Where is the best place to shoot firewords in MK?

[10dedfish]

Ok,

So we, (the family) is headed to WDW at the end of June-July 4th, and I am wondering where the best place to shoot the fireworks with the castle is. Just looking for opinions, so I can plan on where I want to setup.
I will be using my Canon XS, with the 18-55mm lens. I do have a 55-250mm lens that I will bring, but hadnt planned on using it for this. And I do plan on shooting in RAW.

10ded

 

[10dedfish]

WOW!!!

You would think that no one shoots pictures of the fireworks anymore.

Seriously, Im just looking for opinions for why you think one area is better than another.


Matt

 

[boBQuincy]

The real issue near July 4th is to find a spot where you can even see the castle! It will be packed, with people lining up their spots hours ahead of time. Using a tripod will be difficult.

As for spots, I like right in front of the castle where Main Street opens up into the circle. I also like behind the castle, to either side of the carousel but that is not the traditional view since many of the fireworks are not over the castle.

On 4th of July if I am even near WDW you would probably find me on the Polynesian beach or at the ferry dock, far from the crowds!

 

[YesDear]

I agree with Bob, my first thought was I hope you like people!

Another place many like is down by the rose garden. It is a side view of the castle but a pretty one. If you get there early you can set up a tripod and guard your territory.

 

[kyak]

I read somewhere that one of the best spots is actually BEHIND the castle.

 

[10dedfish]

I dont actually plan on being there the 4th, as we have to drive back to the Outer Banks that day. We will be there the week before, and that's when I plan on getting some shots in.
I had heard that the train station was a good place, but it was hard to not get the flag pole in the shot. I was thinking of someplace around the crystal palace, so you dont get the normal straight on view of the castle, but your still far enough away to get a full view of everything. I assume (I hate using that word) that the Rose Garden would be the same, just from the other side.

Thanks for you opinion guys. Feedback always helps when your planning.

Matt

 

[boBQuincy]

This is the view from the railroad station:

As you can see the flagpole is somewhat prominent. When I was there in February the front row and all the seats were taken at least an hour before "Wishes".

Here is a view from behind the castle:

Most of the fireworks are over Small World, still behind us. A few are over the castle, mostly for the finale. It was not crowded at all back there!

 

[10dedfish]

BObQuincy,

How large was your tripod? I have a small (only a few inches tripod I was going to bring, as well as my large one. I was also thinking about a gorillagrip, but Im not sure how expensive those are.
I see i need to jump on google earth and check out some angles for this.

Matt

 

[boBQuincy]

BObQuincy,

How large was your tripod? I have a small (only a few inches tripod I was going to bring, as well as my large one. I was also thinking about a gorillagrip, but Im not sure how expensive those are.
I see i need to jump on google earth and check out some angles for this.

Matt

For my February 2009 trip I carried an 'almost' full size tripod, a Velbon 640 that goes to 48" high without raising the center column. There were some conveniently placed trash cans but not exactly where I wanted to be so a mini tripod would not have worked. I have a Gorilla SLR-Zoom (about $50 without ballhead) but again there was nothing to wrap it around where I wanted to be.

Near Crystal Palace is a good spot but many of the fireworks will be off to the left. There's nothing like Main Street or the circle but you sure won't be alone!

 

[brack]

I think the question should be where not to take photos of the fireworks because there are so many good spots.

 

[10dedfish]

I think the question should be where not to take photos of the fireworks because there are so many good spots.

This is also a very true statement. But as I read in a photography book somewhere, why lug 50 lbs of equipment around in the woods for hours when you can get the same shot for 50 cents at the store. I guess I'm trying to find something a little different than the norm... maybe I'm just weird. The results have not come back yet.

Matt