Skip Wishes and see Fantasmic and Illuminations?

[LisaCM614]

You know your family. You know what is best. If you really think the risk/reward is worth it, then go see Wishes. Will you still have an awesome family vacation if you dont? YES! Will your next day be ruined because your daughter is a total crank? You know that better than I but I'll tell you - my kids did not see in the park fireworks at the Magic Kingdom until they were older and they still love Walt Disney World. I have 3 kids the same age and there is no way I'd mess with their sleep schedules. Cranky tired families do not make happy memories.

Illuminations and Fantasmic! are great shows. It is so easy to see Illuminations and get back to BWV especially if you are just watching in France.
We did watch Wishes from outside the park when we stayed at the Polynesian. The kids loved it, they didn't feel like they missed anything.
There is no must do now. It is Disney World, it will still be there when she is older and you are able to enjoy night time entertainment better.

 

[JaimeK]

I'd definitely go see MSEP and then see how thing are to stay the rest of the hour to see Wishes.
Personally, I think Illuminations is pretty lame.

 

[mm522]

If you've seen Disneyland Forever the new fireworks show at DL you'll probably be disappointed in Wishes, and if you've seen the new Paint the Night parade at DL, you'll probably be disappointed in the MSEP at MK. The soundtrack to Wishes can't be beat, BUT as far as fireworks shows go Disneyland Forever and the new Star Wars fireworks at the Studios can't be beat. MSEP is great if you catch it but I don't think it's worth devoting a lot of time to it anymore. The daytime parade Festival of Fantasy is much better.

 

[BrianL]

I really think all of them are can't miss, but Fantasmic! is my favorite. MSEP/Wishes are kinda the definitive events at WDW though, plus you get Celebrate the Magic as a bonus.

 

[jon18uk]

Personally I love Illuminations, but Wishes bores me. I also enjoy Fantasmic.

But then everyone has their own favourites.

 

[Pkltm]

another vote to see Wishes, I would skip Illuminations.

 

[theyoungs07]

My kids are bored by Illuminations (as am I) plus it's very short. Fantasmic and Wishes are must do. If I had to choose between those two I'd pick Fantasmic...it is awesome if you like the Disney villains and some action (think the Indy show on steroids at some parts). Wishes IS Disney World though...it's kinda iconic, so it'd be hard to miss. The crowds to watch Wishes where it's supposed to be watched from are insane...and I don't like that.

 

[Accident]

I know some love Illuminations but I find it slow and boring, I would favor everything else especially if you have to skip one.

 

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I too did not think Illuminations was anything special.
See Wishes.

 

[nanni]

Wishes I'm not that impressed with (I don't LOVE fireworks). But I really enjoy the MSEP, and I think there is usually one before Wishes. I also really like Fantasmic! and Illuminations. They both rank above Wishes for me.

 

[gabzee]

Everyone has there favorites.

I love Illuminations and Wishes/Celebrate the Magic and can't take a trip without seeing them. However, while I like Fantasmic and Main Street Electrical Parade, if I miss it it is okay.

As long as your trip length allows it, I would try to see all of them so you can decide which are your favorites. If not, I would watch clips of the shows that you are debating between on YouTube to decide which you think you would like more.

 

[DWillowBay]

For me, Fantasmic is the 'disposable' one. I always make sure we'll be in MK 2x at night just in case we get rained out for one of them. Wishes makes me cry every time...?? Fantastic! is great, but ...for me...Illuminations tells a great story and Wishes is just SO Walt!

 

[loves to dive]

I skip Illuminations and I always stay at the Epcot resorts, it just bore me. You can see the fireworks part from the bridge between BW and BC so if I'm in the mood I just watch from there. I have to see Wishes at least one trip, tink is my girl. I love Fantastmic but my grown son was pretty much one and done on that. I wouldn't skip wishes if it is possible.

 

[mumumouse]

Planning my Spring Break 2016 trip! I love the fireworks in MK. Never tire of them. Watch them from different spots. Last year once in front of Castle with the hoards of people and once from in front of Gaston's Tavern/I think we moved forward a bit, so may have ended up in front of Beast's Castle. I was amazed at how uncrowded the viewing was from New Fantasyland. We walked right into Tales With Belle after, no line. The fireworks look like they are coming at you from two different directions if you view them from there.

I do not enjoy Fantasmic as much as I did initially. The first time I saw it, I thought it was pretty spectacular. It is a show projected onto sprays of water. The bad thing for me is I have a bad low back and there is no back support whatsoever. I have endured it before, but do not think I will this time. I have even sent two 13 year olds in to watch it alone and met them after. Not something I would normally do in a crowded Disney park, but to save my back I did it. Very reliable 13 year olds. I met them at the front of the park as that was where a CM told me they would come out.

Illuminations is something I have not watched in years. I am there as it is going on mind you, but usually walking along in the WS on my way toward the front of the park. This trip I am planning on dividing Epcot up (again, due to my back) and I will either do FW 1 day and WS another. Or half WS with FW on 2 days. Epcot nearly killed me last year. That said, I think with Soarin' down I will fastpass the Illuminations viewing area. Although many people have said there is no need. I have read that the spot moves if they are using the FP area for special event, etc. Does anyone know where it moves to?

Sorry, I know the big issue here is that your daughter might not be up for the shows that late.

In my opinion the MK fireworks are just magical. Not to be missed and can be seen over and over. It can be a great time to catch some rides if you have more than one night in MK. Walk right on to It's A Small World!

I wonder if the Star Wars fireworks will still be going on at HS in March?

 

[mumumouse]

Sorry, bottom line...do not SKIP Wishes. Folks who are saying you should must be jaded and seen them many times. Must see Disney.