Viewing fireworks from Main St. train station..how early?

[Mugglemama]

Being that we almost never watch the fireworks from inside the park, it's very fair to say that I am pretty clueless as to how to do so successfully.

In May, we are taking my daughter's boyfriend to Disneyland. It will be the first time he's ever been there....and he is SOOO excited to go (it's fun to watch a 19 year old turn into a 6 year old at the mention of Disneyland, lol!). Evidently, he was promised trips to Disneyland multiple times as a child, and then for whatever reasons, it never came to fruition. I imagine those experiences were supremely disappointing to a little boy, which makes this first visit all the more meaningful.

So naturally, I'd like to make the trip as special as I possibly can. I think the only day that we'll be in the parks where fireworks will be showing, will probably be a Friday (May 11th). I have 2 questions:

1) If we watch the fireworks from the Main Street train station, will we be able to hear the audio that accompanies the show?, and,

2) Does anyone have suggestions for how long before the show begins that we should "get into position" at the station in order to secure a good viewing spot?

Thanks so much in advance for any insight you can offer! (And if anyone has alternate ideas regarding viewing spots, I am totally open to suggestions! Like I said, I really just want to make this trip extra special for this kid. Thanks!)

 

[BensDaddy]

Great question. I had the same thought about watching the show from the train station both for a great view and easy exit afterwards. I'll watch this thread and see what answers you get, but if you should happen to find another desirable location please drop me a PM.

Thanks!

 

[pixiewings71]

Well, we found a pretty decent spot but it was down near the hub.....pretty awesome view, slightly obstructed to the left by trees but not horribly. There are water fountains by the edge of hub, sort of behind the information booth by an ice cream vendor (portable cart), we saw from there quite well. We've never watched from the train station but we've walked in during fireworks and we could hear the audio from that end of MS.

 

[skiingfast]

1) If we watch the fireworks from the Main Street train station, will we be able to hear the audio that accompanies the show?, and,

2) Does anyone have suggestions for how long before the show begins that we should "get into position" at the station in order to secure a good viewing spot?

1. Yes you will hear the audio.

2. I've seen people taking the seats an hour early, this is sooner than on the Hub. The seats there are a few benches in the center so you can't stand in front of them along the rail.

This spot is ok. 7/10 at best. The reason is you are far from some of the smaller effects. There is some blockage from the buildings down Main Street.

If you want the best view, go to the hub. Get a spot where you can see the Castle and Matterhorn. You can find good spots in the Hub 30-45 minutes before the show.

With your large group and mix of ages you may want to put a blanket down and take turns sitting on it.

 

[Mugglemama]

1. Yes you will hear the audio.

2. I've seen people taking the seats an hour early, this is sooner than on the Hub. The seats there are a few benches in the center so you can't stand in front of them along the rail.

This spot is ok. 7/10 at best. The reason is you are far from some of the smaller effects. There is some blockage from the buildings down Main Street.

If you want the best view, go to the hub. Get a spot where you can see the Castle and Matterhorn. You can find good spots in the Hub 30-45 minutes before the show.

With your large group and mix of ages you may want to put a blanket down and take turns sitting on it.

Thanks for this info, SF!! I wouldn't have guessed that we could still get good spots in that area less than an hour before the fireworks begin...my group can easily handle that! (I was thinking it would be more like 90 minutes or longer, and *that* would probably not be very easy for us to do).

Thanks again!

 

[Malcon10t]

Be aware that the benches are usually roped off and reserved for VIP tour guests and a few others. There is a standing area behind them and to the sides. I would suggest asking a conductor in the train station as they are in charge of controlling the area and have a clip board with a check in sheet for the area. They will know if they have any empty seats they may give out after the reserved groups have arrived. It is a good view, though I do prefer being down in the hub myself.

 

[Happy Mom2]

I don't have an answer for you, but I think it's great your DD's BF is getting to go. My family had plans to go to Disney World when I was little, but my dad got laid off so we weren't able to go. And for some reason, we never went.

I was 39 when I finally went, and I cried as I walked down Main Street. My dream had finally come true. I think it's amazing that you are making this young man's dream come true. I hope y'all have a magic vacation filled with pixie dust.