Strategy for Happily Ever After

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I had planned on going to the left and getting in the fenced viewing area there but it was closed that night for some reason and since the right was closed for the dessert party I had to figure out an alternative.

So my tip:
I scouted out the areas and got to the hub an hour before the fireworks and stood behind a stroller that was right on the edge of where the walkway was being kept open. I then struck up a conversation with the parents so they knew I wasn't being strange - I was solo and it wasn't crowded at that point.
The walkway was kept open during the fireworks (we were near a CM who kept people walking) and I didn't have kids on top of parents shoulders in front of me or balloons blocking my view since the people didn't have any balloons.

It may not work every time but I will be using this idea in future.

 

[mamamelody2]

We've watched the Halloween Fireworks from inside the fenced area and it always seemed to me that people didn't realize you could go in there - was that your sense of why it was less crazy then being out in the street when you watched HEA from there? Planning for January 2018 and I know it's going to already be a busy time!

This is my plan come November. I hope it works!

 

[DisneyCAL]

We got a spot on our trip a week or so ago and it was great. We went over at 8:10pm to the hub. We were on the the sidewalk and around the corner from where the adventureland sidewalk comes out. So in Robo's map its in the green right where the adventureland path meets the curb of the hub. There was a set of garbage cans there. We sat behind them so the kids can use them to sit on for a view without being on shoulders and blocking others. I went and grabbed food for while we waited and it worked out perfectly. Make sure your kids if you have any go potty before staking a spot. We sat there until told to stand by the announcer. HEA was at 9pm and park closed at 10pm so we went on Peter Pan and the carousel before we left, so the crowd down main st. wasnt horrible when we headed out.

 

[Wish Upon A Starbucks]

I saw HEA with my family of 4 last week. We walked over the Tomorrowland bridge into the Hub area less than 20 minutes before the show started and were easily able to settle into a spot on the right side of the Hub with a great view of the castle. It was jam packed shoulder to shoulder by 5 minutes before start time and I had to hold my 6 year old up throughout the show so she could see over the crowd, but from my experience you don't need to get there super early.

We did the same about two weeks ago. Showed up 15 minutes before at the hub. Cast members kept moving people forward to sort of keep the street open so more and more people were able to fill in (like us). It was crowded but a great view. Lots of people live streaming on phone and taping the whole thing which I just do not get but it didn't get to me. You have to just let stuff like that go when in vacation.

 

[loves to dive]

I had planned on going to the left and getting in the fenced viewing area there but it was closed that night for some reason and since the right was closed for the dessert party I had to figure out an alternative.

So my tip:
I scouted out the areas and got to the hub an hour before the fireworks and stood behind a stroller that was right on the edge of where the walkway was being kept open. I then struck up a conversation with the parents so they knew I wasn't being strange - I was solo and it wasn't crowded at that point.
The walkway was kept open during the fireworks (we were near a CM who kept people walking) and I didn't have kids on top of parents shoulders in front of me or balloons blocking my view since the people didn't have any balloons.

It may not work every time but I will be using this idea in future.

I've tried the stroller and wheelchair in front of me strategy for a number of shows and every single time, someone either got in front of the wheelchair spoiling both of our views or the parents of the stroller decided to change their positions and got right in front of me. I'm height challenged so fireworks are no problem since they are in the sky but projections, this is a problem.

 

[elaine amj]

I watched it 4 times from 3 different locations on my last trip:

#1: walked into the hub (on the right near the Tomorrowland bridge) a couple of mins before the show started. It was hot, it was crowded. Very good view though. We stood behind a man in a wheelchair and that helped. We were also on the part where the path sloped so that also helped.

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#2: Watched from the Transportation & Ticket Centre. First time there so I was a bit confused as to where to stand. Turns out it is right where the ferry unloads. I walked in through the ferry exit gate and stood off to the side. Nice view, low key, fantastic music. But lights are not dimmed. And of course, no projections.

