Which fireworks to see?

[Realfoodfans]

Just printed off my blank planning sheets and making a start on our choices for October. We won't be going into MNSSHP so wonder which evening events others have enjoyed elsewhere?

 

[OB1]

This is so tough since everyone has a favorite. My wife & I REALLY like Wishes, but are just luke warm for Illuminations and Fantasmic. Others will list those last 2 as must do. What it tells you is do what you can, and you will decide what your favorites are.

With the MNSSHP, seeing Wishes is more difficult. The nights that MK is open will be very busy with all the people that do not go to the private party. Good luck, and ENJOY you trip.

 

[ErinsMommy]

I LOVE Fantasmic so much more than Illuminations. Looking forward to seeing Star Wars as when we were there a couple of years ago the Frozen ones blew me away!

 

[Epcot82Guy]

And, to prove a couple posts up, Illuminations:ROE is the must do attraction for me at WDW (ride, show or otherwise). haha

I think it really depends most on what you are looking for in a show.
-Wishes has the atmosphere. The show itself is really just fireworks to Disney music. But, it's fireworks to Disney music in Magic Kingdom with that environment. It's classic "Disney."
-Illuminations is more inventive and unique. But, it's also a bit more abstract. The story of creating the world with the symbolism and little touches like the torches lighting when the candles touch on the globe, the globe opening into a lotus shape and Olympic torch to symbolize world peace, and the who way they tell sort of the history of the planet is just so darn creative for me, I love it. And, the music is second to none in any Disney show. But, it may require watching it several times to see those details. It's more "artistic" or "original" to me.
-Fantasmic is more like a show. The fireworks are a side note at best. But, it's sort of like the ultimate "cruise show" about Disney. And, on a grander scale. Having seen Disneyland's, ours feels a little lacking. But, those clip shows are admittedly not what I enjoy. So, that makes sense. For those that love the stage shows and/or the characters, it's awesome. So, it's more "Disney Films", let's say.
-Star Wars I can't give a fair shake since there was weather the night I was there. And, it admittedly got in the way of some of the effects.

The other thing to consider is timing. While it doesn't always work out based on hours, you usually can make it from Studios for Star Wars to Epcot for Illuminations via the International Gateway. You have to hoof it a bit along Boardwalk (cutting through the pool area). But, that's a great way to see A LOT of fireworks in one night.

Similarly, if you watch Illuminations from Canada or Mexico, you can usually make it out the Epcot front gate to the monorail and walk over to the Poly to watch Wishes from the beach. Also another great 1-2 Fireworks punch.

One big suggestion I will give to maybe help break the tie is to think about what you like to do before. If there are special treats, drinks, etc. you like - it's a great excuse to grab those while you wait for the particular show. If those are at Epcot - or MK - or Studios - you have your answer there!

 

[Parker Clan]

Our favorite is Illuminations, and we absolutely loved the Star Wars show!
We do love Wishes but if we had to choose we would go to Epcot for Illuminations

 

[Realfoodfans]

And, to prove a couple posts up, Illuminations:ROE is the must do attraction for me at WDW (ride, show or otherwise). haha

I think it really depends most on what you are looking for in a show.
-Wishes has the atmosphere. The show itself is really just fireworks to Disney music. But, it's fireworks to Disney music in Magic Kingdom with that environment. It's classic "Disney."
-Illuminations is more inventive and unique.

One big suggestion I will give to maybe help break the tie is to think about what you like to do before. If there are special treats, drinks, etc. you like - it's a great excuse to grab those while you wait for the particular show. If those are at Epcot - or MK - or Studios - you have your answer there!

Wow what a fantastic review for us! Thank you. We have seen the fireworks in MK and I do like them but this trip we have 2 little ones with us - youngest not quite 4 - so we don't think paying for MNSSHP would be worth it - can we see them without going to the party?

I'm thinking of trying to book us at Via Napoli for dinner (pizza being something we can all eat!) then watching after that.

Now you've made it sound like the littlies would enjoy Fantasmic too!

Thank you again!

 

[Realfoodfans]

Our favorite is Illuminations, and we absolutely loved the Star Wars show!
We do love Wishes but if we had to choose we would go to Epcot for Illuminations

Thank you - I think it sounds like this will be the one - and if the grandchildren enjoy it and aren't too shattered we could perhaps go in for Fantasmic after a pool afternoon but not make any ADR's in case it doesn't work out!

 

[amberpi]

There are tons of trips I've skipped Wishes, or seen it after Illuminations en route from Epcot/from the CG/Narcossees. I haven't seen Fantasmic in probably 8 years, and that'd be 15-20 trips. I often see Illuminations every night of a trip. I enjoy Wishes, but as a PP mentioned, its just really nice fireworks set to Disney music, its amazing, but Illuminations is just extra.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If you would like to see Wishes, you can see it on a non-MNSSHP night or you can see HalloWishes from an MK resort if you would like a view from outside the park. For instance, you could, perhaps, have dinner at Poly, GF or CR and then watch HalloWishes on a MNSSHP afterward.

