View Wishes only in MK?

[Stephaniesue]

I am trying to plan a strategy for our October trip before my window opens for ADRs. The October hours have come out and thanks to easywdw I have a good idea of crowds.

The problem is both of the days where MK is an ok park to attend they are having MNSSHP. We really want to see Wishes. Is there anywhere else in the parks where we can have a good vantage point other thank inside MK? My DH has talked about seeing the castle all lit up again, and I know his heart is set on it. This is what he was so excited about at our last visit. I want to make this happen for him.

I can't justify adding hoppers just to see the show. I am going to call reservations this evening and talk to them. I did just find out DH has a discount for tickets (including hoppers) through work. I am going to see about taking advantage of that.

 

[BrianL]

I am trying to plan a strategy for our October trip before my window opens for ADRs. The October hours have come out and thanks to easywdw I have a good idea of crowds.

The problem is both of the days where MK is an ok park to attend they are having MNSSHP. We really want to see Wishes. Is there anywhere else in the parks where we can have a good vantage point other thank inside MK? My DH has talked about seeing the castle all lit up again, and I know his heart is set on it. This is what he was so excited about at our last visit. I want to make this happen for him.

I can't justify adding hoppers just to see the show. I am going to call reservations this evening and talk to them. I did just find out DH has a discount for tickets (including hoppers) through work. I am going to see about taking advantage of that.

On MNSSHP nights they will actually run HALLOWishes, a different fireworks program (better IMO). I think you can still see it with music piped in from the beach at the Poly.

I might recommend though that you take a different day at MK, so you can see Wishes from inside MK. The reason MK is the recommended on these days is because of the MNSSHP keeping people away. In the September/October window though I think you'll find that crowds aren't that bad overall. Maybe a day whee MK is the number 2 or 3 recommended park?

Also, you might consider actually going to MNSSHP as it is pretty awesome! If you like Halloween at all I think you would enjoy it. It would cost more though than adding Hoppers, so keep that in mind.

 

[Stephaniesue]

The only other day we could do MK with Wishes is when MK is the least recommended park.

Easywdw calls for crowds overall at 5 that day, and MK is the "worst" park to attend. What do you think about this?

Last time we went in September I think crowds were at a 3 then. Is a 5 crowd really that bad?

 

[jen2207]

A 5 in September really shouldn't be that bad, but of course all opinions are relative. For other options of where to watch Wishes from outside the park - there is always California grill and Narcossee's. Or from the beach at the Poly or GF.

But another option that doesn't get as much attention is adding a fireworks cruise. You could rent a pontoon from one of the monorail resorts for a private cruise. Or take the pirates and friends fireworks cruise too. Both have an additional cost, but are one of our most memorable experiences.

 

[Stephaniesue]

A 5 in September really shouldn't be that bad, but of course all opinions are relative. For other options of where to watch Wishes from outside the park - there is always California grill and Narcossee's. Or from the beach at the Poly or GF.

But another option that doesn't get as much attention is adding a fireworks cruise. You could rent a pontoon from one of the monorail resorts for a private cruise. Or take the pirates and friends fireworks cruise too. Both have an additional cost, but are one of our most memorable experiences.

Hmm, I need to check into this. DH is probably going to kill me. I'll end up adding something to this trip

Oh well, we only live once right??

I have been debating this back and forth for a couple weeks (since the calendar came out for October). I don't want to pay all this money and be standing in line for two hours to ride dumbo or something silly like that.

Maybe my freak out is unfounded? I hope some October people read this and tell me I am freaking out over a level 5 for nothing.

 

[Hopefully]

Hmm, I need to check into this. DH is probably going to kill me. I'll end up adding something to this trip

Oh well, we only live once right??

I have been debating this back and forth for a couple weeks (since the calendar came out for October). I don't want to pay all this money and be standing in line for two hours to ride dumbo or something silly like that.

Maybe my freak out is unfounded? I hope some October people read this and tell me I am freaking out over a level 5 for nothing.

OP, In your opening post you stated that seeing the castle lit up was very special to your DH. You will NOT see that anywhere but from the Magic Kingdom. If it is important to him, I think you should plan to be in the MK on one of those days.
Easywdw list the MK as the park to most avoid because it does have Wishes that night. During party season (Halloween and Christmas parties) the MK is only open late with Wishes as few days each week, That makes it more crowded on those days.
But a 5 in September is not too bad. It is definitely manageable, and in your case important to your DH.
I wouldn't do an expensive cruise just because the crowd rating is a 5. I would go to MK early and enjoy the day
Good Luck

 

[Stephaniesue]

Thank you Hopefully!

