so tempted to get FP for wishes, should I?

[momto3boysillbe]

I am over the msep and castle shows etc. because of the chaotic behavior that they cause. I like the fireworks in fantasyland better anyway if I want to watch them. I told my husband who loves the electrical parade that I'm done with it. I've seen it enough that it's not worth two hours of my day sitting on hard concrete with people swarming around. He's more than welcome to catch it whenever he chooses but I liked spectromagic better! Anyway, if wishes was very important to me I would definitely use a FP.

Based on the recent responses it looks like they are packing the FP area anyway maybe it's not worth a FP.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

I am going to try for one on the first night of our trip. Since we arrive in the evening and have an ADR, it is kind of a bonus night for us and not being able to get additional fastpasses will be OK in that situation

DD always hates fireworks and parades because, inevitably, she ends up not being able to see. We just aren't going to stake out a place way, way in advance either - it isn't that important to us.

 

[Shaden]

Disney clearly added a massive number of FP+ reservations each night (we saw them dump them into the system last week) and now it seems like they are trying to squeeze every last person they can into those gardens.

This is one of my concerns about the Wishes FP ... we used it last May in the old location, and IMO it was a total waste. The show simply was not nearly as good from that angle and that close.

Thus: VERY excited to see the new Wishes locations, and really love how they look. Clean, pretty, fits the MK Hub feel ... great. BUT, how many people are they going to try and cram in there ?

When we were at our FP+ for Wishes in May, they crammed us all to the "front" of the area. There was a ton of empty space behind us for more people, even after everyone arrived. But they kept forcing us to cram on top of each other saying more people will be arriving, some did do so, but no where near enough to fill the space, we didn't need to move from our original spot, sprawled out eating an Ice Cream.

So for those that don't like "staking out a spot" or fighting with crowds or having people in your space, I hope they limit the number of people in Wishes FP, but I am not sure they are going to ...

 

[Violet Parr]

I think for me it is still worth it if we really want to see the fireworks. We either stand there and wait in the crowds for hours, or we arrive just before and stand in the crowds, but at least we have a guaranteed spot within a decent viewing zone. With our youngest, i think it would be worth it just for that reason.

We have actually skipped the fireworks except for once over the last 4 or 5 years. I'm really ready to see them again, because I think it's time for our Disney years to come to a close, or at least take a very long pause. It's getting more expensive and since we have been so much, it doesn't seem like a smart move to keep going so regularly, so seeing the fireworks one last time is a big priority.

VP

 

[yeheyprincex2]

Are most people cramming to stand at the fence or sitting on the astro-turf during the show?

I have seen pictures and people look comfortable sitting down, not crammed on the turf and I did see people along the outside of the fence. I'll see if I can find the picture and post it here.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

I think for me it is still worth it if we really want to see the fireworks. We either stand there and wait in the crowds for hours, or we arrive just before and stand in the crowds, but at least we have a guaranteed spot within a decent viewing zone. With our youngest, i think it would be worth it just for that reason.

We have actually skipped the fireworks except for once over the last 4 or 5 years. I'm really ready to see them again, because I think it's time for our Disney years to come to a close, or at least take a very long pause. It's getting more expensive and since we have been so much, it doesn't seem like a smart move to keep going so regularly, so seeing the fireworks one last time is a big priority.

VP

We are in the same boat, this will be our last trip for a while. Not because we are sick of Disney but my DH says he does a break and we are going to explore other destinations. Fireworks are priority for us too my boys love them, my son still talks about the "Disney fireworks", well truth be told he always bring up Disney everything.

 

[Melyssa]

Robo, So happy to find these boards and your advice has been great. I need some advice. Our 2nd day in MK will be Fri 4/24. We want to do MSEP and Wishes with our 8 year old. We will be coming back to MK after resting up at the hotel. We have one FP+ remaining for the day and are happy to use it for either. Should we use it for MSEP and then walk to a good spot for Wishes? If so, where would that spot be? Or should we use it for Wishes and watch MSEP from another spot and if so, where? One major concern I have is being "trampled" after Wishes and getting back to the TTC as soon as possible as we need to drive back to our non-Disney hotel.

 

[madelyn]

Just used our Wishes FP last night. If you usually go early and stake out a spot, go for it. But I don't think I will try for a Wishes FP again. We were coming from a 7:30p BOG reservation and by the time we got to the FP area, the area was so full we had to be on the right hand edge of the grass by the FP entrance. We were able to sit on the grass but small trees obscured the view as well as some of the standing people. My son said it was a "waste of a FP". Guess there could be last minute FP availability. Hubby got separated from us while rushing to the FP area and he never made it. Guess he just stopped to watch from wherever he was. I was tempted to cancel the FP and make another available to him but he never let me know he wasn't going to use it. We don't usually stake out a good viewing spot for Wishes and usually just view it from wherever we are when it starts. So Wishes is usually not a big priority to us.

 

[Robo]

Robo, So happy to find these boards and your advice has been great. I need some advice. Our 2nd day in MK will be Fri 4/24. We want to do MSEP and Wishes with our 8 year old. We will be coming back to MK after resting up at the hotel. We have one FP+ remaining for the day and are happy to use it for either. Should we use it for MSEP and then walk to a good spot for Wishes? If so, where would that spot be? Or should we use it for Wishes and watch MSEP from another spot and if so, where? One major concern I have is being "trampled" after Wishes and getting back to the TTC as soon as possible as we need to drive back to our non-Disney hotel.

