Question re. fireworks without Celebrate the Magic

[Lyn-CA]

Now that there will be no Celebrate the Magic during our upcoming trip, is it safe to say that we don't have to be facing the castle to view just the fireworks?

How's the fireworks viewing area in New Fantasyland? Where exactly do we stand in that area?

TIA.

 

[Robo]

Now that there will be no Celebrate the Magic during our upcoming trip,
1. is it safe to say that we don't have to be facing the castle to view just the fireworks?

2. How's the fireworks viewing area in New Fantasyland?
3. Where exactly do we stand in that area?

TIA.

1. That's not correct, if you want to see the show as it is designed.

2.& 3. If you just want to view "fireworks" and not really "Wishes", you can stand just about anywhere in MK with a view of the sky.

If you want to see "Wishes" with the foreground and background fireworks arranged in the way the view is designed...

 

[BookGirl305]

@Robo, I really appreciate your maps. Thanks for posting!

 

[Klayfish]

No, you don't "have to" stand in front of the Castle to see the fireworks. As Robo said, if you want the full Disney experience, in front of the Castle is the place to be. However, having said that, we rarely go in front of the Castle anymore because we don't feel like dealing with the crowd. We go to one of two spots. Either toward Liberty Square, standing outside the Hall of Presidents (across the roadway from it). That's a pretty good view with low crowd levels. An even better view is right behind the Castle, near the carousel. I don't have the map to show it, but walk past the carousel, then go another 50' past the stroller parking...in the direction of BoG. That's a fantastic view with almost no crowd. You can still see the Castle right in front of you, it's just the backside of it. The major difference is that instead of all the fireworks happening right in front of you, it's 360 degrees around you. Some are in front of you, some are behind you, so you're having to turn your head a lot. But that in itself is a really fun experience to have them going off all around you.

 

[Lyn-CA]

1. That's not correct, if you want to see the show as it is designed.

2.& 3. If you just want to view "fireworks" and not really "Wishes", you can stand just about anywhere in MK with a view of the sky.

If you want to see "Wishes" with the foreground and background fireworks arranged in the way the view is designed...

I get what you're saying thanks to your map. We'll play it by ear and see how the crowds are....

 

[Lyn-CA]

No, you don't "have to" stand in front of the Castle to see the fireworks. As Robo said, if you want the full Disney experience, in front of the Castle is the place to be. However, having said that, we rarely go in front of the Castle anymore because we don't feel like dealing with the crowd. We go to one of two spots. Either toward Liberty Square, standing outside the Hall of Presidents (across the roadway from it). That's a pretty good view with low crowd levels. An even better view is right behind the Castle, near the carousel. I don't have the map to show it, but walk past the carousel, then go another 50' past the stroller parking...in the direction of BoG. That's a fantastic view with almost no crowd. You can still see the Castle right in front of you, it's just the backside of it. The major difference is that instead of all the fireworks happening right in front of you, it's 360 degrees around you. Some are in front of you, some are behind you, so you're having to turn your head a lot. But that in itself is a really fun experience to have them going off all around you.

Thanks for suggesting these alternative viewing locations. I have noted them as our plan B in case of heavy crowds and if we don't feel like jostling for space in front of her castle. The viewing from behind the castle reminds me of how we like to view the fireworks at DL from IASW.

 

[BrianL]

Yes, to see "Wishes" being in front of the castle is still ideal, but a lot of people like the Fantasyland area (near the small castle walls that seperate old & new Fantasyland) because it's like the fireworks surround you. They are much louder there, though they do pump in the music. It will not be crowded at all. I have done this for a change of pace. I still prefer viewing from the prime locations on Robo's map, but I've seen it that way a lot so it's a cool alternate.

My favorite alternate viewing location is actually to be riding BTMRR during the fireworks, but it's hard to time it exactly!

 

[mickey1968]

I accidently got "trapped" back by the carousel for the fireworks one time and watched from back there. It was fun and they do surround you! I wouldn't recommend it for first-timers or those who don't get to go very often, but for frequent visitors it can be fun.

 

[BridgeBuilder]

If your party has seen Wishes before, definitely watch it from Fantasyland (near the turrets). Its a neat perspective and you don't have to deal with crowds.

If you haven't experienced Wishes before, definitely watch it from the front of the castle. It's the only way to truly experience the "magic". There's a high spot in the road right around where Main Street meets the hub. This will allow for better sight lines. You won't be able to get there early to reserve it because CMs will keep that area clear for traffic flow until the show starts, but hang out just to the side and move in right before the fireworks begin.

 

[mdb78]

No, you don't "have to" stand in front of the Castle to see the fireworks. As Robo said, if you want the full Disney experience, in front of the Castle is the place to be. However, having said that, we rarely go in front of the Castle anymore because we don't feel like dealing with the crowd. We go to one of two spots. Either toward Liberty Square, standing outside the Hall of Presidents (across the roadway from it). That's a pretty good view with low crowd levels. An even better view is right behind the Castle, near the carousel. I don't have the map to show it, but walk past the carousel, then go another 50' past the stroller parking...in the direction of BoG. That's a fantastic view with almost no crowd. You can still see the Castle right in front of you, it's just the backside of it. The major difference is that instead of all the fireworks happening right in front of you, it's 360 degrees around you. Some are in front of you, some are behind you, so you're having to turn your head a lot. But that in itself is a really fun experience to have them going off all around you.

One year we were in fantasyland when the fireworks show started and I have to agree that was one of my favorite times watching the fireworks. We loved the 360 degrees of fireworks.

 

[kastoney]

We actually prefer to watch the fireworks in New Fantasyland. We generally stand behind the carousel just outside of Pinnochio Village House and get a great view. I understand this isn't the same as watching it in front of the castle, but having done that once I much prefer the relative solitude of fantasyland to being packed in like a sardine on main street.