Where to view...HELP, please!

[thesoldtrain]

Hi there! Wondered if any of you WDW experienced folks out there could help with some questions on where best to view these shows....we are newbies, going next week for a first time trip! Any advice or strategies would be helpful. We are a fmily of 4, traveling with a 5-year-old, 1-year-old and Sit N Stand Stroller

1) Wishes
2) MK Daytime Parade (cannot remember name right now, darnit)
3) Spectromagic
4) Illuminations (on July 4th)
5) MGM Stars & Motor Cars Parade
6) Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade at AK
7) Electric Water Pageant

Also, can you think of any "not-to-miss" things? We have used the boards so much to plan and all of the input we have gotten has been SO helpful! Thanks again!

Jeanette

 

[kilee]

First, have a wonderful trip. Planning is key especially w/ the Holiday in there. However, w/ young kids you'll need to remain somewhat flexible to their needs too.

Viewing:
Personally in MK I like everything from Main Street-- there is nothing like seeing Wishes w/ the castle as the backdrop. I also like the atmosphere there for Spectro and the Share a Dream parade. It does require arriving extra early though if you want to sit. During a holiday week it could mean arriving 60-90 minutes early!! The parade viewing route can get 8 people deep 30 minutes before it even begins. We usually use this hour or so of downtime to have a snack, rest our feet, and let DS unwind alittle.

4th of July Illuminations--- you're gonna have to get a spot super early if you want close to front viewing around the lagoon is all I can say.

The Electric Water Pagent you'll need to view from 1 of the 7 seas lagoon resorts. Our on a water taxi (which will take good planning). I have only seen it from Ohana's at the Poly and the view was good but obscured. Personally, not a must see-- just a nice little bonus if we have time.

MGM Parade-- we like to sit right on Hollywood Blvd (??) near the photo shop-- it's the Main Street at MGM.

Jammin Jungle Parade-- we usually sit near the bridge to Asia-- however-- it's really just where we seem to end up-- no special reason there though. I know there are places (consult your map) that it circles around twice. It can be seen as it passes back through w/o the long waits usually. Many Diser's use that as a time saving tip.

 

[RamseyTrio]

Hi - I can't help you with all of them but I will say that we thoroughly enjoyed watching the Electric Water Pageant from the beach at the Polynesian after a lovely meal at 'Ohana. We also caught the MK fireworks from there which was a much better experience than in the park for us (too crowded and took forever to catch a ride to the parking lot). We always catch the MK parade from Liberty Square-there's usually shade and then when the parade passes you can get to Splash, BTMR,Haunted Mansion, etc...with little wait time.

HTH

 

[mommystieg]

Have a great trip!! Here is my 2 cents worth

1) Wishes--to see all the effects you will need to be on Main Street. Hopefully someone can recommend a great spot to get the full effect of the fireworks and all the stuff happening on the castle itself. We sat too close one night to really see the fireworks so the next night we stood in the circle with the Roy and Minnie statue. It was a great spot to see the aerial fireworks but it was difficult to see all of the castle--especially for the kids since everyone else is standing as well.

2)MK parade - Share a Dream Come True--we have watched that in Liberty Square. Like the previous poster said, once the parade passes you can hop on HM, BTMRR, or SM with little or no wait.

3)Spectromagic - anywhere along the parade route is a good spot; unless you plan on catching Wishes afterward. We once sat in Liberty Square for the parade but we were unable to make it through the crowds back to Main Street for the fireworks. If there are two Spectros offered during your visit, try the later one. It is not crowded and you can follow the parade out of the park.

4)Illuminations -- just be very cautious of wind direction when you pick your spot or you may end up viewing Illuminations through a huge cloud of smoke. We like watching from along the railing in Germany.

5)The MGM parade starts down by Star Tours so that's a great place to watch. You can usually find a shady bench in that area.

6)AK parade--this parade begins and ends in Africa so we like to watch from there. That way you can usually get lots of great pictures when the parade passes the second time.

7)We have watched the EWP from the beach at Fort Wilderness. I think the view would be great from any of the beaches of the monorail resorts.

With kids that age it is really important to be flexible. It is going to be hot and crowded so take it easy and take advantage of the air-conditioned attractions/shows. Be prepared to spend lots of time in Fantasyland. With our 4 y/o we always plan more time there because once we go in, we are never coming out

 

[vmkids]

The little side off of the tomorrow land bridge. Tinker bell flies right over you! WE had never seen this the other two years so made sure to see it and it was worth seeing! Made us all feel more in the magic. You never mentioned other shows but Beauty and the Beast and Tarzan I would sit higher up with little ones. This is because the characters are more magical from a distance. You miss a lot up close in Tarzan because of the skaters being behind you.

 

[Simba's Mom]

What resort are you staying at? If it's WL, or if you have a rental car and want to drive over, we loved watching it from the large 4th floor balcony one night.

 

[kilee]

I'm going to second going to a later Spectro if you can. They are almost usually less crowded than an earlier showing. This of course will depend on your kids and how late that 2nd showing is.

 

[thesoldtrain]

Once again, you all come through for me! Thanks for the advice...I am writing it all down on my itineraries now!

Jeanette