View attachment 265740

#3: Watched from the fence behind the fountain (in Robo's map - between "All Guests Open Viewing" and "The Hub"). We got a spot directly facing the fountain. It was wonderful - watched it from here 2x. Nobody standing in front of us (which I worried about in the fenced in grass viewing area) and plenty of cool breezes. The fountain was calming and added a lovely element. Very clear view of the Castle projections. Even better was a comfy seat on the ledge (great place for littles to stand during the show too). To the right and left of us the view is blocked by shrubs so people don't pack in tightly on either side.

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I've tried the stroller and wheelchair in front of me strategy for a number of shows and every single time, someone either got in front of the wheelchair spoiling both of our views or the parents of the stroller decided to change their positions and got right in front of me. I'm height challenged so fireworks are no problem since they are in the sky but projections, this is a problem.

I am short too. Plus it is super hot packed into a crowd. That is why it is worth it to us to stake out spot #3 for 2 hours. Then again, we have no issues waiting for things we really want.

 

[DisneyOma]

Our 1st trip in forever is coming soon! I have been reading every tip and strategy I can find. I am concerned about the "madness" everyone talks about regarding HEA. We have never seen the show before, so I definitely want to see the castle projections. Any tips on where to sit, etc? I don't mind getting a spot early, but I sincerely hope I don't need to stake out my spot 3 hours in advance.

There really are no places where you can sit - it's pretty much stand or not see anything/get trampled. CMs will tell you to stand up or risk getting stepped on, tripped over. That one area bu the fence shown in a PP's post - that's about it if you want to be close enough to see project and sort of sit. If you sit there, you have to look through the fence to see the castle projections.

Ugh. I lost my post :-( Anyway... PLEASE don't complain that people are 'crowding in my space' because they are likely only following the cast members instructions. We arrived at the hub about 30 minutes prior to show time and there were tons of cast members directing people where to go. We went where we were directed and the CM were telling people to fill all available spots and move forward, move left, etc. so we did what we were told. Suddenly a group of three or 4 older ladies who were sitting on the ground were told by the cast members to get up and move over and they started screaming at the CM and at us that they had been sitting there for an hour saving seats for the rest of their group who was riding 7DMT and Peter Pan. Finally the CM told them that if their family didn't get there soon they'd probably never find them in the crowd. It was pretty crazy and kind of turned me off to watching from the hub ever again.

This is what happened when we were there two weeks ago - we were herded like cattle in the hub. We got as close as we could while still be able to see. Then the ******* in front of us put his kid on his shoulders. Blocked us, so we moved a bit around him, kind of crowding his space, but at least we could see. He could have held the kid at waist level to watch.

 

[maryj11]

Ugh. I lost my post :-( Anyway... PLEASE don't complain that people are 'crowding in my space' because they are likely only following the cast members instructions. We arrived at the hub about 30 minutes prior to show time and there were tons of cast members directing people where to go. We went where we were directed and the CM were telling people to fill all available spots and move forward, move left, etc. so we did what we were told. Suddenly a group of three or 4 older ladies who were sitting on the ground were told by the cast members to get up and move over and they started screaming at the CM and at us that they had been sitting there for an hour saving seats for the rest of their group who was riding 7DMT and Peter Pan. Finally the CM told them that if their family didn't get there soon they'd probably never find them in the crowd. It was pretty crazy and kind of turned me off to watching from the hub ever again.

That is exactly why we have booked the dessert party the past 2 years. The CM told us to go to a certain spot so we did. A man told us to get out of the way it was his spot. Every since then we do the dessert party. No stress that way.

 

[elaine amj]

That one area bu the fence shown in a PP's post - that's about it if you want to be close enough to see project and sort of sit. If you sit there, you have to look through the fence to see the castle projections.

Yep, that's why I like this spot. The ledge is very wide and comfortable to sit on, especially during the waiting portion. As you can see from the photo, my daughter is tall enough to sit and comfortably watch the fireworks over the fence. She was in basically the same position both times we watched the show. I preferred to stand (too excited) so I stood behind her, sometimes leaning forward on the fence, sometimes resting my knee on the ledge. Others in our group of 8 switched up as they preferred. My 3 year old niece stood on the ledge holding on to the fence - which was perfect for her.

