Originally Posted By RoadTrip I cannot understand waiting for any of Disney's fireworks shows for more than half an hour. If you don't get to see it PERFECTLY, so what? At WDW's Fantasmic there are always seats to be had 15 minutes before the show. Sure, they are off to the side, but the amphitheater is designed so you have a good view from anywhere. For Illuminations at Epcot you have a huge amount of space to choose from. Some spots may have a view partially obstructed by trees or whatever, but again I don't see it as a big deal. At least at Epcot you can have a glass of wine while you're waiting!! No one will agree with me on this, but I think the best place to see the MK's fireworks is outside the park. The MK show has never impressed me that much (though Wishes is far better than the previous show), and the crowds leaving the park after the show are CRAZY! We almost always head for the exit about 15 minutes before the fireworks are scheduled to start. I know all this probably make me un-Disney and perhaps un-American. Oh well.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip ^^^ Oops... the problem with reading all sections combined is that sometimes you're not sure where you are. I see now this is the Disneyland section and I was talking about WDW. I guess most everything I said holds true for Disneyland too; except for the fact that Fantasmic is a disaster as far as viewing locations go. The WDW show may not be quite as good, but you sure see it better!!
Originally Posted By Dabob2 <I guess most everything I said holds true for Disneyland too; > Except that the DL (RDTC) show actually is worth waiting for.
Originally Posted By spaced Hey you forgot to mention the stroller that we were using to keep everyone away Sorry but we were trying to save spots for relatives from Illinois. They never made it due to getting stopped by the Electrical parade. The two 5 year olds that we did have on our shoulders loved the fireworks. I think I got them to believe that Tinkerbell actually flew without the help of wires. Love Disney Magic But next time they will wait with us since the family was upset that they didnt get to see the fireworks from the front of the castle
Originally Posted By gadzuux Five year olds on shoulders - also "not okay". Better to hold them in the crook of your arms - harder to do but more considerate of people behind you. But who cares about them, right?
Originally Posted By TrixieBel Reading through all the etiquette makes me realise that this is one thing that's done differently in different parts of the world. Here in Australia, most people won't bother queuing for so long for a parade, but will start turning up maybe an hour before. The general thing that happens when a parade starts is that the adults stand back a bit and let the kids (and shorter people) down the front so they can see. So, if you've ever come across someone trying to let their kid slide through to the front to see the parade, it could be that they're from "downunder" where that's normal... As for the actual queue jumping, we definitely don't have a different system for that here, and I've been known to tell someone to get to the back when they try getting in - in fact I was at a rugby game (BIG game) where the whole line boooed the people who tried to push in! Regards Jenn in Sydney, Australia
Originally Posted By x Pirate_Princess x I have been known to have the other adult in my party hold the spot that we all staked out if I had to take my kids (one or both) to the bathroom while waiting. As far as putting her on my shoulders, I won't...she stands on the bench and is barely taller than me. I have also been known to have my 5 year old wiggle to the front to watch a parade. It's usually just kids in the front anyway, since all the adults behind are standing, and 99% of the time, people are kind enough to scoot to give her tiny tooshy room. I can't stand it when people "hold spots" either in line or for the fireworks or parade. Like most have said, holding it for a bit while one or 2 people hit the restrooms or get refreshments is ok, but all people should have been there to start with...not putting down a tarp or blanket or whatever. It's rude and creates a hazard when it's in the middle of the road 6 hours before the show.
Originally Posted By pecos bill I have gotten in a few confrontations over this, but my take is that a person in the flesh, outranks some clowns blanket boundary. I wonder what stand the park takes.
Originally Posted By x Pirate_Princess x >>I wonder what stand the park takes.<< I can aask when I go on Sunday...we're planning on watching the Fireworks. I think they do have a problem with people plopping in the middle of the road before THEY start roping off the boundaries in front of the castle. It's a major walkway. But I've seen people in front of the ROA to watch Fantasmic! while it was still daylight out..and they have the tarp/blanket down. They are more out of the way, against the water. Maybe they figure if people don't complain, they won't say anything. No harm, no foul, KWIM?
Originally Posted By Mickey1955 I used to work in an elementary school (with Tink2002!). The kids had a term for what these adults are doing. They called it "shorty cuts". We'd send them to the end of the line, along with the person that let them in!! Gee, think that would work in a Disneyland line?
Originally Posted By The Blue Parrot This one is certainly an interesting subject. Disney kind of created the problem by allowing folks to plop down pretty much as they please. The fireworks have always been popular but in years gone by I don't recall that many people camping out or saving space for more than a half hour before the fireworks began. All that said, I think that Disney could take steps to make things a bit less confusing. It's one thing to sit on a bench or curbside, but perhaps kepping the street clear for safety would be a good idea. Let folks use it as intended as a walkway. Maybe at 9 pm, Cast Members could then allow guests to sit on a first-come first seated basis in an orderly fashion. And yes, this would mean that Security would have to be visible and handle unruly guests rather than leave it up to Cast Members. Anything is better than the current chaos that ensues at times now... Check out The Blue Parrot. Disney, Pop Culture and Entertainment - 6 Days A Week. <a href="http://www.theblueparrot.info" target="_blank">http://www.theblueparrot.info</a>
Originally Posted By dlkozy >>>" The two 5 year olds that we did have on our shoulders loved the fireworks"<<< Next time, please be considerate of those standing behind you and do not become a human totem pole! Holding your child so that you are snuggled head to head is not only more fun-it lets those behind you have a good view too!
