Wishes/Celebrate the Magic

[IAmElsan]

Hi all,
Last minute one day trip is set for next Saturday and I've been reading around about the fireworks shows and whatnot. On the day of our visit it states that CTM is at 9:45 and 10:35 while Wishes is at 10PM. Since this was literally a last minute out of no where decision to go to the park next Saturday I'm lost and confused regarding the FP+ and whatnot for these shows as well parades. Can we still watch these shows and the parades without a FP+ or because we won't be able to get one will we end up with less than great viewing areas for all of these events? I just want to make the most of our only day at MK and not end up missing something great.

Thanks in advance for any assistance with this matter.

 

[lovethattink]

A FP+ gets you into a reserved area. The shows are open to everyone to view. Just be aware the hub gets very crowded.

 

[MHDTS]

Since FastPass is controlled, the viewing area not as congested as the non-FP space in front of the Magic Castle. So if seeing the fireworks is a priority, the FP is definitely worth it.

 

[jlnten17]

We had a FP for wishes and at first I thought it was great. Nice grassy spot to sit. Then everyone stands (bummer) so you have to stand if you want to see anything but it was much less congested and a great spot to take a break and sit down before the show starts. Keep checking for a FP and you may get lucky. People are always changing those. I got ours the day of because I cancelled 7DMT (it was too fast for our 4 yr old). Also a CM I spoke with told me to watch from the building where the Railroad loads right at park entrance. Never tried it but looks like a lot of people did stake out a place there and seems like a good place if you want to get out quick after the show is over without fighting the masses trying to head up main street.

 

[rpb718]

Loved the FP+ area for CtM/Wishes. On night's when there's more than one MSEP, nothing beats grabbing snacks and drinks from the bakery or popcorn and/or ice cream and heading over for a nice little picnic sitting on the grass while the first MSEP is going on. We stay towards the back of the FP+ area, which doesn't get more crowded until after the end of the MSEP. Sometimes you can stay sitting for CtM, but usually we have to stand by the time Wishes starts and the area finally fills up with the folks who may have been blocked from getting there due to the MSEP. When the weather is just right, just that time spent sitting down for a while relaxing is enough of a recharge to handle the rest of the evening after a long day at the parks.

 

[IAmElsan]

I'll try and keep an eye for a FP+ To become available but I would need 3 if there is 3 of us correct?
Since it's looking like a FP+ isn't likely what are the best locations to try to find a spot and the best strategy of doing so?

Thanks again for all the help!!

 

[got15]

I'll try and keep an eye for a FP+ To become available but I would need 3 if there is 3 of us correct?
Since it's looking like a FP+ isn't likely what are the best locations to try to find a spot and the best strategy of doing so?

Thanks again for all the help!!

Yes, you would need 3 unless a member of your party is under 3.

 

[IAmElsan]

Are CTM and Wishes in 2 different locations or are they done almost back to back since one states a 9:45 time and the other right at 10...

 

[Robo]

Are CTM and Wishes in 2 different locations or are they done almost back to back since one states a 9:45 time and the other right at 10...

Wishes follows the end of CtM by 5 minutes.
Both can be seen if you have a clear view of the front of the castle with no trees to block the sky.

 

[IAmElsan]

Wishes follows the end of CtM by 5 minutes.
Both can be seen if you have a clear view of the front of the castle with no trees to block the sky.

I'm thinking that would work best if we have a good spot for CTM that way it just segways into Wishes....probably would have to find a new spot for the parade later at 11?

 

[IAmElsan]

Woohoo just scored FP+ for the first showing of the Electric parade, now if only wishes FP+ can become available that would be amazing!! Lol

What area will be the FP+ to go to for this parade so I have a general idea of where to go at my designated time and also would it be a good area to stay in for CTM/wishes??

 

[Robo]

I'm thinking that would work best if we have a good spot for CTM that way it just segways into Wishes....probably would have to find a new spot for the parade later at 11?

You will have no trouble finding a great spot to watch the second parade.
I recommend a spot near Hall of Presidents.

 

[Robo]

What area will be the FP+ to go to for this parade so I have a general idea of where to go at my designated time and also would it be a good area to stay in for CTM/wishes??

The Town Square parade FP+ area is seen below.
While it is a "just OK" spot to see Wishes, it is not a good viewing location for CtM.

 

[IAmElsan]

The Town Square parade FP+ area is seen below.
While it is a "just OK" spot to see Wishes, it is not a good viewing location for CtM.

Awesome thanks for that!
Where would be a nice spot for CTM?
Also since we are watching the first run of the parade would we be able to even end up with a good spot for the fireworks after at 10?

 

[tator320]

The Town Square parade FP+ area is seen below.
While it is a "just OK" spot to see Wishes, it is not a good viewing location for CtM.

Where are the entrances to the Wishes Fastpass area? Both the Plaza and Casey area would be helpful to hear. We will be a group of 17 coming from the MSEP FP area to the Wishes area and don't want to overshoot it or otherwise be confused given our groups size and lack of nimbleness.

thanks!

 

[Robo]

Awesome thanks for that!
1. Where would be a nice spot for CTM?
2. Also since we are watching the first run of the parade would we be able to even end up with a good spot for the fireworks after at 10?

1. Anyplace with a nice view of the full front face of the castle.
The hub and the southern half of Main Street are good.

2. It depends on how many other guests are doing the same thing and how early you pick your spot.
There are many places which to stand from which you can enjoy great viewing of all three evening spectaculars without needing to move.
Again, this spots may fill quickly.

 

[Robo]

Where are the entrances to the Wishes Fastpass area? Both the Plaza and Casey area would be helpful to hear. We will be a group of 17 coming from the MSEP FP area to the Wishes area and don't want to overshoot it or otherwise be confused given our groups size and lack of nimbleness.

thanks!

On the map below:
Entrance for the West FP+ fireworks area is directly to the left of the word "West."
Entrance for the East FP+ fireworks area is directly to the right of the word "East."

 

[tator320]

Thanks Robo!