My favourite part was feeling uncrowded and having all the cool breezes blow in front of us (as the fountain area is a fairly large space of flowers, etc with no people in it).

 

[jenhelgren]

I watched it 4 times from 3 different locations on my last trip:

#1: walked into the hub (on the right near the Tomorrowland bridge) a couple of mins before the show started. It was hot, it was crowded. Very good view though. We stood behind a man in a wheelchair and that helped. We were also on the part where the path sloped so that also helped.

View attachment 265739

#2: Watched from the Transportation & Ticket Centre. First time there so I was a bit confused as to where to stand. Turns out it is right where the ferry unloads. I walked in through the ferry exit gate and stood off to the side. Nice view, low key, fantastic music. But lights are not dimmed. And of course, no projections.

View attachment 265740

#3: Watched from the fence behind the fountain (in Robo's map - between "All Guests Open Viewing" and "The Hub"). We got a spot directly facing the fountain. It was wonderful - watched it from here 2x. Nobody standing in front of us (which I worried about in the fenced in grass viewing area) and plenty of cool breezes. The fountain was calming and added a lovely element. Very clear view of the Castle projections. Even better was a comfy seat on the ledge (great place for littles to stand during the show too). To the right and left of us the view is blocked by shrubs so people don't pack in tightly on either side.

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I am a very visual person and terrible with maps We we have not been to the Magic Kingdom since all the construction was completed in the hub. From Robo's map it looks to me like there are two fountains on the map. Are they identical and both great viewing locations or is the fountain in front of the desert party viewing area obstructed? I REALLY like my fireworks and the rest of my family hates wasting so much park time securing a spot so I want to have several options in mind depending on how crowded it is. I also get extremely claustrophobic in large crowds like the hub which is why we watch the evening parades from Frontierland where people cannot pile in behind! Having shrubbery next to me would be great!! We will be doing one HEA night at MK and MNSSHP so I think the fountain on the Caseys side would be out of the parade route and easier to stake out--any advice is greatly appreciated!!

 

[elaine amj]

I am a very visual person and terrible with maps We we have not been to the Magic Kingdom since all the construction was completed in the hub. From Robo's map it looks to me like there are two fountains on the map. Are they identical and both great viewing locations or is the fountain in front of the desert party viewing area obstructed? I REALLY like my fireworks and the rest of my family hates wasting so much park time securing a spot so I want to have several options in mind depending on how crowded it is. I also get extremely claustrophobic in large crowds like the hub which is why we watch the evening parades from Frontierland where people cannot pile in behind! Having shrubbery next to me would be great!! We will be doing one HEA night at MK and MNSSHP so I think the fountain on the Caseys side would be out of the parade route and easier to stake out--any advice is greatly appreciated!!

There are two identical fountains. I believe the one in front of the dessert party is often reserved (possibly for wheelchairs?). Lots of ropes in that whole area. We just went to the other fountain (on the left facing the castle).

 

[biondagirl]

When we were there last week we saw it twice. The first time, we were to the left of Casey's Corner on a walkway before the Crystal Palace. We could see the fireworks great, but not the projection on the castle. We saw it a second time so I could see the whole show (not that this thrilled my kids!) and stood on Main Street, after the hub, but before Casey's. We were arriving late (probably 30 minutes before showtime) and found a spot that the CM's directed us to. I don't know how thrilled those around us were, but we went where we were told there was space. And there was because more came in after us. It was worth the aggravation of getting there to see it from the front! It was beautiful.

 

[elaine amj]

Updated to add one more location (with photos) to my post on Page 1. My brother went and watched from right up in front of the stage.

 

[elaine amj]

I updated my post yet again. My SIL reported that she really liked the spot in front of the stage - very immersive feel. I think I'd like to try that next time. We typically like front row for fireworks and prefer immersion to a wider view.

 

[Robo]

I updated my post yet again. My SIL reported that she really liked the spot in front of the stage - very immersive feel. I think I'd like to try that next time. We typically like front row for fireworks and prefer immersion to a wider view.

