Watching the fireworks

[joolz1910]

I have been looking at the different firework displays and wanted some advice about where to watch them. My eldest daughter does not cope well in large crowds (long story) so I want to avoid the busiest areas. I have read that you can book meals and get a good view of some fireworks. I have also read that some can be seen from the beach too. Is the 'preferred area' listed as a benefit of booking with Disney any good?

I would also be interested in avoiding the crowded areas during parades. I am happy to pay for the privilege as I don't want DD to miss out.

We will be there Oct/Nov.

 

[DISWolves]

I can recommend watching M.K. display from the ferry dock at Transportation & Ticket Centre. You are looking across the water directly at the castle.
On both occasions that I have been there, the music is also piped across .
No rush either to get out of the park.

 

[buzz for boys]

My ds hates crowds so for fireworks we stand in the Rose garden only once has there been another family in there!!
Epcot is easy to find a spot without crowds and we tend to hang back to avoid the squash to get out!!!
Parades in MK we use our gac (which I'm sure you will be able to get for ur dd) and we sit on the wall in the disabled section opp hall of presidents it's great because it's a wall there is no crowding around you !!
Hope that makes sense!
Something else I consider is the desert party as it would be a great uncrowfed place for wishes fireworks however I don't think the parade will be viewable from there !!
Xxx

 

[2Tiggies]

Ill comment on the preferred viewing spots then:

We go with the preferred area for Epcot. It is worth it but last year it got pretty crowded in there, although it is roped off so you are not fighting the masses. Definitely worth doing in my opinion.

MK preferred viewing: don't bother. Seroiusly. There are so many trees there that you only get a partial view and lose the effect of the show. We stayed because we got trapped in parade/firework crowds and it was an easy way out as I knew the place was not the best for viewing and we hadn't intended watching that night anyway. But so many people in there actually got up and walked out when it started. We usually stand on the Tomorrowland bridge. If you want a good view of Tinkerbell make sure you have a clear view of the wire running from one of the spires of the castle as this is where she will 'fly' at the beginning of the story.

For Magic Kingdom fireworks you are better getting there early and waiting. Wishes is great because it is high up so you can see it without being in the 'front row'. If you don't have a TS booked for the night/s you plan to watch them, go grab your CS meal early, stake out your spot and sit there and eat to pass the time.

 

[Red-Snapper]

I can recommend watching M.K. display from the ferry dock at Transportation & Ticket Centre. You are looking across the water directly at the castle.
On both occasions that I have been there, the music is also piped across .
No rush either to get out of the park.

I would second this - a couple of times we have left before the fireworks started, virtually had the boat to ourselves and then turned and watched the fireworks from the dock.

A good view from there and the added bonus that you dont have to fight your way out of the park with the thousands that leave immediately after the display.

 

[dixonsontour]

The preferred viewing at epcot was fine - it was quiet when we went in October.

MK preferred viewing was an awful view due to trees. I did see a thread on the dibb where they were saying the offending trees have now been removed. Not been since so can't confirm.

Best advice after fireworks is to stay put and not join the crowds leaving - shop/have a drink etc.

In October we only saw real crowds on the wednesday night in MK - that was because the electrical parade was only on twice a week.

 

[team harris]

By accident, we saw the Wishes fireworks (MK) from the restaurant in The Poly Resort. The music is piped through to the dining area and the windows are enormous.Luxury veiwing in my book as he chairs are comfy!. Alternitively, they can be seen from the beach area in the same resort.

 

[2Tiggies]

Best advice after fireworks is to stay put and not join the crowds leaving -

I second that.

In October we only saw real crowds on the wednesday night in MK - that was because the electrical parade was only on twice a week.

So strange as you went later in October than we did and crowds are supposed to be heavier then but we found MK to be extremely crowded every time we were there at night except for MNSSHP. I am referring specifically to the parades/fireworks for an hour before and about an hour after. It was madness!

 

[cliveywolves]

I can recommend watching M.K. display from the ferry dock at Transportation & Ticket Centre. You are looking across the water directly at the castle.
On both occasions that I have been there, the music is also piped across .
No rush either to get out of the park.

