Viewing deck 9 events from deck 10- adventures away/pirate (Magic)

[Cynthia1215]

I've been hearing how packed deck 9 feels during things like Adventures Away or the Pirate Deck Party. I've also read that some are viewing the pirate party from deck 10. I'm thinking my younger ones would be able to see the events much better if they were looking down at the events. But will they feel completely not a part of what is going on? Like they are missing something the kids on deck 9 are doing?

Any tips for participating in these?
Thanks!

 

[Saamh]

Deck 10 is a great place to view the events from. You may want to arrive a little early to get space on the railing - otherwise the kids won't be able to see.

 

[Aviator621]

My daughter on our last trip started out in the kids only areas on deck 9 but decided to join us on deck 10 because she felt it was too crowded and believe it or not, parents were starting to climb into the kids area. Will also say, thought the view of the fireworks was much better from deck 10. Will second Saamh on getting there earlier though--you will not believe how many adults will cling to the rails blocking the kid's views.

 

[mmouse37]

First come, first serve.....I have no problem with adults who arrive early enough to watch the deck parties getting a spot at the railing. I have a problem with adults pushing their way in front of small children already at the rail. I also have a problem with anyone pushing their way in front of me (kids or adults). Adults have just as much right to view the deck parties from a good spot as anyone.

As parents we always tried to get to any event....show, parade, deck party, etc. at WDW or DCL so our kids got a good view. I would never dream of pushing my kids in front of others who were already there. Not a good view then I'll try to get there earlier next time. It is a pet peeve of mine when people arrive late to an event and then expect themselves or their children to get a front row view. Might sound harsh but I think it is more common courtesy. Yes, sometimes things make showing up late unavoidable but I still would never expect my kids to be put in front if we were late. If asked politely, and not expected or demanded, I will always let small kids in front of me if I am at the railing.

Deck 10 is a great place to view the fireworks and deck parties and any event up on the pool deck. A really good place is at the rail right in front of the funnel that looks directly towards the stage on deck but any side has great viewing.

MJ

 

[ivanp91]

For every deck event I have always watched from the 'upper' deck (10 on the Magic, 12 on the Dream class). Like others have said, you can see a lot more and it is generally less crowded. For the fireworks especially I don't understand how the view from the lower deck could be any good as there is so much in the way even if you are looking up. The only time I recall kids being directly included in the deck parties is Deck the Deck (Very Merrytime cruises) where there's limbo and a few little activities on the stage with Lilo and Stitch... I believe it was Deck the Deck anyway! On the cruises I've been on the CMs are pretty good and make an effort to address both decks so that everyone feels included.

 

[lizabu]

I prefer to watch from above. A kid who wants to be part of the dance party is probably going to want to be down where the action is though. And if I get there early and snag a rail spot I don't think it's fair to expect me to give up my rail spot to a late arriving kid. I want to enjoy my vacation as much as anyone else.

 

[shelleyr25]

My kids are a bit older so we always watch from above...I would say, that if your kids are young and want to be part of the dance party, you should go to deck 9.

 

[Cynthia1215]

Thanks everyone! When you suggest arriving early to get a railing spot, how early? Also, is there seating on deck 10 so my mother can sit? I believe she would give up a great view to be able to not stand the entire time, but typically would still want to be near us. Otherwise, what is the recommendation on getting a seat? Where and how early?

 

[Cynthia1215]

My kids are a bit older so we always watch from above...I would say, that if your kids are young and want to be part of the dance party, you should go to deck 9.

Thanks! Is the dance party a specific event or part of one (or all) of the other events?

 

[shelleyr25]

Thanks! Is the dance party a specific event or part of one (or all) of the other events?

Part of the whole event

 

[shelleyr25]

Thanks everyone! When you suggest arriving early to get a railing spot, how early? Also, is there seating on deck 10 so my mother can sit? I believe she would give up a great view to be able to not stand the entire time, but typically would still want to be near us. Otherwise, what is the recommendation on getting a seat? Where and how early?

From what I remember they had removed all the deck lounges on deck 10 so there would be more standing room, you might have to ask someone to get her a chair from somewhere..there are still seats down on deck 9 on the sides so that may be your best bet if you get there early enough to get one. She still would not have the greatest view since there would be people standing in front of her but she probably would be more comfortable.. Basically everyone on board comes to that deck party so you have to realize that it is really crowded. Anyone seated will have an obstructed view.

 

[princessmommyx3]

When we sailed in November, we tried to get a spot on deck 10 at the railings about 45 mins before the party started and they were all taken, all the way around. We looked down and there was still plenty of space next to the stage on deck 9 so we went down there instead and had front row seats but towards the side. The side area was not shoulder to shoulder like the center so we didn't feel smashed at all. If you want a spot at the railing, in my experience, 45 mins prior is the latest you should try to grab a spot. Like PP said, I have never seen chairs out on deck 10 at this time.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Thanks everyone! When you suggest arriving early to get a railing spot, how early? Also, is there seating on deck 10 so my mother can sit? I believe she would give up a great view to be able to not stand the entire time, but typically would still want to be near us. Otherwise, what is the recommendation on getting a seat? Where and how early?

I agree with what all others have said as we always watch all deck parties/shows from above.

For sail away party we head up to the top deck as soon as muster drill is over.

For pirate party we head up after we change out of our dinner clothes. I don't remember if there are chairs up there or not though, but am thinking there aren't.