Conference koolit::disney

    For the  MK,  my  favorite spot in on the observation platflorm for the
    Train Station on Main Street.
    
    For Epcot, lumination  show  or  whatever they are calling it, is along
    the lake in between Mexico and China pavilions.
    
    Claude, 1114 days and counting

    At Disneyland, my favorite spots are:  the top of the Swiss Family
    Robinson Tree House, or on the Mark Twain Steamboat (timing is crucial,
    obviously) since the fireworks are reflected in the water.
    
    -Colleen

    Several places that you don't want to be in the Magic Kindom is
    on the terraces at the Tomorrowland Terrace, or AdventureLand in
    general.  
    
    Also, many people are under the impression that the fireworks are
    shot directly over Cinderella's Castle.  They are not.  They are
    shot from bunkers 1/3 of a mile behind the castle.
    
    My favorite spot for viewing the fireworks?  I like the observation
    deck on the top of the Contemporary.  You can't always hear the
    music, but you can see the fireworks from shot to explode.  From
    up there you can also see some of the fireworks and lasers from
    Illunimations and other parks (Sea World and Baseball and Boardwalk)
    too!
    

    Re: .3
    
      Joel,
    
        Why don't you like the Tomorrowland Terrace ? When I was there
      last year, thats where I parked myself. I was right up against
      the wall. I seemed OK to me. It even allows for good viewing of
      Tinkerbells flight !!
    
      George_who_only_has_19_days_to_go_!!!!!!! 

    
    
    	Another good place to watch from is the former CRO building
    	(behind the actual park for those who don't have access).
    
    	But unfortunately, it's not available to guests.  My boyfriend
    	and I would always watch while waiting for my best friend,
    	who works there, to get out. 
    
    	No crowds (usually just us two in the parking lot waiting)
    	and you could still hear the goings on!
    
    	Tigga~~~

    
    Secluded parking lot, only the two of you (Tigg~~ + ??) ????
    
    Hmmmmmmm.
    
    Which fireworks are you referring !!!
    
    
    Mark
    
    

    
    
    
    	RE: Which fireworks are you referring !!!
    
    	Heh heh heh...Why - the ones in the sky, of course
    	(she said ever so innocently as she bats her eyelashes)
    
    	(8
    
    	Tigg~~~

    What time does the fireworks display take place?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Karen
    (four days and counting...)
    

    Usually the Fantasy in the Sky fireworks happen at 10pm between the 9
    and 11pm Main Street Electrical Parade.  Be aware that the fireworks
    are not shot off above the castle, but from the silos 1/3 or a mile
    behind the castle.  Of course, this is the summer schedule that I'm
    talking about.  
    
    For the most definitive time, contact City Hall in the MK for an
    entertainment schedule.
    
    Joel

    Thanks.  Will check it out at City Hall.
    
    Regards,
    
    Karen
    (three days and counting)

    What about MGM -don't they have fireworks there too?  Any suggestions
    as to a good spot?
    
    Kathy
    

    For my money MGM has THE ABSOLUTE BEST fireworks of the three parks.
    The best spot is located directly in front of TGMR. "Fantasy in The
    Sky" involves low-level fireworks. For this reason visitors are not
    allowed to stand in TGMR plaza but instead are asked to remain behind
    the raised little greenery centered in front of the attraction. I
    planted myself there and waited for the show. Unlike the other two
    parks MGM offers a fireworks show that allows everyone to sit on the
    ground and watch the show with no problems.
    
    The combo of music, fireworks, lasers, and Mickey's appearance makes
    for a memorable show.
    
    Mike
    

    How long does the show last? We are eating in the Brown Derby the
    night the fireworks are at MGM when we go; will that put us in 
    a good position to view them when we come out?
    
    
    Only 10 more days...I can hardly stand the wait.....
    
    Got the 'itis REAL bad now (and I'm a first timer, too. Will it get worse
    when I get back?!),
    
    Ellen

    It's "Sorcery in the Sky" not "Fantasy in the Sky". The show lasts
    about 15-20 minutes. It really loses it's impact if you aren't in front
    of the theater.
    
    Check your schedule.
    
    Mike

    As Mike S. has already noted, you must view from directly in 
    front, the display is planned to be 2 Dimensional, and if you get 
    too far off to the side, it loses impact. Although not as totally 
    integrated as 'Illuminations', the music and fireworks are 
    interlinked, so you also need to be in a good listening position.
    The ideal is the plaza in front of the Chinese Theatre, and as you 
    move further back down Hollywood Boulevard, you still get a 
    reasonable view of the fireworks, but the music volume and effect 
    reduces.
    	    As noted in my trip report, the start time (10.30 during 
    the Summer) is not as precise as MK or EPCOT, it can be up to 
    10mins late.
    	    Viewing is good anywhere in the plaza, because the 
    fireworks take place over the theatre, which is pretty high 
    anyway. The only reason to get a spot right at the front could be 
    on Fri-Sun if the Rocketeer is scheduled to fly.
    
