-57032833

 

[gary1955]

viewing WOC from the walkway/plaza near the Little Mermaid entrance and queue is a good option if you don't want to pay extra for dessert or wait in line for a rail location.

you do miss some of the laser lights and water show that is low, but if you are not right at the front rail there is no guarantee that you will see it anyway. once I was early enough to be about 3 feet from the rail along the water. the people at the rail were sitting at the time. when the cast member comes by and tells everyone it is time to stand up, I was a 5'-3" person behind a wall of 6' plus people.

when you are towards the back you see more of the full scope of the show that you don't get when you are at the front.

 

[Niltiac]

Are the dining package seats good? Better than dessert party or just as good?

I've done both. If you're talking purely about view, my SO and I agree the dining packages are better (we were front row and center, it was very immersive and my favorite memory from any trip), though we did get there a bit early to get that view. But the dessert parties include chairs, foood and drink and keep you out of the crowds, so it's different. We weren't crazy about the dessert party. We thought the view was good but not great (there were tall people at the table in front of us, so that influenced my opinion).

 

[wongck]

At WOC I prefer the FP view rather than the front fountain-only view of dining package.
After saying that, it would be nice to experience the front in-your-face fountains at least once.