SORRY to ask AGAIN...best place for Wishes?

[WDW4us2006]

I know this has been posted one hundred times, but what's the "best" spot for WISHES without having to get crushed by exiting crowds? Going during a "slow" time (so they say...we'll see!) so not sure what to expect!

 

[Robo]

If all you want to see is FIREWORKS, you can stand at MOST areas in the MK.
(And a wide variety of places OUTSIDE the MK.)

But if you are NOT at CERTAIN SPECIFIC LOCATIONS, you will MISS the "full impact" of the SHOW called "Wishes".

Wishes has two fireworks "STAGES":
One fires its missiles from a location FAR BEHIND any public area of MK.
The other fires its missiles from the ROOF-TOPS of Fantasyland/Liberty Square/the Castle.
The guests' VIEWING ANGLE will affect "if and how" these two stages can be viewed together (they are designed to be viewed "together".)

There is a full AUDIO TRACK that is synchronized with the fireworks.
It is the "motivation" for the unique fireworks effects that change with each MOOD and SECTION of the audio track.

The audio, and positioning of the two fireworks "stages" relative to the viewer will affect the impact of the show.

The front of the CASTLE ITSELF is part of the "show".
There is an elaborate lighting system that is used to change the color of the castle to suit each MOOD, and even "textures" and shapes are projected on the castle at key points in the show (Mickey's Sorcerer's HAT is a great one).

Tinkerbell's flight (which used to take place PRIOR to the old fireworks show at MK) is now WITHIN "Wishes". She doesn't fly EVERY night, but she OFTEN flies and you should be in a position to see her.

The SWEET-SPOT for Wishes is: starting from approx. the "bridge to Tomorrowland" ...on up Main Street to the "Main Street Cinema" (Pal Mickey Store).
That is simply the "optimum viewing" area.

There are MANY other places to watch, but they are all compromises that diminish the "full effect" of the show in one way or more:

Some have little or no SOUND.
Some have obstructed views of the fireworks.
Some only allow viewing of one of the two fireworks "stages".
Some don't allow a view of the castle-front and/or Tinkerbell when she flies.

Also, the upper level of the Main Street train station (a great palce to see the "SpectroMagic" Parade) is a tempting but a not-so-good choice for "Wishes".
They DON'T turn off the LIGHTS on the last few buildings on this end of Main Street (or on the train platform) during the show, so the lights are in your eyes the whole time.

Another "ought-to-be-GREAT-but-ISN'T choice is from the "Noodle Station" seating area (the open-air counter-service restaurant that's between Main Street and Tomorrowland).
Not only do they NOT turn off the lights here (and the sound is not clear), most of the fireworks are hidden from view by the roof of the restaurant and/or the large PYLON that's on the bridge to Tomorrowland.
(I will say that there ARE a very few spots in this restaurant area that DO offer GOOD unobstructed views, but you MUST be in those exact spots and not mind the ceiling lights being on and the lack of good sound.)

So, if you don't MIND this, you can choose from a multitude of "viewing spots" throughout the MK.

My point is that the show is designed for "FULL EFFECT" to be seen from the "Sweet spot" areas I described. (But, yes, those can be C-R-O-W-D-E-D!)

Wishes is the only fireworks show that can be (for the most part) seen from outside the presenting park.
Good viewing can be found at the beach of the Polynesian Resort (walk along the sidewalk there until you see an view of the castle unobstructed by trees.)
The Ohana restaurant at the Poly offers good views (and they pipe in the audio of the show). Same goes for the California Grill Restaurant (and outdoor terrace) at the Contemporary Resort.
At Grand Floridian, Narcoossee'sNarcoossee's is the restaurant with the MK and Wishes views (and sound) otherwise, the GF boat dock (facing then MK) is the place.
The MK parking lot offers views (TTC is best, usually they pipe in the audio there). There are other outdoor spots for several miles in any direction of MK . But without the sound, you miss a lot of the "show".

Best analogy I can think of:
Sitting across the highway from a Drive-In Theater and "watching the movie" with binoculars. You can do it, but it LACKS something.

 

[OhioFamily]

We made reservations at Ohana's and watched them from there. They did pipe the music in and dimmed the lights. So not only did we enjoy a great dinner, but we also didn't have to fight the crowds for the fireworks. It was my children's favorite night.

 

[Missus Toad]

I've seen Wishes from the Poly and thus saw only the sky part of the show and I missed out on the audio because of where I was standing. I'm wondering how similar the show is to the Remember... Dreams Come True fireworks show at DL (which is just unbelievably good-- I so highly recommend seeing this!!). Anyone see both? Any Wishes audio links out there? TIA!