We watch a lot of shows (Disney and at home) on the front row.
We love being close, with nobody else between us and the show.
That is, when the view is good and clear.
Unfortunately, the image on your photo which I've reproduced below is the reason that
I've marked the areas on my Hub map very close to the front of Cinderella Castle as "poorer viewing."

When you stand too close, the most spectacular fireworks of the show are blocked by the castle, itself.
If that's OK, then by all means, stand close.
But, I wanted to point out why I consider being that close in this MK show to
be less than ideal viewing.

 

[elaine amj]

We watch a lot of shows (Disney and at home) on the front row.
We love being close, with nobody else between us and the show.
That is, when the view is good and clear.
Unfortunately, the image on your photo which I've reproduced below is the reason that
I've marked the areas on my Hub map very close to the front of Cinderella Castle as "poorer viewing."

When you stand too close, the most spectacular fireworks of the show are blocked by the castle, itself.
If that's OK, then by all means, stand close.
But, I wanted to point out why I consider being that close in this MK show to
be less than ideal viewing.

I agree...and my brother and SIL also affirm you lose the view of the bigger fireworks in the rear. And definitely lose a bit of the wider angle story. (I chose that image to show how some of the big fireworks were obstructed). That said, they loved seeing the closer details of the projections and enjoyed the immersion. And it was still a magical experience. And I think they're preferred it to my #3 Fountain spot.

Here is a repeat of their comments that I posted:

#4: My brother and SIL went back for one final viewing. This time they went right up to the stage. He reported: "It gave more detail but lost the wider story coz of the angle. I enjoyed the experience immensely though thanks to the nearness - so it's still a great experience. The nearness means you can't see the big fireworks behind the castle".

My SIL'S comments: ""Well, since you have tried your most preferred spot at the Walt & Mickey statue,the spot we were at in front of the stage could be a nice new experience as you could see the projection on castle more clearly in details. The fireworks on both sides are bigger and brighter, may be overwhelming but in a nice way. Those fireworks from behind could still be seen though slightly hidden because of ourcloseness to castle. Nothing short of magical, I promise!"

 

[SeeDisney]

Mrs. Alexis....love hearing about first trips to WDW. good for you for reading and researching everthing to maximize your vacation. I can't tell you enough on how many people don't do that and they go on a whim and miss the advantages of fast passes. One advice, which you already know, is to get to every park at opening hour, say 15 minutes before they open and hit the attractions then, then use your fast passes starting around noon time. Also, watch out, WDW is soooo magical, you will indeed want to come back again. I can't wait till I go back again and see this AWESOME HEA!!!!!!! I get goosebumps and tears even when I watch it on youtube. Have a great wonderful vacation.

 

[kitkat4622]

after reading all of this I am really leaning towards the dessert party for me and my grandson. can this also be booked at 180 days like ADR's?

 

[Katie Dawn]

I am going to recommend getting into one of the fenced off areas in the hub that doesn't have an event scheduled. People seem to respect personal space a bit more there and the crush of people leaving can be avoided. You can hang back in the fenced part until things breathe a bit.

We've watched the Halloween Fireworks from inside the fenced area and it always seemed to me that people didn't realize you could go in there - was that your sense of why it was less crazy then being out in the street when you watched HEA from there? Planning for January 2018 and I know it's going to already be a busy time!

We were last there when they were doing FPs for Wishes Viewing Areas in that green/turf area. Is that what you mean by fenced off? And how do you know of there is an event scheduled?

Wish I'd known about the dessert party area before my last trip! My wife and I found spots in that area about 60 minutes early along with a bunch of others, then were cleared out by apologetic cast members about 30 minutes before the show, by which time all the other good spots were taken. There were NO signs warning anybody that the area was reserved. Not the most magical moment of our trip.

Where is the dessert party area?

 

[Robo]

We were last there when they were doing FPs for Wishes Viewing Areas in that green/turf area.
1. Is that what you mean by fenced off?
2. And how do you know of there is an event scheduled?
3. Where is the dessert party area?

1. Yes. The west of the two former FP+ areas (in front of Casey's.)
2. You won't, unless you arrive there and its being held for something.
3. The east of the two former FP+ areas (in front of The Plaza.)