Hi ,

So then my fellow wolverhampton DIS'er,

Where is the TTC, never viewed from there before might give it try for wishes? You say it well worth a try ?

 

[cliveywolves]

My ds hates crowds so for fireworks we stand in the Rose garden only once has there been another family in there!!
Epcot is easy to find a spot without crowds and we tend to hang back to avoid the squash to get out!!!
Parades in MK we use our gac (which I'm sure you will be able to get for ur dd) and we sit on the wall in the disabled section opp hall of presidents it's great because it's a wall there is no crowding around you !!
Hope that makes sense!
Something else I consider is the desert party as it would be a great uncrowfed place for wishes fireworks however I don't think the parade will be viewable from there !!
Xxx

Hiya...

Just wanted to know a little bit more about the GAC ? How do you get it etc ?

Our DD is 5 and had been diagnosed with Spastic diplegia so she does suffer with standing and walking for very long periods, apart from that she is a normal crazy little 5 year old..

Is it worth getting one are the areas and better and will it help us and her ?

Cheers

 

[joolz1910]

Thanks for all of your replies. I think I will look into getting a gac for DD. She would not cope with feeling 'trapped' by the crowd. Has anyone heard about booking Hollywood and Vine for a good vantage point for fireworks or am I making that up lol?

 

[buzz for boys]

Hiya...

Just wanted to know a little bit more about the GAC ? How do you get it etc ?

Our DD is 5 and had been diagnosed with Spastic diplegia so she does suffer with standing and walking for very long periods, apart from that she is a normal crazy little 5 year old..

Is it worth getting one are the areas and better and will it help us and her ?

Cheers

You can obtain a GAC by going to the guest services at any park. There are many different types of gac and functions for a GAC so only you will know if it will benefit your daughter. When my ds was younger we had a gac purely for using his pushchair as a wheelchair so the pushchair could come through the lines with us.
A lot of the time we wont go into the disabled areas as they get very crowded but we did feel that the wall was very helpful to us but like I say each child and every gac is different.

 

[buzz for boys]

Thanks for all of your replies. I think I will look into getting a gac for DD. She would not cope with feeling 'trapped' by the crowd. Has anyone heard about booking Hollywood and Vine for a good vantage point for fireworks or am I making that up lol?

Sorry Joolz I think you made it up Hollywood and Vine is in Hollywood studios and The fireworks happen in Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

There is a dining package for Hollywood and vine that is for Fantasmic but avoiding crowds here is impossible as everyone has toe xit the same way at the same time. We have tried sitting put here but it was just as cazy when we left last - geting out teh arena was easy but getting out of HS was mental!!

There is disabled seating again at the Fantasmic show but we have never used it as we lke to sit at the back so if we have to exit we can with ease !!

 

[joolz1910]

Sorry Joolz I think you made it up Hollywood and Vine is in Hollywood studios and The fireworks happen in Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

There is a dining package for Hollywood and vine that is for Fantasmic but avoiding crowds here is impossible as everyone has toe xit the same way at the same time. We have tried sitting put here but it was just as cazy when we left last - geting out teh arena was easy but getting out of HS was mental!!

There is disabled seating again at the Fantasmic show but we have never used it as we lke to sit at the back so if we have to exit we can with ease !!

I'm getting confused with all the different shows! I think sitting at the back would be best for us for the same reason as you. I can't believe how much I still need to research lol.

 

[2Tiggies]

I'm getting confused with all the different shows! I think sitting at the back would be best for us for the same reason as you. I can't believe how much I still need to research lol.

Work smarter, not harder.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38595061

Have a look at Robo's map on post #2 of this thread. The third map shows the actual seating arena. You can see that the seated rows are tiered. If you want to be near the back, try make sure you are seated not in standing room area. While the standing area is also in tiers, I did have to hold DD so she could see over the Tallest Man In The World who kept moving in front of us. We deliberately opted for standing room as we wanted to position ourselves right at the exit for a quick get away at the end. It is worth noting where the exits are because when everyone gets up to leave, you have two options if trying to avoid being caught in the (rather frightening) throngs of people:

1. Position yourselves right near to an exit and get moving the moment the show is over.

2. When everyone gets up, sit tight and wait.

 

[Pegasus928]

It has always amazed me how quickly everyone wanrts to leave.
You are on holiday so take a few moments to sit back and enjoy the moment.
If at the end of wishes you hang around, take in a couple of shops or just have a little walk and enjoy the atmosphere (you will wish you had once you are back in the UK) you will be surprised at just how quickly all the crowds clear.

