Single parent survival tips for Parades and Fireworks, please

[BlueFairy]

Hi,

I'm trying to decide how to tackle parades and fireworks as a parent visiting alone with 2 small kids (6 and 9). Since we've not been doing nighttime shows with them in their other trips (too small, scared or sleepy), I don't have a lot of practice in crushing crowds. With some hesitation about loud noises on their part, DH not being there, late showtimes and crazy crowds of summer, I'm feeling the need for a game plan. I don't know how realistic/difficult lining up far in advance or fighting throngs on Main Street is going to be.

Give me your best single parent touring advice for evenings in the parks! Thanks!

 

[Skywise]

Hi,

I'm trying to decide how to tackle parades and fireworks as a parent visiting alone with 2 small kids (6 and 9). Since we've not been doing nighttime shows with them in their other trips (too small, scared or sleepy), I don't have a lot of practice in crushing crowds. With some hesitation about loud noises on their part, DH not being there, late showtimes and crazy crowds of summer, I'm feeling the need for a game plan. I don't know how realistic/difficult lining up far in advance or fighting throngs on Main Street is going to be.

Give me your best single parent touring advice for evenings in the parks! Thanks!

Not a parent but I'll give it a shot.

The evening "castle" events tend to be Main Street Electrical Parade, the Castle Projection show and then the fireworks (then sometimes a second running of the projection show and parade).

The first parade/projection show/fireworks will always be packed. If you can hold off and do fireworks first then catch the second showings of the other events they'll be much less crowded (that, of course, depends on how your kids and you can hold up!)

Still, you're looking at about two hours of standing time or at least being in one place for all 3. An ETERNITY for kids that age. What you could try doing is catching the parade in liberty town (maybe ride some rides there beforehand), then walk to just in front of the Crystal palace to catch the projection show from across the moat. Stay THERE for the fireworks too as the fence will give you some crowd protection.

Alternatively you might look at going to the polynesian beach to watch the fireworks from there.

 

[5stljayhawks]

name tags in pockets with your cell phone and glow stick bracelets/necklace for easier kid in the dark identification...

back side of castle is good firework spot but LOUD. not to crowded

 

[BlueFairy]

name tags in pockets with your cell phone and glow stick bracelets/necklace for easier kid in the dark identification...

back side of castle is good firework spot but LOUD. not to crowded

We do name tags. I like the glow stick idea. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[BlueFairy]

Not a parent but I'll give it a shot.
...

The first parade/projection show/fireworks will always be packed. If you can hold off and do fireworks first then catch the second showings of the other events they'll be much less crowded (that, of course, depends on how your kids and you can hold up!)

Still, you're looking at about two hours of standing time or at least being in one place for all 3. An ETERNITY for kids that age. What you could try doing is catching the parade in liberty town (maybe ride some rides there beforehand), then walk to just in front of the Crystal palace to catch the projection show from across the moat. Stay THERE for the fireworks too as the fence will give you some crowd protection.

Alternatively you might look at going to the polynesian beach to watch the fireworks from there.

Dunno if we can handle the wait for that late Wishes show. I've considered skipping Wishes and just watching MSEP in Frontierland.
I wonder if that Crystal Palace spot is a partial view with construction walls.

I did consider Wishes from Fort Wilderness Beach or CR one night. It might make a better introduction for wary kids to try that on our arrival night and see if they are interested in a closeup view before we get into the crush of a crowd.

 

[lizard1]

Have you thought of booking a FP+ for at least the shows in MK? Yes, you have to give up one or two of your ride FP, but there is plenty of space in the viewing areas and you don't have to scope out a seat way ahead of time to get a good view.

 

[BlueFairy]

Have you thought of booking a FP+ for at least the shows in MK? Yes, you have to give up one or two of your ride FP, but there is plenty of space in the viewing areas and you don't have to scope out a seat way ahead of time to get a good view.

I may need to do that. We don't need to do the mountains. If I use 2 FP+ for M&G's, especially A&E, then I could at least do the MSEP viewing and stay put if I don't have one for Wishes.

Thanks.

 

[Lynne G]

I have traveled with my 2 kids, that are 4 years apart since the younger one was a baby. I always ask my kids to stick together if we get separated. We always have a spot that we all agree to meet at if we cannot see each other.

Waiting for the parade and fireworks. Ear plugs when they were younger. Now a teen and tween, we still carry uno cards, snacks, DS, and glow sticks, bracelets, necklaces and the kids also play games on their phones.

 

[mmbl]

Enlist your 9 yr old to be of assistance. 9 is old enough to be a help rather than a hindrance- bit it all depends on the kid! Lay the law down- the behave and act maturely, you stay; if not, you head back to the hotel.

 

[kmb584]

I implement the "do NOT let go of my hand!" policy when we're making our way out. DD is very carefree and not big into holding my hand unless dictated to do so, but the sheer amount of people makes her stick to me like glue. Bring snacks and games to pass the time while waiting. Glowsticks are fun and can be purchased at Michael's for $1. We usually bring extras and I let DD hand them out to other little ones (after I get the okay from their parents).. the kids usually click and spend the rest of the time chatting and acting silly.

