Star Wars Spectacular....WOW!!! What a Show!!

[MimiDee905]

Unless you had a very prime spot, I felt like you either had to choose between seeing the projection show on the Chinese theater, or the fireworks show which was (like previously mentioned) to the far right. We had an awful time seeing over tall people and we had "camped out" since 9:00. We just didn't know what to expect. Our spot had a semi clear view of the theater, but only could see the fireworks behind the trees.
It was very obvious that HS was not built for this type of entertainment when first designed. I am hoping if they keep this as a nightly entertainment option, they can perhaps open up more viewing somehow by cutting down on so many obstructed views from buildings, popcorn carts, and trees. I feel like for kids and is shorter adults, there are just very few good viewing options.
Also, the mad stampede of people coming from the 9:00 Fantasmic show at 9:30 and trying to squeeze there way into the street where people had been waiting for over an hour was NOT COOL. And I overheard A LOT of unhappy guests.
Because of our limited viewing, we are planning on park hopping our final night here and "camping out" to ensure a better viewing spot.

 

[Anonny]

Ah! Where do they do the projections? If that's the case, we may want to be in the park after all.

Projections are on and to either side of the Chinese Theater.

Because of the projections, I think this has a smaller good viewing area than the previous Star Wars fireworks. Which is too bad.

 

[conandrob240]

Thanks. I didn't realize this. Good info

 

[conandrob240]

I assume no FP for this?

 

[MichelleWDWfan]

How were the desserts?
I attended a dessert party in Hollywood studios last year and thought the desserts weren't as good
as the Wishes dessert party, and this one is pretty pricey at $69

If you head to the party early enough and get a decent table would the view be better
as far as the projections are concerned?

I'm just wondering if it would be more worth it to pay for the dessert party
then to fight the overwhelming crowd that will be present since it's a new show.
We will be there July 7th.

Trying to decide between the HS dessert party $69
and Illuminations dessert party $49.

Not fighting the crowd at HS for a spot sounds awesome to me...
but on the other hand my son turns 21 the day we go to Epcot...
so this is my dilemma. LOL

 

[GPC0321]

Just watched it on Youtube and wish I was more excited. Love Star Wars and absolutely loved Symphony in the Stars when I saw it in March. Best fireworks I've ever seen. When I heard the description of the new Star Wars Spectacular, I was worried that it was going to rely on more projections and lasers than big, booming fireworks. Seems like that's the case. I mean, there ARE nice fireworks, but they just aren't the same as the previous show. I'm just not into watching movie clips projected onto the front of a building. I want huge explosions all over the place! LOL.
Glad others like it though, and glad I got to see SiThS before it was replaced.

 

[oktxregulators]

We came into the park and people were camped out at 7:30 for the show sitting on blankets in front of the Star Wars Stage. We went and had FP for TGMR and came out and went to camp out about 7 rows back (8:20) from the left center of the Star Wars stage and had a good viewing of everything. I think this show the closer you get the better the view. I told my wife the farthr back you are you would probably run into more obstructions and with everyone standing it would be real hard for the kids to see the projections and holograms used in the show.

 

[Accident]

Just watched it on Youtube and wish I was more excited. Love Star Wars and absolutely loved Symphony in the Stars when I saw it in March. Best fireworks I've ever seen. When I heard the description of the new Star Wars Spectacular, I was worried that it was going to rely on more projections and lasers than big, booming fireworks. Seems like that's the case. I mean, there ARE nice fireworks, but they just aren't the same as the previous show. I'm just not into watching movie clips projected onto the front of a building. I want huge explosions all over the place! LOL.
Glad others like it though, and glad I got to see SiThS before it was replaced.

I love fireworks and yes these aren't as in your face but they are timed well, you can't see it from the youtube video but there is close up fireworks all around you firing off of brown derby and what used to be the american idol building. It's a really good mix of video, effects (lasers, lights in trees, smoke) and fireworks. They are really high altitude coming from the new launch site across world drive outside the park. I think it's also the first surround sound show so the audio moving around and things sounding like they are flying around you really make it a better in person experience...

They also had to do something, closing down star wars land or toy story land so they can shoot off fireworks wasn't going to cut it. I really enjoyed this and love fireworks. I can't wait for the new lands to be opened to be able to watch from the back like I do in MK to be closer to everything.

 

[Farro]

I was in Hollywood Studios tonight to catch the opening of the Star Wars Spectacular and I was simply blown away. The amout of effects, visuals and fireworks put into the show is amazing!! People were camping out at least 90 minues ahead of the show. It is well worth the wait!!

Fantastic!

 

[NMK62303]

I love fireworks and yes these aren't as in your face but they are timed well, you can't see it from the youtube video but there is close up fireworks all around you firing off of brown derby and what used to be the american idol building. It's a really good mix of video, effects (lasers, lights in trees, smoke) and fireworks. They are really high altitude coming from the new launch site across world drive outside the park. I think it's also the first surround sound show so the audio moving around and things sounding like they are flying around you really make it a better in person experience...

They also had to do something, closing down star wars land or toy story land so they can shoot off fireworks wasn't going to cut it. I really enjoyed this and love fireworks. I can't wait for the new lands to be opened to be able to watch from the back like I do in MK to be closer to everything.

Where did you sit/stand to be able to get a good view of the effects and also experience the surround sound? Thanks!

