RDCT Strategy??

[Brady's Mom]

When I first joined the DIS I read a post about where to stand for the fireworks (I think). I can't find what I read and don't know how to mark it or look it up. Tried the search function and still can't find what I am looking for. I am traveling Mar 4-8 and have only Friday night for the fireworks (hopefully no wind). Where is the optimum place to watch them with a crowd of 12 people? Also, I am traveling with my 2 DS's, 5 and 3. Both are afraid of thunder and lightning. Will they be afraid of the fireworks???
When we were at DLR in Oct. 2006 the fireworks were cancelled due to wind so they didn't see them then.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[valenrandy]

i think the best spot will be right in the hub.

My fav is by the benches inbetween "Partners" and the castle.

just my opinion..get there early.

 

[HydroGuy]

When I first joined the DIS I read a post about where to stand for the fireworks (I think). I can't find what I read and don't know how to mark it or look it up. Tried the search function and still can't find what I am looking for. I am traveling Mar 4-8 and have only Friday night for the fireworks (hopefully no wind). Where is the optimum place to watch them with a crowd of 12 people? Also, I am traveling with my 2 DS's, 5 and 3. Both are afraid of thunder and lightning. Will they be afraid of the fireworks???
When we were at DLR in Oct. 2006 the fireworks were cancelled due to wind so they didn't see them then.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

LOL, but "optimum" means different things to different people. To me optimum for RDCT means a decent spot where my kids can see but we do not need to dedicate 60+ minutes to a show that is subject to cancellation as you well know.

My advice for a first timer is to see RDCT in the hub or far down Main Street towards the hub where you have a clear view of the castle. If you can see the castle and are in or near the hub, then any place you view RDCT will be fine IMO.

My favorite spot so far can be understood by thinking of the hub as a clock with the castle at 12:00. At the 7:30 position you can see the castle and Matterhorn, and clearly see the fireworks and effects behind the castle. On my last two trips there on busy summer nights (summer 2006 and 2007) we could have arrived 20 minutes before RDCT and gotten a good spot here. However, we arrived 45 minutes early to be sure. With a group of 12 I would say at least 45 minutes early is advisable.

When I first saw RDCT my youngest was 9 so I do not know how your youngest two will do. It is loud. But there is so much sensory stimulation with Disney themes I would think most young children would be fine. YMMV. Good luck!

 

[Brady's Mom]

Thanks for your help. We have been to DLR a couple of times in the last 18 months. Once with the kids and once for my birthday with just my DH. We didn't see the fireworks either time, so it's nice to have a little advice about what to see and where to sit. I am not one to want to wait around for 90 minutes, too much energy or something. Also, my kids could get quite bored and would rather ride the rides. Maybe Grandma and Grandpa would be willing to save spaces!!???
I suppose if my kids get scared we can always go ride something fun, instead. Shannon

 

[Brady's Mom]

Hydroguy, when you say the 7:30 position, were you over by the plaza pavilion? and if you were did Walt and Mickey get in the way?

 

[nunzia]

We were in front of the castle closer to the Tomorrowland side. We waited a long time..sat on the ground for quite awhile (right there in the walkway). They made us stand before it started..it was packed, very tight crowd. I will say it was worth it. The effects went around us and it added alot. It was loud, but very fun. We have also seen the fireworks from the riverfront area where the Fantasmic special seating is, as we did the dessert buffet and they have you stay seated there until after the fireworks. It was OK, but after having seen them so close to the castle we really missed alot. Becasue of the crowds and length of time we waited though, when we go in May with all the little grandkids, I think we will just need to be further down Main Street in as small a crowd as possible. It would have been difficult feeling comfortable with lots of little kids when we were in front of the castle.

 

[pumpkin5156]

My son is 1 and 1/2 and LOVES fireworks. But he likes thunder and loud noises too. Every kid is different. Bring ear plugs/muffs for them just in case

 

[HydroGuy]

Hydroguy, when you say the 7:30 position, were you over by the plaza pavilion? and if you were did Walt and Mickey get in the way?

As you know Walt and Mickey are in the center of the hub. The Plaza Pavilion would be at about 4:00 or 5:00 using my method. 6:00 would be right where Main Street connects to the hub. 7:30 is out in front of Coke Corner towards the Adventureland entrance.

 

[shelemm]

Do the folks in the hub tend to sit or stand while watching the fireworks?

 

[HydroGuy]

Do the folks in the hub tend to sit or stand while watching the fireworks?

Sitting is required near the front of the castle, but other than that everyone stands. That can make it hard for kids too big to be held but too short to see over adults (ages 6-10). When we went in 2005 I scouted the hub mid-day when there were no crowds there and found a spot (my 7:30 spot ) with no trees blocking the view and a curb which ran around the hub. Then we got to the hub one hour early to grab that spot. My DS9 and DS10 (at the time) stood on the curb and that gave them a four inch advantage over those standing in the street which worked great.