"Preferred" Viewing with Packages???

[LilyStar]

Hi there

My BF and I will be in Disney on the Spring Dream Maker package with the Silver Add on at the end of March. I noticed that as part of the package we get "preferred viewing" areas for one showing of Illiuminations at EPCOT, Wishes at Magic Kingdom and parade Viewing at AK. (if I am reading this right, looks like we get one for each park)

Has anyone done this before? Where are these locations in each park? Is the viewing really better from there? Do we have to tell them in advance which day we'd like the preferred viewing areas in each park or do we just show up and tell them? Is there some kind of voucher or do our room keys get scanned or
something like that?

Thanks for any info, I've never done this before! I've been to the World quite a few times, but never did a package.

TY!!!!!

 

[diswedwish]

We used the Illuminations and Wishes pref. viewing spots in Jan. Illuminations pref. viewing is near the boat dock in Morocco. Wishes is on the little patio across from the Plaza Restaurant - yay, seats

We would not use the Illuminations pref. viewing again. We probably wouldn't with Wishes unless it was crowded since you're just about guaranteed a seat. It's worth it if you don't feel like fighting crowds or saving a spot.

Here's how it works: when you receive your info. from Disney (which should be soon), you will find vouchers for each preferred viewing location. On the vouchers it states that you must call for reservations at least 24 hours prior. On the other end of the reservation window you can make Illuminations pref. viewing 45 days out and Wishes is 10 days out. Once you've called your name gets put on a list. Show up at the location with your voucher in hand and that gets you into the roped off area.

Hope that gives you a better idea of how it works Enjoy the Silver Plan!!

 

[LilyStar]

Thanks for the info

A couple more questions....

Why wouldn't you use the preferred viewing again for Illuminations? Was it not a good place?

As for the wishes location, having a seat would be very nice. I usually stand on the bridge going into tomorrowland and that huge tree sometimes blocks the view but Tink flies right over our heads! I'd definitely be interested in sitting down for once! So this will be cool, I just hope there's availability

We leave approx. 34 days from today so I hope to be getting all my info in the mail VERY soon! I keep running to the mailbox everyday in anticipation!

 

[StaceyA]

Originally posted by LilyStar
Thanks for the info

A couple more questions....

Why wouldn't you use the preferred viewing again for Illuminations? Was it not a good place?

As for the wishes location, having a seat would be very nice. I usually stand on the bridge going into tomorrowland and that huge tree sometimes blocks the view but Tink flies right over our heads! I'd definitely be interested in sitting down for once! So this will be cool, I just hope there's availability

We leave approx. 34 days from today so I hope to be getting all my info in the mail VERY soon! I keep running to the mailbox everyday in anticipation!

Im curious about this too!!

 

[4orm]

I got my reservation confirmation (all paid up) from Disney on my silver honeymoon package, but I never did get any preferred viewing vouchers. It is listed on the bill as something that is included, but no vouchers. Should I call CRO?

 

[two-foxes]

We had the preferred viewing at the Morroco boat dock in 02. There is an obstruction of some sort (I forget what it was to be honest), but I was not overly thrilled with the area. We had viewed Illuminations earlier in the week from the balcony in Japan (I can't spell the name of the building itself....) and the view was much better. The positive of the Morroco area is that you don't have to fight for a decent viewing area or get there hours earlier! I hope this helps some. I would use your vouchers though. The viewing is not the BEST, but it will save you time and give you a decent view without fighting the masses!

Just a suggestion on the silver plan....to get your best $$ worth, use all your wishes for meals at sit down resturaunts! Just my helpful opinion!

 

[diswedwish]

Sorry that it's taken me a while Lilystar!! You must be excited about your trip
We wouldn't use the Illuminations spot again because we tend to go in Jan. and I think we'd be able to find a better spot elsewhere without fighting the crowds too much. When we went it was also cold so being right on the water wasn't exactly a plus! Since you're going in March it should be a good idea for you - no need to hold your spot from the crowds.

4orm, did you use a code for your package? We did in 2003 and for that reason we didn't get any vouchers (our travel agent asked). We weren't special enough I guess But we saved $! I would call to ask, especially since it's listed on your reservation. Maybe it was just an oversight.... We got ours in the packet that comes with the luggage tags about 3 weeks before our trip.

HTH

 

[pintrader]

I used the Moroccoan viewing last night for the first time. I thought it was great. Just walk up at 8:30, hand 'em a voucher and have the boat landing to just a small group. Yes the boat dock/pier was in the way for 20-25 seconds while the big globe thing was moving to center stage. but other than that it was GREAT !!

I did take notice that the guy turned away those without a voucher.