 

[DisneyFan06]

I was almost directly infront of the Castle. I was sitting on the Courner where the Parade turns onto a bridge. I could see everything there including watching Tinker Bell fly. That is the best place in my opinion, and I will be sure to sit at that same spot again on my next visit.

ETA: Sit where you can hear the sound or it really isn't the same. Even though it brings tears to my eyes.

 

[WDW4us2006]

That was the best explanation I could have asked for. Thanks so much, I am printing off the post so I'll remember it. I was originally worried about my parents fighting off the crowds, walking quickly to a bus for BC at the end, but, hey, I'd rather get the most from the show than worry about being a few minutes "late" for bed!

 

[Robo]

That was the best explanation I could have asked for. Thanks so much, I am printing off the post so I'll remember it. I was originally worried about my parents fighting off the crowds, walking quickly to a bus for BC at the end, but, hey, I'd rather get the most from the show than worry about being a few minutes "late" for bed!

Yes.
We always let the crowd thin a little, then head for a comfortable spot to SIT and let the "mad dashers" pile out of the MK.

After 30 minutes or so we will start walking for the exit, but there's no need to rush.

 

[brer rabbit 28]

my advice would be to stand between the partners statue and the top of main st,we sttod here and i got the most amazing photos.

 

[disneynutsss]

imho, disneyfan06 has the right idea!! This is where we sat too, the best!!

"I was almost directly infront of the Castle. I was sitting on the Courner where the Parade turns onto a bridge. I could see everything there including watching Tinker Bell fly. That is the best place in my opinion, and I will be sure to sit at that same spot again on my next visit.

ETA: Sit where you can hear the sound or it really isn't the same. Even though it brings tears to my eyes."

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) There are LOTS of places to see the fireworks.
2) Unfortunately, the best places put you in the middle of the crowds.
3) Some people say, "Oh, the best place is at California Grille (or Poly)".
. . . i have seen them from these places several times
. . . you do see the fireworks and hear music
. . . but you are not "IN" the fireworks
4) To truly experience the sense of the show
. . . front of Main Street and right near the Partner Statue
. . . crowded, but the best experience
. . . just move to the side and let crowds exit
. . . after some shopping, then go out


NOTE: People have claimed the specialty boat cruises, restaurants and other locations are the best views. However, firework shows are DESIGNED for viewing from specific locations. There cannot be an endless amount of prime locations! Explosions, music, flights of the shells, and smells of gunpowder all go into the experience. Some people pay pretty big bucks to see a 12-minute fireworks show. Better to save the money and be "IN" the fireworks.

 

[DebbieB]

My favorite spot is the walkway between the Main Street tipboard and the Crystal Palace. There's a revine on the other side of the railing, so no one can block your view. When it's over, you can go through the shops on that side to get to the front of the park.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

My favorite spot is the walkway between the Main Street tipboard and the Crystal Palace. There's a revine on the other side of the railing, so no one can block your view. When it's over, you can go through the shops on that side to get to the front of the park.

Have you been following me? That's been our spot and our strategy the last few trips and it has worked like a charm

 

[popeyeohoh]

We watched wishes by the entrance to Tommorrow Land. We were there very early. This is the same place we saw the parade. It is a great view of Tink She flies almost right above. The only problem was that the crowds of course were still trying to get in and out of T.L. with a bunch of people waiting to see wishes. Very congested. There were no uncongested places in our general area.

 

[Bashful'sMom]

At the train station by the entrance. Get there early. There's a few tables and chairs up there.

 

[dakyak]

when we went last year, my mom and i got some great pictures and great views from the path right before the castle....as your going towards the castle, there is a little alcove right before it (i think there is a popcorn machine near that extrance)....we were even able to sit down and enjoyed that location

 

[dgaston]

I too like the paths in front of Crystal Palace. If you don't need to see the show centered on the Castle, Fantasyland in back of the castle is right in the middle of both low and high elements. It's a very different experience.

 

[gonemousin']

For those of you that stand in front of Crystal Palace - can you see Tinkerbell's flight clearly from that spot? I'm intrigued by this location, but curious if there are any obstructions...thanks!!

 

[popeyeohoh]

Yes you can see tink clearly. If you are on the bridge to Tommorrow Land she will fly just about overhead. If your on the left side closer to Adventure Land, I don't know how good the view is. She flies I believe with lighted wings.