I guess I am overthinking this. We probably won't have lines hours long in October.

He was very sad when I told him we might not get to do Wishes. It's something he wanted to share with his kids again. We won't be able to go to WDW again for several years.

Last time we were right next to the castle, along the fencing to the right (I don't know what it's close to sorry). He was so happy, that was his "we are at Disney world" moment. I want to make sure he has that again. He never thought we would ever be able to afford a trip to begin with, now we are ready for the second trip.

I'll just plan to be in the parks on the worst day and see how it pans out. I have ben reading other stories on October park crowds and it seems do able.

 

[BrianL]

A Level 5 isn't t.but at recommended park it can make for somewaht long waits. If you rope drop you will probably still have a fantastic day, even if lines get longer as the afternoon wears on. Of course, i anting to see Wishes (and Celebrate the Magic) is one of your priorities, getting a good spot shouldn't be a problem.

I have been a few times in he September-October window. Its my favorite time to go, and I only saw any kinds of real crowds at MK on a Saturday. I paid no attention to most recommended/least recommended parks on those trips.

 

[Stephaniesue]

This gives me some reassurance.

We are looking at MK on Sunday (arrival day), park closes at 7. Then MK again on Tuesday (Wishes night). I told DH if we want to do MK that day we need to be there for rope drop. He didn't like that idea much. I suggested we go early, ride all the stuff we can and do character meetings. Then back to the hotel for swimming/nap (DH needs a nap haha pretty sad he's only 32!). And back to the parks for the evening time. Then we could use this FP+ thing to ride a few more things.

 

[figment_jii]

As the PPs have said, you can see HalloWishes from outside of MK, but if seeing the castle is a priority, then you really have to either take binoculars with your or go to California Grill for dinner. For the most part, the castle is not easily visible from outside of MK.

Poly Beach: You can see the castle, but it looks like a fairly small and you only see part of it.

Grand Floridian: Again you can see some of the castle, but it's only the top portion.

California Grill: This is probably your best option for seeing the castle without being in the MK. However, you have to dine at CA Grill to get access to the observation deck, so it's not cheap.

If seeing the full effects on the Castle is a priority for your DH, then I would either splurge and go to MNSSHP or re-schedule your MK day.

 

[Marthasor]

This gives me some reassurance.

We are looking at MK on Sunday (arrival day), park closes at 7. Then MK again on Tuesday (Wishes night). I told DH if we want to do MK that day we need to be there for rope drop. He didn't like that idea much. I suggested we go early, ride all the stuff we can and do character meetings. Then back to the hotel for swimming/nap (DH needs a nap haha pretty sad he's only 32!). And back to the parks for the evening time. Then we could use this FP+ thing to ride a few more things.

Depending on what is happening with Hub construction at the time, you may be able to get a FP+ for a viewing area for Wishes - then crowds won't really matter much.

You could also look into the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party - an extra cost, but a guaranteed, non-crowded spot for Wishes viewing.

A level 5 crowd in September wouldn't bother me.

 

[Stephaniesue]

We will be there October 18- 22, is that about the same crowd levels as September?

 

[siskaren]

Can you do MK on Wednesday instead of Tuesday? Every Wednesday in October has MK as a recommended park (just not the most recommended) and Wishes is showing every Wednesday in October.

 

[Stephaniesue]

Can you do MK on Wednesday instead of Tuesday? Every Wednesday in October has MK as a recommended park (just not the most recommended) and Wishes is showing every Wednesday in October.

Wednesday is our departure day, we are leaving HS around 4 pm and headed to the beach.

See my dilemma LOL! I think we will just have to deal with larger crowds, but from the other posters it doesn't seem like it should be too big of a deal.

 

[smitch425]

We have gone in October every year (this year will be trip #8- the 6th in the last 7 Octobers), and we always go to the park that is the "park to avoid". We love PM EMH, and that is usually (if not always) not recommended. We have never had a problem. Some people swear by crowd calendars, but I think they are junk. Go where you want to go, and don't stress about it. October is wonderful! It gets a little more crowded every year, as more and more schools are getting Fall Breaks, but it is still very manageable even on a "crowded" day. You'll be fine!

 

[siskaren]

Some people swear by crowd calendars, but I think they are junk.

When the Halloween and Christmas parties are going on though, it does make sense to go to the MK on those days since most people aren't going to want to go the MK on a day when it closes at 7. Obviously though, if you want to see MSEP and Wishes during those times you're going to have to go on a day when a party isn't taking place, which, unfortunately, is going to be a day when a lot of other people are going to be going for the same reason.

 

[Stephaniesue]

Thank you all as usual for the great info. I'm excited to share this with dh!