Which firework/laser shows are a can't miss?

[fanofdisney]

We have 2 day park-hopper tickets, so 2 evening shows. Which 2 would you say are the best? Also, any links to info. on them? Thanks

 

[sunny04]

Well, that's hard because I would say Wishes, Illuminations and Fantasmic are all excellent! However, Fantasmic is harder to see because you have a longer wait. So I would vote for Wishes and Illuminations. Wishes is at MK and is just excellent. Illuminations is at Epcot. I would say check out allearsnet.com for more info.

 

[TLinden16]

Welcome to the DIS, FanofDisney!

My two favorite evening shows are Fantasmic at MGM, and Wishes at the Magic Kingdom. Fantasmic is just an incredible experience--it combines film, live action, and fireworks. It's in a huge outdoor ampitheatre, and people start lining up 90 minutes in advance to get the best seats. You can also get a dinner package that includes seating for the show. You can read about Fantasmic here.

Wishes is an incredible fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom. Nothing lights up the castle like this fireworks display. Just don't stand too close to the castle or you'll miss a lot of the fireworks. Stand in the lower portion of the hub.

Karen

 

[sters]

In my opinion, Wishes at the Magic Kingdom is not to be missed, and is best seen on Main Street the first night of your trip. Why? Because is is such a feel-good presentation that infuses you with Disney magic and is a perfect end of a perfect first day at the theme parks. (If you are able to spend a week at WDW, I'd also see it on other nights from other spots, such as the Polynesian beach and from the Contemporary resort, but only after it's been seen from Main Street.)

My second choice would be Fantasmic, because it is a unique show. There is stadium seating and is more of a show than just fireworks set to music. The characters are there to present a story, which also has fireworks and lasers.

I know many people are fond of Illuminations, but it is my least favorite show, perhaps because I remember the show of long ago and the current edition is a pale shadow of its former glory. It's a moving experience as well and if you had 3 nights I would recommend seeing all thee. But if one had to go, this would be the show.

 

[slp87]

I agree that they are all wonderful. I was blown away after seeing Wishes last March. Fantasmic is great because the way it is presented is so unique. And then I find that Illuminations is amazing as well. Definitely read about all 3 of them because they are all so different.

 

[EEyorelover22]

If you do Wishes, you could see SpectroMagic if it's running that night. My DD loves that parade.

Do you have younger kids? If so, I think Wishes they would really enjoy the most. My DS13 likes Fantasmic! the best, but DD likes Wishes the best.

 

[kareneast]

At MK Spectromagic Parade (if it is a night it is showing) followed by Wishes and at MGM Fantasmic.

 

[MinnieM3]

I definitely would do Wishes! It is unbelievable....the music....the fireworks...the choreography between the two. It is breathtaking. We have gotten a great view from the bridge to Tomorrowland. It is a must do!

Illuminations would be my next pick. It is fabulous and the fireworks are great. Beautiful way to end the day at Epcot.

I know I'm in the minority, but I'd skip Fantasmic. Not nearly enough fireworks for me. More of a show. Hard to see if you're in the back. Takes too much time between waiting for the show and the show itself. Nothing special to anyone in my family.

 

[Philadisney]

i cast my vote for illuminations, hands down. several years ago i spent 4 months working at epcot and was lucky enough to spend two weeks working at illuminations. i saw it every night and never got sick of it. the music still sends chills down my spine. fantasmic and wishes are pretty, but illuminations is breathtaking.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Wishes and Illuminations for us.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

I'm with MinnieM3 and Aimeedyan on this one... definitely Wishes and Illuminations!

 

[Belle1997]

Well my Vote is Fantasmic a definate. Then Wishes and if you can Spectromagic. I did not enjoy illuminations much. So I guess you are either and Illuminations or Fantasmic fan. Seems to split right down the middle. Loved the music in fantasmic I let the park bouncing with the Disney Joy. Wishes is beautiful and and inspirational. i did not get what illuminations was all about I guess with all the hipe from the boards i expected some more. But it is still very nice. Good luck choosing.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Since you have hopper tickets, you may not necessarily have to cut out 1 of the 3 ... depending on scheduling, it may be possible to see 2 of them in one night. For example, if Fantasmic is at 7, and Illuminations is at 9, you could easily see both of them. In some rare cases, it's even possible to see all 3 in one night.

(I saw all 3 in one night when the timing was 8pm Fantasmic, 9pm Illuminations, 10pm Wishes ... it was very tiring, but also a lot of fun)

 

[roadtripper]

See Illuminations twice! One of the best things at the parks-- no question! We like Germany as a viewing area, but there are lots of great spots-- also depends on what you want to eat/drink while waiting-- margaritas? German beer and sausage? French pastries? Oooooohhh-- the stress

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

(I saw all 3 in one night when the timing was 8pm Fantasmic, 9pm Illuminations, 10pm Wishes ... it was very tiring, but also a lot of fun)

(yeah, yeah, I know, quoting myself is bad form, but ... )

For those that are interested in how I did it: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=660120

 

[KeeptheFaith]

Wishes and Illuminations are my favorite!