Preferred Fireworks Viewing

[amacspad]

Hi, I've booked a Disney package with the magical extras which include preferred fireworks viewing for wishes and reflections of earth, does anybody know how these work and if they have to be booked?

TIA, Debs xx

 

[2Tiggies]

Hi Debs
We use these every year. They used to send a printed voucher with all your details on which you took to the entrance about 15 minutes prior to the start of the show. This year they sent a book of vouchers (blank for the guest to hand write their details in) and it baffled the lady at MK, but all they really ask for is the KTTW card for the lead guest to check against their guest list and you're good to enter.

At Epcot it is on the Moroccan bridge and it's a great location. You can easily turn up there close to the start of the show if it's not busy season and get a great spot. Last year we were the only guests there. This year it was us and one other couple!

MK is a bit more challenging. It's at on the lower terrace outside the Plaza restaurant. The parade typically starts an hour before the fireworks so the entire area is bedlam way before Wishes starts. I wanted to get a tripod in there up against the railing so we checked it out 2 hours before Wishes and there were already folk going in and we did sit it out for nearly 2 hours. The location is great if you can get a table at the railing without a hanging plant basket in front of you, but otherwise your view is somewhat obstructed by trees, even though these have been cut since the first time we did it.

 

[chocolateMinnie]

Just to add it really does depend on when you are going. When we booked a couple of years tto go at the same time as a MNSSHP at MK on 31st October there must have been loads of other people going to EPCOT the same night as we initially couldn't get in on that night. We had to book for later in the week. The boat dock is a brilliant spot and it is better than staking out your spot but ensure you have your insect repellant on - it is so near the water that it is prime biting spot too

 

[2Tiggies]

With apologies, Deb, I only answered part of your questions

Yes, you do need to book. You can use the usual Disney UK phone number - it's option 4 and you can book from 180 days out (I left it until about 2 months out this year, but as stated above it will depend on when you are going).

 

[amacspad]

That's brill, thank you for all your help!

Debs xxx

 

[Duck In Blue]

If you are going to do it I would recommend you book it sooner rather than later. This is the third time we have stayed on site and have always used the preferred viewing, booking it when the pack arrived (I don't think I knew you could book it at 180 days). Well, our paperwork arrived on Friday for our 10 trip starting on 31st and I called yesterday to book and Wishes is fully booked throughout the trip! I wonder if it has something to do with the amount of parties as it was never an issue before, the first time we were the only ones in there and the second there was half a dozen of us. The agent said Wishes always books quickly. I'm not that fussed as I don't think it's the best viewing area but it is nice to be out of all the hustle and bustle. Oh well! We did get Illuminations though.

One other thing, although you call on the UK number which has opening hours that are friendly to us option 4 has the same hours as the dining line so doesn't open until 7 a.m. EST.

 

[joolz1910]

That's helpful as I didn't know you had to book the preferred viewing - better get on the phone tomorrow!

 

[amacspad]

I rang up Disney as I wanted to make a payment so asked about the fireworks whilst on the phone and yes I have to wait until the 180 day mark before I can book, we go on the 26th April so I will ring back as soon as I am able to!

Debs xx

 

[2Tiggies]

If I wonder if it has something to do with the amount of parties as it was never an issue before, the first time we were the only ones in there and the second there was half a dozen of us.

This

MK is bedlam on the non party nights and it gets worse in October when they increase the number of parties per week, leaving precious few days as choices for those wanting to watch Wishes.

 

[steve76]

I can't speak about Wishes, but we used it for Illuminations last week at Epcot for the first time. We booked well ahead (several months), and you have to take the voucher with you (although they did not check the names off a list or anything). The viewing area was the ramp down to the boat dock at Morocco. The night we did it, there were only two other families there, so there was loads of space (despite the rest of Epcot being packed). It was an incredibly good view - you can see the Illuminations globe and inferno barge between the two islands in the lagoon. I think the left side has a clearer view than the right side. However, you are standing behind a solid wall - perfect for leaning on, but small kids may struggle to see over it to see the lower-level effects.

We did the preferred viewing on the night of the 30th anniversary of Epcot, so we also got the bonus fireworks...

 

[joolz1910]

I phoned up to book for Wishes and Illuminations but could only get Illuminations. Wishes is obviously more popular.

 

[sharon78]

Thanks for posting this, I also did'nt know you had to book! It's our first time booking a package direct with WDW.