Skip the Fireworks?

[PanamaMike]

We are the same way. On our last trip in November we happened to be riding Big Thunder Mountain when the fireworks were going off and it is one of the most magical experience we have had. It was truly awesome.

I need help here.

You apparently aren't interested enough in fireworks to actually watch the display (which is fine...to each their own), but catching a few seconds of them while you zip around on Big Thunder Mountain is an awesome, magical experience.

I don't get it.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

I need help here.

You apparently aren't interested enough in fireworks to actually watch the display (which is fine...to each their own), but catching a few seconds of them while you zip around on Big Thunder Mountain is an awesome, magical experience.

I don't get it.

This is something we do and love and try to make work. But ONLY if we have already seen Wishes on the trip already. There is something really cool about riding one of your favorite rides, and seeing Cinderella castle lit up by the fireworks. But I LOVE Wishes, so this could never take the place of seeing it on Main Street. It's a fun bonus if we are at MK on two nights.

 

[Nancyg56]

I need help here.

You apparently aren't interested enough in fireworks to actually watch the display (which is fine...to each their own), but catching a few seconds of them while you zip around on Big Thunder Mountain is an awesome, magical experience.

I don't get it.

I do. One of my favorite views of the Castle at night is from the People Mover. You catch glimpses of this magical structure when you least expect them. I imagine catching a glimpse here and there of the fireworks display from atop a roller coaster would be pretty darn awesome too.

 

[Alesia]

I need help here.

You apparently aren't interested enough in fireworks to actually watch the display (which is fine...to each their own), but catching a few seconds of them while you zip around on Big Thunder Mountain is an awesome, magical experience.

I don't get it.

Some things just don't make sense unless you've experienced them.

 

[mrzrich]

One of my fondest memories of Disney is being on TOT in 1995. The as we dropped, we witnessed the old Sorcerer in the Sky fireworks light up the night. It was awesome.

 

[subtchr]

Regarding MK, many of us have seen the fireworks so many times we opt to continue on the rides. While some lines will be shorter, many will not be that much different. I think it boils down to how important the fireworks (and view) are to you.

This is an interesting comment to me, and just an indicator of how different peoples' preferences are. Yes, we have seen the fireworks many times, but we have also ridden all the rides many times! So it just depends where a family's priorities are in the parks. Ours tend to be skewed toward shows, music, and yes, fireworks! Yours are toward rides. Glad Disney has something for everyone!

 

[mom2rtk]

This is an interesting comment to me, and just an indicator of how different peoples' preferences are. Yes, we have seen the fireworks many times, but we have also ridden all the rides many times! So it just depends where a family's priorities are in the parks. Ours tend to be skewed toward shows, music, and yes, fireworks! Yours are toward rides. Glad Disney has something for everyone!

I skew toward both!

 

[HopperFan]

This is an interesting comment to me, and just an indicator of how different peoples' preferences are. Yes, we have seen the fireworks many times, but we have also ridden all the rides many times! So it just depends where a family's priorities are in the parks. Ours tend to be skewed toward shows, music, and yes, fireworks! Yours are toward rides. Glad Disney has something for everyone!

Not sure why it would be interesting. You say you've done the rides many times ........ how is that different from having seen the exact same fireworks many times? The same fireworks for the last 12+ years.

My point is for a family to do what they want to do most and everyone will be different and even each day of mine will be different. Since OP seemed torn, my suggestion is to do what they want to do - not what others say is the most important thing to do. Whatever works for each individual is the right decision for them. Just because you can't imagine not watching them, others may have seen them enough or not be a fireworks person so utilizing some shorter lines is for them.

To be clear I LOVE fireworks, but there is an in between answer since many travel to Disney with multiple days in the same parks.

Two weeks ago I was at Disney for 9 days. I watched Wishes from the FP+ area! - with that view did I really need to watch it my other MK days? no. I watched them from Dumbo, cool view. Plus is we did a few attractions before getting on rather than hold a spot way in advance waiting. I also watched it from the wall at Tiki Birds, very nice view with no crowds and I could get there just before it started so I could spend my time on rides vs sitting in a spot for an hour. Trip before I was in Be Our Guest during the fireworks and one night saw the finale from the Aladdin attraction. Sometimes we watch and sometimes we utilize shorter lines. It's almost impossible to not see them unless you are inside and there are some nice views to catch around the park if you only need that little sparkle of magic in your night.

Epcot, yes we usually find a good spot to watch Illuminations. One DS loves it, and I'm there so why not.

DHS = I would NEVER miss those fireworks because they are simply the best Disney has. I would also head to DHS just to watch them.

 

[subtchr]

Not sure why it would be interesting. You say you've done the rides many times ........ how is that different from having seen the exact same fireworks many times? The same fireworks for the last 12+ years.

I just meant the same thing you are saying! That each family should decide what is most important to them on any given trip. It IS the same, whether you have done the rides or the fireworks many times, you should choose which you enjoy most. For us that is fireworks; for you, rides. For any other family, no one knows except them!

And I agree with you, Symphony in the Stars is the best fireworks show in...well...ever! Loved it!

 

[MouseOfCards]

Wow! Some of you folks never wait longer than 40, or 30, or even 20 minutes for a ride! Obviously, next time we go, we need a plan!

 

[Babe the Blue Ox]

Wow! Some of you folks never wait longer than 40, or 30, or even 20 minutes for a ride! Obviously, next time we go, we need a plan!

If you understand the crowd patterns and flow, it's pretty easy to find some short wait times. It also helps to know that the posted wait times are often greatly exaggerated.

We like to visit in the summer when the hours are the longest. Last year, I think our longest wait for anything was Pirates at about 25 minutes. We hit all of the headliners multiple times and never arrived at any park before 11 am.

We never miss the parades or fireworks (or Dole Whip stand) either.