 

[BlueFairy]

Enlist your 9 yr old to be of assistance. 9 is old enough to be a help rather than a hindrance- bit it all depends on the kid! Lay the law down- the behave and act maturely, you stay; if not, you head back to the hotel.

I like that plan. We will hopefully be coming off of a dinner break on our only park day, so everyone should have a good attitude.

The reason we are doing this trip is for "Our hotel." I need my fix at a relaxed pace, DH needs to work, and the kids love any excuse for a hotel, particularly WL. I'm hoping to keep it simple with one day at MK and 3 nights at WL to soak up Disney atmosphere. I've already decided to lay down some team player rules. If one person is afraid, no one rides. Everyone stays together. Everyone goes to the restroom when Mom says to try. If mom gets trouble, souvenirs and snacks go away or we go back to the hotel.

Given all of that, I really don't mind leaning on DD9 for help or being willing to scrap the plan in favor of one more non park day. The tickets will keep for a few months. We aren't making any reservations that will require a deposit or cancellation fee.

 

[BlueFairy]

I implement the "do NOT let go of my hand!" policy when we're making our way out. DD is very carefree and not big into holding my hand unless dictated to do so, but the sheer amount of people makes her stick to me like glue. Bring snacks and games to pass the time while waiting. Glowsticks are fun and can be purchased at Michael's for $1. We usually bring extras and I let DD hand them out to other little ones (after I get the okay from their parents).. the kids usually click and spend the rest of the time chatting and acting silly.

Yes! Hand holding is difficult, but in that environment it's a deal breaker. And big girls getting to share prizes with little ones always smooths the way. Thanks.

 

[nugov2]

What about tommorowland terrace. Then you can enjoy the show while relaxing at a table and enjoy yummy treats. We loved it and it was a great way to rest our weary feet and enjoy the show. We didn't have the best view of the parade but it was good enough we could see them and the fireworks etc. was the best.

 

[BlueFairy]

What about tommorowland terrace. Then you can enjoy the show while relaxing at a table and enjoy yummy treats. We loved it and it was a great way to rest our weary feet and enjoy the show. We didn't have the best view of the parade but it was good enough we could see them and the fireworks etc. was the best.

I'm hesitant because I know our preferred event will be the MSEP. I haven't seen a good perspective to show whether we can have a decent view for a small child whose never seen the parade. For the fireworks I think it's a good option.

 

[nugov2]

I'm hesitant because I know our preferred event will be the MSEP. I haven't seen a good perspective to show whether we can have a decent view for a small child whose never seen the parade. For the fireworks I think it's a good option.

We thought it was a good view for the parade and the trade off for being a little further away, but zero crowd, cool(not sweaty in a packed crowd), tables to sit at and delicious treats were a great trade off...for us anyway. I wouldn't do the parade/fireworks any other way with small kids. Here is a link to what I think are good shots of what you will see of the parade. We could make out every single float. HTH

http://www.disunplugged.com/2009/06/24/disney-debuts-magic-kingdom-wishes-dessert-party/

 

[luvmy2babies]

I didn't catch when you're going. If it is during a time when they are showing Wishes at 10 and closing at 11, it could be a bit easier to get out if they are doing what they were doing last time we saw fireworks. I hope they are. I'll find out in 3 weeks and some change.

Anyway, our last trip where we saw fireworks my children were 9 and 2.5. We got a snack and got a spot on Main Street an hour before after going to the bathroom. Between the glow sticks and eating and watching the CM's on Main Street we got through the wait. I think our spot was about halfway down the street one row deep.

We stood up for Magic Memories and You and Wishes, but we did not move into the middle of the street. We let everyone else do that so when it was over we were on the outter edge of the mass of people. Pretty much just had to turn around and head out. Some CM's appeared to direct us out. They directed us off of Main Street and behind some buildings and there was little traffic. Had to keep a pretty good pace; so, yes. Make sure to have both by the hand. I was pushing a stroller so I told my daughter to grab on to the stroller and not to let go.

ETA: went back and saw your ticker says 3 months. Some little personal fans will probably come in handy as well

 

[SmallWorld71]

Have done plenty of trips with the kids over the years without DH. I don't find parades to be any more difficult with kids that age by myself with one exception: bathrooms. Make sure everyone has gone to the bathroom before you find your spot. Frontierland and Liberty Square are generally much easier to find spots in than Main St.

Fireworks: One year I was there with just a 6 and 10 year old. We moved to Main St. to see the fireworks. Everyone was putting their kids up on their shoulders and my kids didn't stand a chance. I could hold the 6 year old for brief intervals, but there was no way I could lift a 10 year old. They spent more time viewing the backside of tall adults than viewing fireworks. After that, I decided it was better to be off center or elsewhere in the park but be unobstructed.