You seem to understand the problems with each of your choices, so I won't add to the confusion.
Getting around in the crowds before or after your FP "evening spectacular" will be difficult.

Go back to post #27 in this thread (or click HERE) to see my map of Wishes viewing.

I will tell you to not deal with the exiting madness, but instead, just find a place to sit for about 30-45 minutes and let the crowds at the exits (and monorails/ferry boats) subside.

And, to posting on the DISboards, Melyssa!

 

[Networth]

I FP Wishes. I refuse to fight for a spot. I have yet to even get to use the new area either. I would rather stand in a line for a ride than "stake out a spot" and fight with anyone that tries to "steal it".

If I'm honest though we will RD and we have multiple tickets. Two friends I went to college with are higher ups with the mouse and throw tickets our way those with our APs make it so we have "extra" FPs so to speak.

 

[Kristina4109]

We FP+ Wishes during our June trip, which was in the "old" spot, and we loved it. We also arrived in the evening, so we knew we'd only have time to do some shopping, watch MSEP and Wishes. Absolutely loved it. It was so worth it to not have to fight to find a spot. Also loved sitting down on the grass. I have no idea how things are in the new location, though.

 

[Robo]

We FP+ Wishes during our June trip, which was in the "old" spot, and we loved it. We also arrived in the evening, so we knew we'd only have time to do some shopping, watch MSEP and Wishes. Absolutely loved it. It was so worth it to not have to fight to find a spot. Also loved sitting down on the grass. I have no idea how things are in the new location, though.

Sadly, many reports are coming in about the new areas being "packed" with guests.
It may settle down a bit (or not) as they figure what numbers of guests are most practical for the areas.

 

[yeheyprincex2]

Just used our Wishes FP last night. If you usually go early and stake out a spot, go for it. But I don't think I will try for a Wishes FP again. We were coming from a 7:30p BOG reservation and by the time we got to the FP area, the area was so full we had to be on the right hand edge of the grass by the FP entrance. We were able to sit on the grass but small trees obscured the view as well as some of the standing people. My son said it was a "waste of a FP". Guess there could be last minute FP availability. Hubby got separated from us while rushing to the FP area and he never made it. Guess he just stopped to watch from wherever he was. I was tempted to cancel the FP and make another available to him but he never let me know he wasn't going to use it. We don't usually stake out a good viewing spot for Wishes and usually just view it from wherever we are when it starts. So Wishes is usually not a big priority to us.

thank for sharing your experience. I will make sure to show up early to try to get a decent spot.

 

[WDWsBFF]

Now that Wishes has a new area center with the Castle I went ahead and got a FP for our first night there. (I think: previously it was a waste because of the location, but now I feel like it is great utilization).
I chose it for the first day because I feel like with us getting there later in the day and having an ADR at Ohana's I wouldn't have been able to get 4,5,6 FP+ anyway. I would never choose it on a day I intended to be at MK from RD to Close.
I do LOVE that new area though

That's exactly what we are doing for our trip too! Our adr is set for 5:05pm and so after dinner we will hit up MK. I'm glad to see we are not the only ones who have our first night planned like this. It makes me feel SO much better about wanting to use one of our FP+ on Wishes...I too don't want to fight for a spot anymore.

 

[ConnieB]

I think the reason those websites say don't do a FP for Wishes is solely because you can't get a 4th FP until your original 3 are used.....and since Wishes is at the end of the evening, well, you can't ever get that coveted 4th FP. If you're planning to get there at rope drop on another day, just plan to do the longer lined rides at RD....then you'll really not HAVE to have a 4th FP. Most people who do RD don't time any FP until later in the day.

Your chances of getting Wishes as a 4th FP are not impossible, but very rare....I would not PLAN on it, but would see it as great fortune if it shows up. We went looking for a 4th FP one afternoon and had to make the choice between Wishes and 7DMT.....by the time we got done exclaming over the fact that two such rare events were even available that late in the day, and kibitzed over which to get, lol......both were gone by the time we tried to click on it. So lesson learned, if you see it, take it and no debating over which to do, pick one and grab!!

 

[lustergirl]

Most Disney tourist blogs say not to waist a FP on wishes but I'm so tempted. I like the idea of not waiting around for an hour and sitting on the fake grass.
could it be possible to do SDMT and PP at RD, we have three days planned for MK April 24, 28, 29.
or could I grab a FP for wishes as 4th FP option?

I will be there at the same time and have a FP for Wishes on 4/29. See you there.

Not sure, but do they have seating available?

 

[Robo]

I will be there at the same time and have a FP for Wishes on 4/29. See you there.

Not sure, but do they have seating available?

No seats.

 

[lustergirl]

No seats.

Thanks Robo. I am going to have to rethink this fast pass as I can't stand for extended periods of time because of my knees. I may cancel it and take my chances on viewing it somewhere else.

 

[siskaren]

Thanks Robo. I am going to have to rethink this fast pass as I can't stand for extended periods of time because of my knees. I may cancel it and take my chances on viewing it somewhere else.

Well actually, you sit on the ground, but I don't think you're going to find any place to watch Wishes where you wouldn't be either sitting on the ground or standing.

 

[Robo]

You never know.