    Mike B.

    Mike is correct about the music. Unlike the other fireworks attractions
    "Sorcery..." can surround you with music especially in front of TGMR.
    
    Hmmmmm, last Summer the show went on at 11:00 not 10:30 as Mike B.
    pointed out.
    
    Mike

    The Park hours during our three weeks in July were 9:00 am to 
    10:30pm. It was frequently open earlier, but everything was always 
    being locked up at 10:30 - 10:45 while Sorcery was going on.
    
    Mike.

    re:  last few
    
    huh...what's TGMR?...
    
    Linda
    

	Stan and I snuck in a few days at WDW, while visiting.... Some
	incentives: We were already in FLA, we could pick up our
	annual passports early and make use of them before our big
	trip in late March 1992, got to see  the latest stuff; and also
	catch the E.L.P (Electric Light Parade) before it's gone; since
	it won't be there next March...

	Fireworks: off season.... at least through end of September;
	   I don't know what they have planned for October.

	Epcot - Hours are 9am-9pm; Illuminations every night at 9pm;
	   weather permitting....


	MGM - Hours are 9am-7pm - no fireworks; except Saturday night
	   they will be open till 8pm and will do the Sorcery in the
	   sky at 8pm....

	MK - Hours are 9am-7pm - no fireworks and no E.L.P.....
	    I am not sure what the extended Saturday hours are;
	    while we were there; there was extensive advertising
	    (like thru buss drivers, etc); that you'd only
	    be able to see the E.L.P. thru September 1st; 

	  BUT:::: Later (I think it was 9/2) we heard on T.V. an
	   advertisement geared towards Florida Residents; basically
	   luring them to make use of their Four Season Salute passports
	   and come spend the weekend at WDW; September 13th and 14th
	   (Friday and Saturday nights) will be the Grand Finale of
	   the Electrical Light Parade! Come and be part of it!!!!!

	   So if you're plans include being in WDW the 13th and 14th
	   of September; plan to cath E.L.P.; You may find the parks
	   more busy then; if they get enough locals to come to the
	   Grand Finale!


		- Annie


	p.S. more on our WDW part of the trip and stuff about
	staying at the yacht club and bus routes in a short trip
	report to follow sometime in the near future....
	The Muppet-Vision was great; there were NO LINES for
	space mountain (less than 5 min from outside to on the
	ride).....

    Oh Yeahhhhh.....of course it does!
    
    Thanks!
    Linda
    

    I am looking for some info on the fireworks show at MGM.  Is it every
    night or only one night a week?

    It depends on when you go. Two weeks ago (September), it was only
    on Saturday night. But it's worth making sure your Saturday night is
    free to see it!

    After reading John Maze's trip report I started thinking about
    something that's been irking me for a long time.
    
    I think they blew it when they designed the World Showcase Lagoon. I
    say this because let's face it, Illuminations would be much better if
    more people could see the barge and other things on the water.
    
    I've seen illuminations over a dozen times yet I really can't say I've
    ever gotten a good view of everything.
    
    Maybe the center of the lagoon and should have been built up a bit more 
    so everyone could see everything at a better angle. I know that the
    present arrangement makes for difficult viewing for the kids.
    
    Just my $.02.
    
    Mike

    Mike,
    
    I disagree, mainly because Illuminations wasn't originally part of the
    plans when the World Showcase Lagoon was designed and built.  I've only
    seen the show once (a mildly obstructed view near Mexico) and enjoyed
    it very much.  Of course, that doesn't mean there aren't problems with
    it.  
    
    There's one thing the Disney folks could do to improve the situation
    and that's presenting fireworks in the other parks during the so-called
    "off" season.  This would alleviate some of the mobs and mad rush that
    John Maze experienced because then EPCOT wouldn't be the only place in
    the World to see fireworks.
    
    Anyways, on our next trip, I may borrow a page from Ken Steinhardt's
    report and view the festivities from the "other" side of lagoon if only
    to avoid the crowds.
    
    - Skip

    It's kind of surprising to hear that fireworks were not planned for EC
    right from the beginning.
    
    By the way, EVERY view is obstructed when watching illuminations. I
    think there are a few pavillions that may offer a higher vantage point
    but other than that you'd have to be at that Mexican outdoor restaurant
    to get a decent view.
    
    It's difficult to do Illuminations and fireworks at EC because of the
    physical arrangement of the park.
    
    Anyway, I'll take "Sorcery..." any night over Illuminations.
    
    Mike

    Mike,
    
    You've got to remember that EPCOT was designed as a much different
    "theme park experience" than the MK.  And that's why the Disney
    characters didn't appear there at first.  Likewise, for fireworks.   I
    remember because I visited EPCOT a few short months after it opened.
    