Rivers of Light may or may not be showing during your trip, but it's worth keeping an eye out for opening dates and times during your trip, if that interests you.

I think Illuminations is a good pick. You can usually find a good spot around the lagoon without a lot of waiting time and it really is beautiful.

You may want to watch Fantasmic on youtube to see if you think your grandchildren will like it. There is a big dragon at the end which really scared my DS when he was 3 1/2.

 

[mousehockey37]

Go see all the fireworks. Just because you aren't doing the Halloween Party doesn't mean you can't watch Hallowishes. IMO, Hallowishes is one of the better fireworks shows they have. Illuminations is my #1, but hey, if you can get to somewhere that you have a view of the MK, watch BOTH versions of Wishes and everything else.

Disney isn't going to put blinders over your eyes so you can't see the Halloween party fireworks... They go off in the sky, just look up!

 

[loves to dive]

See how people are different, I don't like Illuminations at all and gladly skip it. I love Wishes but am not crazy about the pre-show thing on the castle (might be because I'm short and can't ever see the castle) I actually just like see tinkerbell fly but I stay for the fireworks. I enjoyed Fantasmic the first time or two but after that it was kind of been there done that. I've seen the Star Wars show twice, well I've seen bits and pieces of the Star Wars show twice. Again, I'm short and no matter how early I get there and get a spot, some tall man will come and stand right in front of me 2 seconds before the show starts. I have to kind of hop up and down and peek out of the sides to see one side of it. Last time we were at the Dolphin we could look out our window and see the Fireworks from both Epcot and HS so that was kind of nice.

 

[Realfoodfans]

If you would like to see Wishes, you can see it on a non-MNSSHP night or you can see HalloWishes from an MK resort if you would like a view from outside the park. For instance, you could, perhaps, have dinner at Poly, GF or CR and then watch HalloWishes on a MNSSHP afterward.

Rivers of Light may or may not be showing during your trip, but it's worth keeping an eye out for opening dates and times during your trip, if that interests you.

I think Illuminations is a good pick. You can usually find a good spot around the lagoon without a lot of waiting time and it really is beautiful.

You may want to watch Fantasmic on youtube to see if you think your grandchildren will like it. There is a big dragon at the end which really scared my DS when he was 3 1/2.

Thank you for the warning - our DGD does find some things scary so I will take a look!

 

[Realfoodfans]

Go see all the fireworks. Just because you aren't doing the Halloween Party doesn't mean you can't watch Hallowishes. IMO, Hallowishes is one of the better fireworks shows they have. Illuminations is my #1, but hey, if you can get to somewhere that you have a view of the MK, watch BOTH versions of Wishes and everything else.

Disney isn't going to put blinders over your eyes so you can't see the Halloween party fireworks... They go off in the sky, just look up!

i know we can't see them from our resort but that's what I was thinking - find out where we can see them & book a meal as PP advised once the dates/times are released - presumably around the 180 day mark. Thank you!

 

[Realfoodfans]

See how people are different, I don't like Illuminations at all and gladly skip it. I love Wishes but am not crazy about the pre-show thing on the castle (might be because I'm short and can't ever see the castle) I actually just like see tinkerbell fly but I stay for the fireworks. I enjoyed Fantasmic the first time or two but after that it was kind of been there done that. I've seen the Star Wars show twice, well I've seen bits and pieces of the Star Wars show twice. Again, I'm short and no matter how early I get there and get a spot, some tall man will come and stand right in front of me 2 seconds before the show starts. I have to kind of hop up and down and peek out of the sides to see one side of it. Last time we were at the Dolphin we could look out our window and see the Fireworks from both Epcot and HS so that was kind of nice.

That must have been great to see them from your room! I think as DGD will be in her stroller (ok she can be on someone's shoulders if we get blocked) Illuminations might be a good choice this time - and possibly book a meal to watch Wishes. I haven't mentioned previously but my DGS has special needs and he finds waiting/queuing very challenging so my plan is to book Via Napoli for supper and just to leave at the right time - fingers crossed my plans can be booked!

 

[Nancyg56]

Wow what a fantastic review for us! Thank you. We have seen the fireworks in MK and I do like them but this trip we have 2 little ones with us - youngest not quite 4 - so we don't think paying for MNSSHP would be worth it - can we see them without going to the party?

I'm thinking of trying to book us at Via Napoli for dinner (pizza being something we can all eat!) then watching after that.

Now you've made it sound like the littlies would enjoy Fantasmic too!

Thank you again!

Please make sure you review Fantasmic before you take young ones. This is Mickey's nightmare, and it can be intense for little kids. I had the "pleasure" of sitting behind a family with two little boys who were terrified. One had his head buried in his dads armpit and the other was hanging on to Mom facing backwards. They were not crying but they were scared. I have a DGD who we could nto take until she was 10, and she still hated it, so I was kind of distracted when the kids were afraid. I am not suggesting you woudl do this, but I think that if you were nto warned you woudl not think twice about taking kids to any DIsney show.

Thank you for the warning - our DGD does find some things scary so I will take a look!