 

[GPC0321]

I love fireworks and yes these aren't as in your face but they are timed well, you can't see it from the youtube video but there is close up fireworks all around you firing off of brown derby and what used to be the american idol building. It's a really good mix of video, effects (lasers, lights in trees, smoke) and fireworks. They are really high altitude coming from the new launch site across world drive outside the park. I think it's also the first surround sound show so the audio moving around and things sounding like they are flying around you really make it a better in person experience...

They also had to do something, closing down star wars land or toy story land so they can shoot off fireworks wasn't going to cut it. I really enjoyed this and love fireworks. I can't wait for the new lands to be opened to be able to watch from the back like I do in MK to be closer to everything.

Well that's good to hear. I did get the feeling the video wasn't quite capturing the whole experience.

 

[poober25]

I was there Fri. and am use a wheelchair in the parks. We had just ridden Rock 'n Roller Coaster and could not move any farther than the end of Sunset Blvd. at about 8:45 pm. Literally could not go anywhere. DH and 2 of the kids went back to get food, and that took over 30 mins., while DS and I stayed put. I, of course, could not see any of the projections on the Theatre (doubtful, even if I'd stood) and the fireworks themselves were way low and I couldn't see those either. DS, who is almost 6'3" couldn't even see the fireworks, as they were blocked by the trees from where we were. I was very underwhelmed! They had no dedicated spot for handicap viewing, as I had asked about that at GR when we got there, so I can't imagine I'd ever get a very good spot to view.

 

[Accident]

Where did you sit/stand to be able to get a good view of the effects and also experience the surround sound? Thanks!

The projection comes from the new "pilars" in the middle so somewhere with a full view of the great movie ride plus the buildings next to it (but not to the sides of the "hub") should give you a full experience with fireworks all around, lasers and spotlights moving overhead, full view of the video and in the center of the sound.

The tree closer to echo lake side can be annoying but you can also stand in front of it and many didn't catch you could get that close so it might be a good spot but I havent' tried it yet.. You'll see a walkway towards the building near the bathroom walkway on the left if your facing the building.

Note: There is a great view of these fireworks but not the music and projections from the parking lot at animal kingdom. If oyu happen to be there and leaving when these go off, get a nice spot by the taxi's (and maybe the buses but there is trees between buses and the fireworks) and enjoy. Seeing them from AK parking lot last night there is a lot more fireworks than it appeared and may of them aren't the big booming explosion noises that your probably familiar with (and probably why they sync up so well with the video/sound track). I'm assuming the resorts that had a good view of the frozen fireworks would be happy as high altitude are even higher than before so AoA, PoP, CBR, COR and possibly parts of AK Lodge should get a nice view (might be others, those are just where I've personally seen other HS fireworks from to know you can see them).

 

[Dominic010]

What I find strange is that closing times in July are still stuck at 9:30 or even 8:30,
it even looks they are going to have Fantasmic and the new Star Wars spectacular coincide with each other...

If it does move to the same schedule as now (9 pm fantasmic, 9:45 star wars) is there anyway to still get to a good viewing spot?

I'd think I'd use the exit to the outside of the park and then re-enter through the main entrance.. is that possible?

I sure hope they won't make us choose..
although I guess I could still work in a second night at the studios during our ten night stay at the end of July...
Perhaps that's the trick here.. trying to have people choose between the two night shows.. to lower the crowding issue and have people come back?

 

[yulilin3]

What I find strange is that closing times in July are still stuck at 9:30 or even 8:30,
it even looks they are going to have Fantasmic and the new Star Wars spectacular coincide with each other...

If it does move to the same schedule as now (9 pm fantasmic, 9:45 star wars) is there anyway to still get to a good viewing spot?

I'd think I'd use the exit to the outside of the park and then re-enter through the main entrance.. is that possible?

I sure hope they won't make us choose..
although I guess I could still work in a second night at the studios during our ten night stay at the end of July...
Perhaps that's the trick here.. trying to have people choose between the two night shows.. to lower the crowding issue and have people come back?

The schedules have been changing a lot. Starting July 3rd SWaGS is at 9:15pm and F! is at 9pm, they might add a second F!. Just keep checking. There's also a more detailed conversation of this new show in the SW thread, link in my signature. with pictures of different spots

 

[oktxregulators]

If you can in the circle in front of the Star Wars stage for the show then you will be able to see everything including the fireworks that shoot off to the left and right and the major ones that shoot off to the right hand corner. You will also get to experience the surround sound. I went again last night and they were not allowing people to get near the stage unlike the first night and they had more help on hand.

 

[oktxregulators]

WOW!! I made "The Daily Fix" that will have to go on my lifetime achievements!!

 

[Robo]

In Aug the park closes at 8pm. Does that mean there won't be fireworks? I'm sad because that is when we are going.

Expect the hours (at least on selected nights, if not all) to be extended before your trip.

 

[Upup4fun]

Expect the hours (at least on selected nights, if not all) to be extended before your trip.

Thank you!!!

 

[Dominic010]

So they extended hours ;

Now :
July 31st
1st showing Fantasmic at 9 pm ( we got a dining package)
fireworks at 9:30 pm
2nf showing Fantasmic 10:30 pm

this sounds impossible...
how would anyone go about this?

We really want good seats for Fantasmic...
should we drop the dining package and first see fireworks and then second Fantasmic showing?
or return another night for the fireworks...