[Sheryl]

It's my parents first time to Walt Disney World. It might be their one and only time. We're going for one day. One day only. Both Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks and Illuminations are at 9:00pm.
So, my question is...which one? Which is most impressive?

[ilvminnie]

Sheryl, in my humble (but of course correct!) opinion, I'd go for Illuminations. It's got a great display on the globe, awesome music, plus fireworks! We love it...saw it twice the last time we were there last month.

[mickey]

I agree, I would also go for Illuminations. Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks is just that, fireworks. Illuminations is much more of a show, as mentioned. We make sure to see it several times on all our trips.

[garnet]

I would never miss Illuminations, but if you are going in December and the Christmas parade is also on in the Magic Kingdom it could be a toss up. I love the toy soldiers marching down the street. In one month we'll be there. we should be walking around epcot at this very time.

[DJB51769]

I'd agree with Illuminations, you can see fireworks anywhere...
But this, you won't.

[jwdj4lfe]

Hey sheryl, welcome to disneycentral! I guess im the only one that would rather go with fantasy in the sky. Illuminations is a great show with lots of special and visual effects, certaintly more fun than watching some fireworks. Illuminations is impressive, but IMHO nothing is more impressive then seeing the sky behind cinderella's castle light up. I guess im a traditional disney fan, lol. Another thing to point out. Would whatever night show you pick be that park you go to that one day? If this will be your parents one and only trip to WDW, go with Magic Kingdom. That way they can experience the true disney magic. I just love standing on main street and watching the castle turn colors and having those fireworks the size of texas exploding while listening to "when you wish upon a star"..its just magical!:love:
Joe:)

[wdwspider]

Originally posted by jwdj4lfe
Hey sheryl, welcome to disneycentral! I guess im the only one that would rather go with fantasy in the sky. Illuminations is a great show with lots of special and visual effects, certaintly more fun than watching some fireworks. Illuminations is impressive, but IMHO nothing is more impressive then seeing the sky behind cinderella's castle light up. I guess im a traditional disney fan, lol. Another thing to point out. Would whatever night show you pick be that park you go to that one day? If this will be your parents one and only trip to WDW, go with Magic Kingdom. That way they can experience the true disney magic. I just love standing on main street and watching the castle turn colors and having those fireworks the size of texas exploding while listening to "when you wish upon a star"..its just magical!:love:
Joe:)

I was about to say something similar. Illuminations is Awesome, but for a potential one-shot deal, don't miss out on the fireworks behind the Castle, it's an opportunity of a life-time. EPCOT is always great, but everything at Magic Kingdom is so magicl. I suggest for this particular case, go to Fantasy in the Sky. If this had been purely a decision for you I would have said different. Hope you understand my rationalization.

[MickeyMac]

Have you asked your parents what they would prefer? I love the show of Illuminations, but the childlike fantasy of FIS. Each have their merits, and bring their own set of goosebumps. What do they like to do? That might tell you a lot.

[disneycouple30]

It all depends on where you want to do the one day experience. You can't hop from one park to another without at least a four day pass hopper if I'm not mistaken. So if you are only going be there for one day you must decide which park you be at. Plus how old are your parents. To see the parade and the fireworks at MK just remember that there will be about 50,000 to 80,000 people in the MK if you are there on a weekend. If not on a weekend then you may not have the fireworks at night or the parade. I suggest Illuminations over the Fantasy in the Sky. The fireworks at MK is only about 10 mins long while Illuminations is closer to 20 mins. Plus if you watch it from the American pavialion by the time you get the front most of the people will have left and it will be a little easier to get out to your car. I think your parents would enjoy Epcot more than MK if the crowds are large. We hardly ever go to MK on the weekend we are down there unless we are staying at the contemporary. The hassle is to much. We spend our weekends at Epcot or MGM.

[trishb]

Sheryl....if you are going to be in the area (and are only going to the parks one day) Why not see Fantasy in the Sky from a MK resort, such as the Polynesian or the Contemporary, on another day? It will cost nothing, and you can enjoy Disney magic for just a little longer. The Polynesian has swings on the beach, for perfect viewing. The Contemporary has an observation deck. Consider it an alternative, should you decide to see Illuminations (which I recommend).

[Sheryl]

Thanks for =all= the posts!! Now I'm more confused than ever! :p (just kidding)

There are 10 of us going. My parents, my crew, and my brother's crew (using a left over day from their park hoppers). So we are park hopping! (That's another post how I put that together :laugh) So we are starting an early entry day in MK. It's Jan 2, 2003. My brother's wife said they wanted to skip Epcot all together but I already sent an email I might steer us over for illuminations at the end.... I'm the one that's made all the plans (their just letting me go crazy!) for everything so "if I plan it, it will happen" (like "if I build it, they will come".. lol.. I never saw that movie)

My parents are in their 60's..... My dad really doesn't like crowds and both my parents say they are only coming to be with the kids. I can see my Dad skipping out on us all-together at some point during the day and going back to the resort to take a nap.

Growing up, my parents took me to Opryland (it's gone now) in Nashville almost every year. They love shows!
I guess, with all the advice, if Illuminations show is 10 minutes longer, that might be the way to go, although I do remember my first time to Walt Disney World and seeing the fireworks behind the castle. It does make an impression. Probably my parents would be more interested in having a good seat and whichever would be less crowded. heh.

Since we are arriving Jan 1st - that's a great idea to go see the fireworks from one of those other resorts. I never would have thought of that!! Brilliant idea!!! Also, my brother's family can opt out (if they want to) and go to sleep early while I take my parents to see the fireworks!! Terrific idea Trishb!

Thank you so much EVERYONE for all the comments for each! I really appreciate it!!!

[disneyitis]

Sheryl,
whatever you decide will be perfect, I have one thing to say, we took my parents to see fantasy, and spectro magic parade, let me tell you it was **** getting two elderly people out of the magic kingdom. of course if there is no spectro magic it probably wont be as bad. on the other side of the coin, epcot is easy exiting, and my parents loved the parade and fireworks/music spectacular.

[Sheryl]

SpectroMagic =is= that night at 8:00pm. FIS is at 9:00pm

My dad is really into "efficiency" - the more "efficient" the plans are (not waiting too long for buses or battling too much of a crowd) the happier he'll be. That's why I'm planning everything like crazy!!

Looks like for the personality of my Dad alone I should go to Illuminations. If MK is going to be packed and it will be difficult exiting, that probably won't be a best impression to end the day with. That's the whole reason I really wanted early enty..to make sure the first impression of the day would be more of a "Look how fast and easy it was to enter the park"..

My hope is that the day will be SO enjoyable for them I can talk them into coming back!

[disneycouple30]

If you are going to be there on the 1St of Jan, there is only one place to watch the firework from. The Poly is the best. The MK will be packed with about 85,000 to 100,000 people those two days. I suggest if you don't want to your parents be trampled I suggest Epcot. Find them a nice bench over by Italy and enjoy Illuminations. Even if you watch the fireworks from the Poly unless you are staying at the Poly it will be a mad house getting out of there.

[trishb]

If a fast exit is what you need...I recommend parking at the Boardwalk or Beach Club (parking at the Boardwalk is easier, it has a visitors parking lot). You can watch Illuminations from the bridge near France and make a quick exit out of the International Gateway. If you are not familiar, it is only a short walk to the Boardwalk Resort (and parking area).

Happy planning!