Spectromagic question

[wtrmlnlabs]

We're going in December with DS 6 and DS 3. We've been to Disney twice in the last two years already and really haven't done much of the parades. We watched the Jammin Jungle holiday one in AK once and it was nice. I saw part of one in DS and that's about it. We were trying to leave MK one night and had horrible mean people sitting all over waiting for the late night parade, they wouldn't let us through to leave!!
But anyway, I have planned out our trip according to UG's best/worst days and when things are available, like Spectromagic and Wishes are only on Wedn, so I'd have to go to MK on that day. Planning this way has made it that we can't go to Epcot until our last day!!! We're there 8 days, I really want to go sooner, but the only option is to go Wedn and miss Spectromagic and Wishes.
So what are any opinions on these? I don't really even know what they are, assuming a big parade, but being that I'm not one to argue with mean people to see a parade, or sit with my VERY spirited child for two hours to wait for it, is it worth it for me to try to do these or is it something that we're really not missing?

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Spectromagic is totally worth it. I would not and have not waited 2 hours ever to see any parade. I as an adult could not sit that long. If you go along the parade route and don't only look for a spot on Main Street you will be able to find a nice spot about 1/2 hour before the parade.

 

[ms_missy66]

Spectromagic it's so worth it and so is Wishes! Don't miss it! IMHO, while UG is a good guide, don't hold off doing something you really really want to do until the last day if you want to do it sooner. If you're there for 8 days, there is no reason you should be waiting until the very last day of your trip to hit one of the major parks for the first time. Go enjoy it sooner!!!

 

[Schmoodle]

I adore Spectro and Wishes. They make me all goosebumpy and teary-eyed. I am not a big parade person either, and Fantasmic and Illuminations leave me lukewarm, but I can NOT be at Disney and not see Spectro and Wishes. Plan to watch the parade from Frontierland instead of Main Street or the Castle hub, and you won't have to sit for so long. Wishes is best seen from in front of the castle but since it's in the sky, there are lots of good spots!.

 

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Spectro is the ONE parade I refuse to miss while at Disney. When in December are you going? As long as you aren't going to be there right at Christmas/New Year, I agree that you should EASILY be able to find a good spot about a 1/2 hour before the parade. We usually watch from the train station end of Main Street (somewhere around the circle). That is where Spectro starts rather than ends. And then you are just a few steps to Main Street to watch Wishes. I would be very very sad if I went to Disney and didn't get to see Wishes. It is well worth it, really really.

 

[FunkyDuck]

My first thought after reading OP's thoughts...was "Oh NO...only one day at Epcot and the LAST day???"...

We LOVED Epcot sooo much and have worked in 2.5-3 days for that park alone. Don't wait till your last day...you may end up loving it so much and not seeing a good bit of it. World Showcase in itself is a full day...if not more.

We went last year and did not see Spectro or Wishes...I have made it a point to see both this year. The last time I did see them was in 1996...so it has been awhile. They are wonderful.

So I guess...after I have reread my thoughts...I really have not helped at all!! LOLIf anything I have probably made matters worse...lol. Sorry...I'm sure that whatever you choose...you will have an incredible trip and your family will enjoy all that you have planned!!

 

[wtrmlnlabs]

Yeah, we've been and I do really like Epcot and I REALLY want to see ALL the Santas in the worlds!!! So I know it'll take time. I also was really trying to follow the "experts" with the UG and to see the shows that are so limited, Fantasmic is only 2 days of our trip, Wishes and Spectromagic only the one, my schedule is very inflexible!!!! To change means going to Epcot on what UG calls the worst park of the day, but I think after reading everyone's thoughts I might just have to do that. I was hoping to be talked out of wanting to see Spectromagic But everytime we've gone I wish we'd seen it.

I guess that time of the year, Dec 5-12th should be slow enough that even if it is a "worst" day for Epcot it shouldn't be too bad... really, we've gone twice without any expert UG advice on days and done pretty well, just hope it keeps up!

Thanks for all the opinions, you've all helped immensely!

 

[bedillamouse]

We went last year in the beginning of june. I went with just my daughter who was days away from turning 4. I can't tell you how wonderful Spectromagic was. She was floored! I have the best pictures of her face as she watched the show...I missed a lot of the show cuz I was watching her. We got front row seats....maybe 45 min ahead of time. The CM's come out and "play" with the crowd....mainly the kids. So there will be something going on to keep your kids entertained if you feel like you have to sit there. I would hope in Dec (unless it's Christmas time) you wouldn't have as much problems getting some good viewing areas for this without getting there2 hrs ahead of time. Another option too is to get your spot and if you have another adult going with you to take turns walking around with the kids if they get restless orrr buy them some mickey ice cream or something else to eat and it will keep them busy.

 

[ktlm]

My very high spirited then 2 yr 10 month old was completely mesmerized by Spectromagic on her 1st WDW trip last December. Once the parade started, she didn't move- just stood there on the curb with her mouth hanging open and complete joy on her face. It was rough waiting about 40 minutes for the parade to start with her being antsy and fidgeting, but it was so worth it.

 

[santa's surpriz]

This is absolutely the best parade there is! It's mesmerizing even for an adult! We try to hit any many times as we can when we are there. It's really why we end with the park hoppers! It's a great cap to a great day! Ifind myself planning around this parade, you'll be happy you chose to watch!