FastPass for Electrical Parade or Wishes!

[James Gavin]

I am traveling to Walt Disney World in June, and it will be the first time sin four years. Obviously since then they have drastically changed the FastPass system. Parts of it I don't like, but I do LOVE that you can choose three FastPasses in advance. (I do find it sad though that if you are going to two parks in one day, you can't do one FastPass at one park, and like two at the other, but that's not really important.

My question to anyone who has gone lately is about The Main Street Electrical Parade and the Wishes Fireworks at Magic Kingdom. They are my absolute favorite part of Magic Kingdom, especially the parade. It's a huge part of my childhood. However, for years it has always been really easy for me to find a good spot for the parade, and I usually just stay there for Wishes. Now that they are doing FastPasses for the Parade and Wishes, I'm confused...

It is really necessary? Do they section off enough space for the parade that people with Fastpasses get all the good places to watch? I've heard someone say if you get a FastPass for the parade, you don't need one for Wishes, because you can just say where you are for Wishes. However, I'd rather not waste a FastPass on the parade if I don't need to. I only get three in advance, and there are definitely other rides with long waits I could use them on. I don't want to lose out on the parade though, but I'm guessing I can do what I've always done and see find good spots?

Help!

 

[englanddg]

I wouldn't use a FP for either. Just do like always and show up early to snag the good spot.

 

[JohnD]

I decided to use FP for both on my arrival day. My first FP isn't until 8:30 pm for 7DMT with Wishes at 10 and MSEP at 11. But then again I live in FL and have been back 6-7 times since October 2013.

The Wishes location is in front of Casey's Corner in the new hub area. The MSEP parade location is in the MS loop in front of the train station.

 

[James Gavin]

John, it sounds like places I've never watched the parade from before. I usually try to get a spot in that loop in front of the castle. Parade goes by, and then it's prime spot for wishes. It sounds like fastpass people don't take up spots in that area?

I decided to use FP for both on my arrival day. My first FP isn't until 8:30 pm for 7DMT with Wishes at 10 and MSEP at 11. But then again I live in FL and have been back 6-7 times since October 2013.

The Wishes location is in front of Casey's Corner in the new hub area. The MSEP parade location is in the MS loop in front of the train station.

 

[JohnD]

John, it sounds like places I've never watched the parade from before. I usually try to get a spot in that loop in front of the castle. Parade goes by, and then it's prime spot for wishes. It sounds like fastpass people don't take up spots in that area?

MSEP is advertised as being in the "Town's Square Viewing Area". Can't speak to FOF. My guess is it has to do with the hub reconstruction work.

 

[JohnD]

Here's a Mom's Panel link that verifies the location: http://disneyparksmomspanel.disney.go.com/questions.aspx?pgm=2&pid=120&cid=125&qid=280086

Sounds like an either or situation for you if choose one.

 

[James Gavin]

So, I'm confused. The FastPass viewing area for the Electrical Parade is basically at the start of the parade route. Way back by Tony's restaurant?

Here's a Mom's Panel link that verifies the location: http://disneyparksmomspanel.disney.go.com/questions.aspx?pgm=2&pid=120&cid=125&qid=280086

Sounds like an either or situation for you if choose one.

 

[JohnD]

So, I'm confused. The FastPass viewing area for the Electrical Parade is basically at the start of the parade route. Way back by Tony's restaurant?

Apparently so. I personally haven't experienced it there either. So, unless you want to watch the fireworks from back there (choosing the early parade), you may not want to do a FP+. That's why I'm doing the later parade after the fireworks. It puts me near the exit near park closing.

 

[Philharmagically]

Following on from the original question... I have a FP for Festival of Fantasy. Should I switch it to Wishes now that the new viewing areas are in place?

 

[JohnD]

Following on from the original question... I have a FP for Festival of Fantasy. Should I switch it to Wishes now that the new viewing areas are in place?

What location does your FP list for FOF?

 

[stevehousse]

I wouldn't use either as my first 3 selections pre park, but if there is availability still later in the day I would consider it.

 

[Philharmagically]

What location does your FP list for FOF?

Town Square.

 

[JohnD]

Town Square.

Well, that settles that. I agree that if you have a morning arrival don't use your first three for these. I have an evening arrival, so I'm using two of my three for Wishes and MSEP.