Rambling Wishes FP+ question

[TheFloatingBear]

So, lurked here for years and now apparently I can't make a move without a consult...

We visited last April, and did not FP Wishes - I didn't want to tie up my 3rd FP, and generally had good luck with 4th (and more) SDFPs (not 7DMT luck, but Mountain luck anyhow).

So now with the Wishes FP ending, (maybe temporarily but who knows, maybe it will just be for dessert partying?), I am wondering if I should get a Wishes FP for my arrival day, 4/15, since there may not be another opportunity. Plus, I figure that we won't arrive until later in the day on a busier day (Friday), and we plan on watching the FOF parade and have a CP dinner so that's going to eat some time too, thereby reducing the need/possibility for additional SDFPs. Originally we figured we'd leave the park after dinner since we'll probably be tired, but I'm thinking it might be the most logical night to stay.

My hesitation is that I've read conflicting reports on the Wishes FP area - I've read some reports that say that it's quite spacious, and some that say it's very crowded and not necessarily "worth" it. I know it's fairly subjective whether it's "worth" it, but just curious if it's become more crowded over time, or is it more crowded based on crowd level, or what? For example, do they issue more Wishes FPs for busier times of year? Any thoughts/opinions would be helpful! Thanks!

 

[mom2rtk]

It appears they have discontinued issuing Wishes FPs as of 4/19. So stay tuned.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/wishes-fp-ending.3483037/page-4#post-55232183

 

[Disneylover99]

If you can get Wishes now for the 15th take it. You can always easily switch it out later if you wish, closer to the date.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

It appears they have discontinued issuing Wishes FPs as of 4/19. So stay tuned.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/wishes-fp-ending.3483037/page-4#post-55232183

Thanks for the link - love your pictures!

 

[TheFloatingBear]

If you can get Wishes now for the 15th take it. You can always easily switch it out later if you wish, closer to the date.

Thanks! You're right about that - it would be easier to change it to something else later if we change our mind than risk it not being available. I think I will go change it now...still would love to hear opinions about how it is...

 

[mom2rtk]

Thanks for the link - love your pictures!

Thank you!

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Now that I have the 4/15 Wishes FP, bumping this to get some feedback on the 2nd part of my question, in the effort to mentally prepare my parade/fireworks avoiding DH....

This may be geared more toward a frequent MK visitor...

Given that the Wishes FP seems to run out daily but I've read very different reports about the crowd level in the FP area, I'm wondering if the crowd level in the FP area fluctuates? Is it more crowded on high crowd level days? Do they issue more FP's during peak times? Again, may be tough to answer but someone may have some observations to offer...

Generally speaking, is there some amount of elbow room in there, or are you packed in? Less or more packed in than people on Main Street? Is it simply a better spot to view, but just as packed?

Any feedback appreciated!

 

[mom2rtk]

It varies a lot. Some will say it's too crowded. Some will say it's great. Part of the issue is that everyone self selects west viewing section or east viewing section, so it will be different on different nights.

In general the front of the section will be very crowded, as the tendency is to push forward. The ones who enjoyed it tended to hang toward the back of the section where it's less crowded.

As far as I know they don't fluctuate the number issued. But anyone who knows has never said. There is speculation that they have messed with the numbers over time, but nobody has suggested they issued more on peak days.

We did it last summer and I would give it a marginal thumbs up. I do think we felt less crowded (on a level 9 crowd day) than we would have out of that area. But we hung toward the back (so I could set up my tripod).

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Thanks for the feedback, @mom2rtk ! Very interesting! I was just wondering about peak times, just as it seems like it would be more valuable to have one then, of course. On a level 9 crowd day, like you said, it would be nice to have a little breathing room. We will be happy to hang back a bit to get a little extra space! Thanks again!

 

[mom2rtk]

I would definitely see the value more on a peak crowd day. But then I would also see the value of using that FP for a headline ride on a peak crowd day too. Sigh.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

I would definitely see the value more on a peak crowd day. But then I would also see the value of using that FP for a headline ride on a peak crowd day too. Sigh.

Very true! I feel more okay about using it for Wishes because, as I mentioned, it's our arrival day so it will be a shorter day and we have a couple of things that will eat more time, so I don't feel like I'm giving up as much. Plus it may not exist in this form the next time we visit, so we might as well give it a shot. Otherwise, I don't know that we'd do it...

 

[mom2rtk]

Very true! I feel more okay about using it for Wishes because, as I mentioned, it's our arrival day so it will be a shorter day and we have a couple of things that will eat more time, so I don't feel like I'm giving up as much. Plus it may not exist in this form the next time we visit, so we might as well give it a shot. Otherwise, I don't know that we'd do it...

I would do it too under those circumstances. Have fun!

 

[TheFloatingBear]

I would do it too under those circumstances. Have fun!

