[PrincessPooh]

Let me start out by saying I know I am seriously overplanning here, but it's more like a game to me now than an actual game plan....

During our trip, we will only have one shot to view Spectromagic, since it's not being done everday. So the first day we arrive, I have a PS at Tony's for dinner at 5:45 and spectro is at 8:00, followed obviously by wishes at 9:00.

I know everyone here has to have some sort of secret "best spot" for seeing the parade. Where should I aim to go after dinner to line up?

[CaptShua]

We like to watch SpectroMagic from Main Street in front of the Emporium in the part of the street that they rope off.

I marked it on the map below if you can see it.

For wishes, we just find a spot anywhere on Main Street. As long as you can see the Castle, you'll see Wishes!

[ddoll]

Gee...I thought you got a special viewing spot when eating at Tony's....

[DarthTortoise]

I have found that good places are where the parade passes by and not so much with places like in front of Pirates or Mickeys Toontown or by Space Mountain. I havent really had a good view there.

[SnazzyCMB]

Originally Posted by DarthTortoise

I have found that good places are where the parade passes by and not so much with places like in front of Pirates or Mickeys Toontown or by Space Mountain. I havent really had a good view there.

Wow, that was a super helpful tip darth. What would we do without you?

[ddoll]

Wow! You really ARE the "Answer Man" Darth! LOL

[SplashMtnMan]

This is kind of off the wall....but I found the best kept secret for watching Spectro was in my bed at home after returning.

Let me explain...DW decided since this past trip was going to be our last for awhile, she was going to catch EVERYTHING on our DVC...so I knew that when I got home I would be able to watch all the parades there (Yes not the same as live, but close enough for me). I took advantage of the short lines and while DW/DS11 watched & recorded the parades...me and DS4 (who would not have sat still for parades anyway) went on rides.

Now Wishes, Illuminations...that is a whole other thing...NO WAY I would not see those live and in person.

By the way...DW did an outstanding job recording...as I have watched these parades at home on our HUGE TV, I have actually kind of felt like I was there.

[fearless1123]

[quote=SplashMtnMan]This is kind of off the wall....but I found the best kept secret for watching Spectro was in my bed at home after returning.

I did this several years ago and I always know when someone is watching it because I can hear the familiar music wafting thru the house. I am glad of every minute I have spent making movies on our Disney trips and just wish I had made even more!

[jo-jo]

Originally Posted by ddoll

Gee...I thought you got a special viewing spot when eating at Tony's....

Last trip we were eating at Tony's at a table by a window. There are tables outside but a storm came up, so no outside eating. Well, the weather cleared somewhat by parade time, and even though a CM kept tell people who were leaving Tony's that they had to sit down in order to stay on the porch area. She wasn't always successful. While others were eating dessert I left to stand on the sidewalk to see part of the parade.

[llama]

We watched from the second storey of the train station last time. There were even chairs up there, if you're lucky enough to grab one.

[Dana]

My favorite parade spot for the nighttime parade is on the train station. You will need to get yourself there up to 2 hours before the show, but it's worth every second you wait for it. The view is perfect. You can stay put and see wishes directly after and also have a great spot. The best part about this spot is that you not only have a perfect view, but you can get out of the park and to the bus/monorail/launch before the crowds start getting real thick. You have to get there early...really early and place yourself right at the railing so no one can come up at the last minute and stand right in front of you like they did to me last trip. Me and my DD always grab the spot and then take turns going in the shops while the other holds the location. It doens't get as boring waiting. Another option is to have counter service dinner up there to pass the time.

[Peppertink]

Originally Posted by DarthTortoise

I have found that good places are where the parade passes by and not so much with places like in front of Pirates or Mickeys Toontown or by Space Mountain. I havent really had a good view there.

Okie dokie pokie

[DarthTortoise]

Originally Posted by SnazzyCMB

Wow, that was a super helpful tip darth. What would we do without you?

Yeah, sorry 'bout that.

[jedijson]

The best secret place for watching SpectroMagic--in my opinion--is in front of the... what are those stupid things called? Shackles? That thing you can put your head and hands through over in Liberty Square. Not on the side where the flag poles are, though. On the side by the river. Now, I know you're asking "why?" and I'll tell you.

Because, right there, you're looking straight down the street and over the bridge to the castle. The parade comes STRAIGHT AT YOU, and then turns right in front of you. You have a better shot for your videos, and the parade seems to last a little longer, because they have to make that turn right there in front of you. Most people only get to see the sides of the floats. You get to see the front, too.

I recommend this same tactic at MGM for that parade. Walking down Hollywood Boulevard towards the hat, the space will open way up. On your right is where characters like Winnie the Pooh and friends, and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum are signing autographs. On your left is where Lilo & Stitch, the chipmunks, Pinocchio/Geppetto/whatever that rapscalion cat's name is that's not Geppetto's cat sign autographs. Right straight in front of you, there's a gold line that crosses your path. Stand right on the other side of it. Yes, you'll feel like a fool for standing there for forty-five minutes or so, but look on the bright side: 1) you'll be in practically every tourist photo taken for the next forty-five minutes; 2) you'll be in the perfect spot for the parade. It will come straight down the blvd at you, and then make a turn right in front of you. Unobstructed view for a long time!

Now, if you're wanting to see both Wishes and Spectro on the same night (makes sense) I would recommend you pick your Wishes spot (my fav is by the popcorn), and then catch the later Spectro. Otherwise, if you are in my fav spot for Spectro in Liberty Square, you won't be able to get a great spot for Wishes--unless you're there during off-peak time and very few people are there.

If you insist on seeing the 9:00 Spectro and then the 10:00 Wishes, the best place I can recommend is at the furthest "South" (no idea if it's actually south, but whatever) point at the circular drive in front of the Castle. That way, you're looking straight down Main Street, and, if you're going to be doing what we're doing in June and have your camcorder on a tripod, all you'll have to do is swing the tripod around and point it at the castle for Wishes--all without having to change spots. Sure, you'll have to point the camera above Walt's head, but that's not a big deal. You'll still be straight-on for Tinkerbell to do her thing, too. The drawback? You MUST get there early! That's a prime spot. It's far enough away from the castle to get Wishes, and SpectroMagic passes (and turns) right in front of you.

Just my opinion.

[Mickey Maniac]

Originally Posted by PrincessPooh

Let me start out by saying I know I am seriously overplanning here, but it's more like a game to me now than an actual game plan....

During our trip, we will only have one shot to view Spectromagic, since it's not being done everday. So the first day we arrive, I have a PS at Tony's for dinner at 5:45 and spectro is at 8:00, followed obviously by wishes at 9:00.

I know everyone here has to have some sort of secret "best spot" for seeing the parade. Where should I aim to go after dinner to line up?

I thought Spectromagic was every night? We are always there in November and they have it each night then Wishes, usually Spetro at 7 wishes 8