My DGD would never have been able to sit through this when she was little.

For fireworks, I see no reason that you cannot see them all unless the kids dont stay up that late. You can walk right out and watch after Via Napoli. I liek that location, and I like Mexico as well.

If you time your meal, you can see Hallowishes after dinner from the beaches on the monorail line. I like Narcoossees at the Grand so we can see the show from that veranda, but you could watch from the marina. It is really a pretty awesome fireworks display.

There are a few nights that you can see WIshes from within the MK. I woudl avoid Saturday night if possible, it gets very crowded, but again, no reason not to see it from the beaches on the monorail line if you don't want to be inside.

 

[Hopefully]

We saw Fantasmic once and that was enough for us.
I love Wishes but it is just a really nice fireworks show.
We LOVE Illuminations. It is a fire, water, music, laser and fireworks show. It is unique and wonderful

 

[Realfoodfans]

Please make sure you review Fantasmic before you take young ones. This is Mickey's nightmare, and it can be intense for little kids. I had the "pleasure" of sitting behind a family with two little boys who were terrified. One had his head buried in his dads armpit and the other was hanging on to Mom facing backwards. They were not crying but they were scared. I have a DGD who we could nto take until she was 10, and she still hated it, so I was kind of distracted when the kids were afraid. I am not suggesting you woudl do this, but I think that if you were nto warned you woudl not think twice about taking kids to any DIsney show.
My DGD would never have been able to sit through this when she was little.
For fireworks, I see no reason that you cannot see them all unless the kids dont stay up that late. You can walk right out and watch after Via Napoli. I liek that location, and I like Mexico as well.
If you time your meal, you can see Hallowishes after dinner from the beaches on the monorail line. I like Narcoossees at the Grand so we can see the show from that veranda, but you could watch from the marina. It is really a pretty awesome fireworks display.
There are a few nights that you can see WIshes from within the MK. I woudl avoid Saturday night if possible, it gets very crowded, but again, no reason not to see it from the beaches on the monorail line if you don't want to be inside.

Thank you Nancy! Are you same age as me? Born in 56?
Excuse me asking what is probably a stupid question- what do you mean by "from the beaches on the monorail line"?
I don't think we will do Narcoossees with the littlies though hubs and I hope to stop there in the future! Is there any suitable QS you know of in that same area?
Again many thanks for the advice - very kind of experts to share their knowledge

 

[DisneyAnytime]

I can't imagine Disney without Wishes! But as seems to be the consensus -- Everyone has different tastes!

I will say that Fantasmic! is my least favorite Disney nighttime show. However, with the littles Illuminations would be preferable to Fantasmic!

Another way to see Wishes if you do not want to be in the crowd at the parks is on the Pirate and Pals Fireworks Cruise. It would be ideal for DGS since he would not have to wait around and there is constant entertainment. (Of course it is an additional expense that may or may not fit in the budget) We thoroughly enjoyed this last trip. There is a light dessert reception at the Contemporary before hand, then everyone walks down to the dock to board a small boat out on the Seven Seas Lagoon. You have an up-close view of the Water Pageant and an excellent seat for Wishes. You are also far enough away that the loud booms from the fireworks are not an issue for little ears. Between the two shows, any of the children who want to can have a turn at driving the boat and they get a share of pirate "booty".

Hopefully, Rivers of Light will be up and running by this summer giving yet another option! Regardless, there are plenty of night time entertainment options to keep you busy all trip long. Have Fun!!!

 

[Nancyg56]

Thank you Nancy! Are you same age as me? Born in 56?
Excuse me asking what is probably a stupid question- what do you mean by "from the beaches on the monorail line"?
I don't think we will do Narcoossees with the littlies though hubs and I hope to stop there in the future! Is there any suitable QS you know of in that same area?
Again many thanks for the advice - very kind of experts to share their knowledge

I sure am!

I meant from the monorail resorts beaches. I was not caffeinated enough I think!

If you want to watch wishes after dinner then think about Gasparillas Grill at the Grand. There is an outdoor patio and you can walk to the marina or the beach to see the show. You used to be able to use the veranda at Narcoosses but no longer can. The lobby has the Grand Orchestra st 5 pm and when we were there the Grand Pianist was entertaining after that.

At the Poly there is Captain Cooks, but my dd liked the pool qs better. I have no idea what the policy is there, but it's worth asking. You can see Wishes from any of the beaches, but she liked the little one by Aerotea.(sp) it was like a private beach.

I'm not familiar with viewing at the CR, but the Contemporary Cafe is a nice CS restaurant.

One thing I do know is that you can take kids to any restaurant and they are welcomed. If you wanted to hear the music with Hallowishes, consider booking an ADR at narcoossees for dessert and coffee. This one is one that I think works well with youngsters because it is less distracting than some of the others. I take little ones there, give them something to keep them occupied if they get fidgety.

 

[aretha30]

I love Wishes so they are always a must do for us. I do have to say that Star Wars is amazing. When we saw it in August we were awe struck. We went back and saw it a second time, it was that good! We are hoping that it will be around in August for our annual trip.