Thanks! I now realize that I have one more question if I could impose upon you - my Wishes FP return time says between 9:40 and 10. Is that accurate? Not sure if you can even get there earlier because of the parade, but just want to make sure I get there early enough. And you said that there's not way to predict which side will be more crowded on a given night, correct? Just checking! Thanks again!

 

[Robo]

Thanks! I now realize that I have one more question if I could impose upon you - my Wishes FP return time says between 9:40 and 10. Is that accurate? Not sure if you can even get there earlier because of the parade, but just want to make sure I get there early enough. And you said that there's not way to predict which side will be more crowded on a given night, correct? Just checking! Thanks again!

Some guests arrive at the Wishes FP area up to 2 HOURS before Wishes begins.
Do you need to do that? No.
But, you need to be inside the FP area well before Celebrate the Magic begins (which starts 15 min. before Wishes.)

You can take a look at each viewing area before you enter.

 

[mom2rtk]

We got there about 90 minutes early, but that was mostly because I had a very specific place I wanted to set up my tripod. People filtered in that entire time until the show started. If I wasn't too picky about which spot, I'd be ok with waiting until later, because no matter where you stand, you run the risk that someone can come in and stand right in front of you at the last minute anyway.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

Some guests arrive at the Wishes FP area up to 2 HOURS before Wishes begins.
Do you need to do that? No.
But, you need to be inside the FP area well before Celebrate the Magic begins (which starts 15 min. before Wishes.)

Ycan take a look at each viewing area before you enter.

We got there about 90 minutes early, but that was mostly because I had a very specific place I wanted to set up my tripod. People filtered in that entire time until the show started. If I wasn't too picky about which spot, I'd be ok with waiting until later, because no matter where you stand, you run the risk that someone can come in and stand right in front of you at the last minute anyway.

For reals?

That was not part of my plan. If I had more days/time, but alas...

My DH doesn't really let me watch Wishes in any dedicated way in our previous trips. I am putting my foot down this year and he's on board. I'm not too picky but my goal is just to have a fairly good view without someone physically touching me for the entirety. Is that too much to ask? - and I ask in all sincerity, in order to prepare myself. I am fully prepared for someone to come in at the last minute to stand in front of me!

We have a CP reservation at CP at 7:20 - I made it before I decided on the Wishes FP. I am trying to back it up a little in time - I am nothing if not persistent so hopefully I will get one a little earlier, but my plan was to stumble out of CP, find a reasonable place to watch the parade, then go into the Wishes FP area.

I won't be able to access the Wishes FP area during the parade, will I? I don't think the current FP area was complete when we were there last April. I know it's not as good a view of the parade but I would probably do that if I could...

Thanks for your advice - any thoughts/suggestions would be helpful and appreciated!

 

[mom2rtk]

For reals?

That was not part of my plan. If I had more days/time, but alas...

My DH doesn't really let me watch Wishes in any dedicated way in our previous trips. I am putting my foot down this year and he's on board. I'm not too picky but my goal is just to have a fairly good view without someone physically touching me for the entirety. Is that too much to ask? - and I ask in all sincerity, in order to prepare myself. I am fully prepared for someone to come in at the last minute to stand in front of me!

We have a CP reservation at CP at 7:20 - I made it before I decided on the Wishes FP. I am trying to back it up a little in time - I am nothing if not persistent so hopefully I will get one a little earlier, but my plan was to stumble out of CP, find a reasonable place to watch the parade, then go into the Wishes FP area.

I won't be able to access the Wishes FP area during the parade, will I? I don't think the current FP area was complete when we were there last April. I know it's not as good a view of the parade but I would probably do that if I could...

Thanks for your advice - any thoughts/suggestions would be helpful and appreciated!

What I meant is that if you're not too picky about your spot, just show up closer to show time. You'll hopefully be able to find a spot near the back of whichever FP section you choose. I really think you'll be fine. If you're eating at CP before, then you'll probably just want to use the FP section on that side of Main Street (west I believe).

The view of MSEP really isn't good from the FP area anyway so I probably wouldn't plan on seeing that.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

What I meant is that if you're not too picky about your spot, just show up closer to show time. You'll hopefully be able to find a spot near the back of whichever FP section you choose. I really think you'll be fine. If you're eating at CP before, then you'll probably just want to use the FP section on that side of Main Street (west I believe).

The view of MSEP really isn't good from the FP area anyway so I probably wouldn't plan on seeing that.

Good to know! As long as I know I can access it the area, I won't need to worry if we get held up at CP! It'll be great! I'm excited! Thanks again!

 

[mom2rtk]

Good to know! As long as I know I can access it the area, I won't need to worry if we get held up at CP! It'll be great! I'm excited! Thanks again!

The entrance to the FP area is on the side of the area farthest from the street, so not very far from Crystal Palace. It should be very convenient for you.

 

[TheFloatingBear]

The entrance to the FP area is on the side of the area farthest from the street, so not very far from Crystal Palace. It should be very convenient for you.

Perfect! I can't wait!