 

[joolz1910]

Work smarter, not harder.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38595061

Have a look at Robo's map on post #2 of this thread. The third map shows the actual seating arena. You can see that the seated rows are tiered. If you want to be near the back, try make sure you are seated not in standing room area. While the standing area is also in tiers, I did have to hold DD so she could see over the Tallest Man In The World who kept moving in front of us. We deliberately opted for standing room as we wanted to position ourselves right at the exit for a quick get away at the end. It is worth noting where the exits are because when everyone gets up to leave, you have two options if trying to avoid being caught in the (rather frightening) throngs of people:

1. Position yourselves right near to an exit and get moving the moment the show is over.

2. When everyone gets up, sit tight and wait.

Thanks - those maps are great!

 

[2Tiggies]

It has always amazed me how quickly everyone wanrts to leave.
You are on holiday so take a few moments to sit back and enjoy the moment.
If at the end of wishes you hang around, take in a couple of shops or just have a little walk and enjoy the atmosphere (you will wish you had once you are back in the UK) you will be surprised at just how quickly all the crowds clear.

We do that with all the shows, except Fantasmic. I think it is because it is 'enclosed' that I like to get out. Also DHS always feels so crowded. Worst crowd exit ever was MK one Easter sunday after Wishes. Scariest experience I have had by a long shot.

But we always sit tight and relax or shortcut thru the shops at MK - avoid the mass exodus and queue for the buses too!

 

[dixonsontour]

So strange as you went later in October than we did and crowds are supposed to be heavier then but we found MK to be extremely crowded every time we were there at night except for MNSSHP. I am referring specifically to the parades/fireworks for an hour before and about an hour after. It was madness! [/QUOTE]

From memory the electric parade was on wed and sat when we were there end of October. We don't do saturdays in parks so it was definitely wednesday we went to MK to watch that and wishes.

I can remember walking into the park 6.30ish and thinking where the heck did all these people come from.

Rest of the trip crowds were light I thought. We follow touring plans best park recommendations though and do ropedrop. Don't do a lot of the big rides either or many late nights.

 

[SueM in MN]

Hiya...

Just wanted to know a little bit more about the GAC ? How do you get it etc ?

Our DD is 5 and had been diagnosed with Spastic diplegia so she does suffer with standing and walking for very long periods, apart from that she is a normal crazy little 5 year old..

Is it worth getting one are the areas and better and will it help us and her ?

Cheers

GAC stands for Guest Assistance Card and it is meant to be a quicker way to let Cast Members know what you need. It will not usually shorten the distance walked. There are also lots of attractions that involve a standing period if you do not have a wheelchair or stroller with you.

You can get a GAC or sticker for a stroller that allows it to be treated like a wheelchair - that means you can bring the stroller into queues and attractions where strollers are not usually allowed. You will want to look into a stroller for her since the average guest walks between 5 and 9 miles per day and much of the walking is outside of queues.

Thanks for all of your replies. I think I will look into getting a gac for DD. She would not cope with feeling 'trapped' by the crowd. Has anyone heard about booking Hollywood and Vine for a good vantage point for fireworks or am I making that up lol?

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post #6 of that thread is all about Guest Assistance Cards.

In our experience, the handicapped viewing areas for parades fill up quite quickly and are very packed with guests. They usually have guests with wheelchairs and power mobility scooters (ECVs) parked in a tight line across the front of the viewing area. The rest of their party stands behind them. Some of the areas are busy enough to have 2 rows of wheelchairs/ECVs across the front of the viewing area.

Someone who is concerned about feeling trapped might do OK staying toward the back of the viewing area. In some cases, that will not be full of people.