 

[BlueFairy]

We thought it was a good view for the parade and the trade off for being a little further away, but zero crowd, cool(not sweaty in a packed crowd), tables to sit at and delicious treats were a great trade off...for us anyway. I wouldn't do the parade/fireworks any other way with small kids. Here is a link to what I think are good shots of what you will see of the parade. We could make out every single float. HTH

http://www.disunplugged.com/2009/06/24/disney-debuts-magic-kingdom-wishes-dessert-party/

Great refresher on the photos. Thanks. Those desserts look too yummy to pass up. I'm going to have to give this some serious thought.

I didn't catch when you're going. If it is during a time when they are showing Wishes at 10 and closing at 11, it could be a bit easier to get out if they are doing what they were doing last time we saw fireworks. I hope they are. I'll find out in 3 weeks and some change.

Anyway, our last trip where we saw fireworks my children were 9 and 2.5. We got a snack and got a spot on Main Street an hour before after going to the bathroom. Between the glow sticks and eating and watching the CM's on Main Street we got through the wait. I think our spot was about halfway down the street one row deep.

We stood up for Magic Memories and You and Wishes, but we did not move into the middle of the street. We let everyone else do that so when it was over we were on the outter edge of the mass of people. Pretty much just had to turn around and head out. Some CM's appeared to direct us out. They directed us off of Main Street and behind some buildings and there was little traffic. Had to keep a pretty good pace; so, yes. Make sure to have both by the hand. I was pushing a stroller so I told my daughter to grab on to the stroller and not to let go.

ETA: went back and saw your ticker says 3 months. Some little personal fans will probably come in handy as well

The calendar says MSEP 9, Wishes 10, MSEP 11, Closing at midnight. In August. I'm thinking we'll be seeing the first MSEP and maybe Wishes if we can hold out. Yes to fans! I found some at Cracker Barrel that I have to get back and buy.

I had heard about that rear exit. I'll be watching to see if they are using that this summer.

So, to recap: bathroom, then grab a snack. Find a spot at 1 hour prior to MSEP (8pm) unless we have FP+. Bring glow sticks to share, fans, and maybe a DS or games. Be prepared to stand for Wishes, grab hands for dear life and move away from the crowds to exit (duck into a store and wait it out?)

Have done plenty of trips with the kids over the years without DH. I don't find parades to be any more difficult with kids that age by myself with one exception: bathrooms. Make sure everyone has gone to the bathroom before you find your spot. Frontierland and Liberty Square are generally much easier to find spots in than Main St.

Fireworks: One year I was there with just a 6 and 10 year old. We moved to Main St. to see the fireworks. Everyone was putting their kids up on their shoulders and my kids didn't stand a chance. I could hold the 6 year old for brief intervals, but there was no way I could lift a 10 year old. They spent more time viewing the backside of tall adults than viewing fireworks. After that, I decided it was better to be off center or elsewhere in the park but be unobstructed.

Bathrooms are a must for us ahead of time. DD6 is constantly remembering to go at the absolute last second. DD9 had her fair share of potty issues at WDW, so there will be no compromising on the restroom breaks. Luckily if I remember to insist that they go we *usually* don't have a problem.

I actually prefer to watch the parades in Frontierland if Wishes is not part of the plan.

I hadn't thought about the obstructed views for short people. Thank you! We would have to find a spot on a rail or view at a great distance. That just might be a deal breaker. There is no way they will be able to see if we stand in the middle of a street. Can you recommend an off-center viewpoint that you have enjoyed with short people?

 

[SmallWorld71]

Great refresher on the photos. Thanks. Those desserts look too yummy to pass up. I'm going to have to give this some serious thought.


The calendar says MSEP 9, Wishes 10, MSEP 11, Closing at midnight. In August. I'm thinking we'll be seeing the first MSEP and maybe Wishes if we can hold out. Yes to fans! I found some at Cracker Barrel that I have to get back and buy.

I had heard about that rear exit. I'll be watching to see if they are using that this summer.

So, to recap: bathroom, then grab a snack. Find a spot at 1 hour prior to MSEP (8pm) unless we have FP+. Bring glow sticks to share, fans, and maybe a DS or games. Be prepared to stand for Wishes, grab hands for dear life and move away from the crowds to exit (duck into a store and wait it out?)



Bathrooms are a must for us ahead of time. DD6 is constantly remembering to go at the absolute last second. DD9 had her fair share of potty issues at WDW, so there will be no compromising on the restroom breaks. Luckily if I remember to insist that they go we *usually* don't have a problem.

I actually prefer to watch the parades in Frontierland if Wishes is not part of the plan.

I hadn't thought about the obstructed views for short people. Thank you! We would have to find a spot on a rail or view at a great distance. That just might be a deal breaker. There is no way they will be able to see if we stand in the middle of a street. Can you recommend an off-center viewpoint that you have enjoyed with short people?

We just ended up watching from Tomorrowland. Somewhere near Buzz perhaps?

 

[BlueFairy]

We just ended up watching from Tomorrowland. Somewhere near Buzz perhaps?

Hmm. I've never tried anything past the Tomorrowland bridge.