    But I don't recall when Illuminations first started.  I know I saw it
    in '88 but I'm sure it was earlier than that.  Anyone know for sure??
    
    I do agree with you about the layout of the park.  Besides having it on
    the lagoon (which you have to admit is a pretty cool idea) where could
    they have done it??  Behind/over the American Adventure??  Nah, they'd
    lose a lot of potential viewing areas.  Behind/over Spaceship Earth?? 
    Nah, they'd have to set up in the parking lot...
    
    Can't comment on "Sorcery in the Sky"; haven't seen it yet.  And if
    Disney follows their current policy I doubt I will see it next year. 
    So I guess I'll have to wait for the '97 Bash... :-)
    
    - Skip

    I don't remember Illuminations when I went on my '87 trip.  Althought
    it was my first time (pretty special huh?) and I may have just
    overlooked it.
    
    John

I remember Illuminations being there in 1984-85. A good viewing
spot is behind the Pub at the England Pavillion. I've seen
Illuminations twice from that spot and both times it's not
been as crowded as other spots around the lagoon.

todd///

    It was not originally called Illuminations. The original name was
    something like "Lasertronic Spectacular" or something like that.
    
    I guess if I were part of the Imagineering Team designated to put
    together a show I would create something like this:
    
      - First I would put in place a few more speakers throughout the
        World Showcase Lagoon for max sound.
    
      - Then I would commission John Williams to write a musical score that
        focuses on each individual pavillion and build to a climax with the
        American Adventure.
    
      - I would also have colored fountains as we see now.
    
      - The show would begin with the waters and the music getting
        everyone's attention. As the music centers on each country that
        pavillion would light up. 
    
      - As the music moves on to another pavillion a laser from the first
        pavillion would fire onto that pavillion.
    
      - This would continue until finally the AA pavillion would be the
        final pavillion.
    
      - As the music builds towards the end of the presentation low level
        fireworks spouts from behind all the pavillions offering great
        views from all areas.
    
      - Of course the AA pavillion would have the biggest display of
        fireworks (red, white, and blue).
    
      - The music of course would be highlighted by singing voices and
        if you really want to go Hollywood you could play Michael Jackson's
        "Heal the World" throughout the entire presentation.
    
    They could do that or continue with the same old show.
    
    Hey, I think I'll build my own theme park and do that myself.
    
    Hmmmmm, welcome to Mike Scopa World. We hope you enjoy your stay with
    us at Dole Whip Resort. We recommend you visit the arcade for a
    complimentary game of Brazillian Dart Board.
    
    Must be the heat gang....must be the heat.
    
    Mike

    I think it was called "Laserphonic Fantasy" and I remember seeing
    it in August 1984.  It was billed as a symphony of sound, lasers,
    fountains and fireworks - or something like that.  Much more of
    the show focused on the sphere in the center of the lagoon and the
    fountains/mist screens around it.  Given that, you really needed a
    head-on view of the mist screens to really appreciate the show BUT
    if you had a good seat, you were able to see the entire show very
    clearly.  None of the pavilions were lit up during the show.
    
    Then came Illuminations which gets rid of the need for a head-on
    view of the mist screens but adds the problem of not being able to
    see the entire show from any one seating area.  I suppose that's good
    for repeat business but I was very disappointed the first time I saw
    it.  In addition to adding more speakers, I'd rearrange the vegetation
    surrounding the lagoon to make some of the views less obstructed.
    
    We've watched Illuminations from the area near the Mexico pavilion
    and noticed the fireworks weren't as loud as we'd like.  Just by
    chance we saw the Surprise in the Skies show from the area in front
    of the Italy pavilion.  The acoustics in that area seem to amplify
    the sounds!  We plan to watch Illuminations from there to test the
    theory.  Anyone else notice this?
    
    Ruth

	I forget exactly when EPCOT opened; early 1980's? Anyhow,
	EPCOT was very different in spring of 1984 ( the first time
	I went to WDW). I think one of the big things was the
	landscaping was new. Most of the trees were VERY small!
	It is really interesting to look back at the pictures
	from 1984 VS. the pictures from last Spring (Mar 1992)
	and see the difference... There are places where you could
	get really nice pictures which are now blocked by trees.
	In particular, the islands in the middle had very small
	trees back then ( it's 10 years later).

	You see the same thing in MK, the trees leading up to
	the castle block more of it every year. If you have a
	chance and have old pictures, it's nice to do the
	comparison.

	Also the display on the lagoon changed a couple of times;
	It became Illuminations in late '80's and changed names
	twice before that (I think). I am sure if I look back thru
	those old photos, or the weekly calendars I kept I will
	have the names./ I'll see if I can post them....

		- Annie

    Annie,
    
    You're right regarding the trees. It's amazing to see the difference in
    the trees, especially when you look at old photos of Main Street U.S.A.
    and the trees at the hub in front of the castle.
    
    I guess TMK will always have decent viewing spots for the fireworks,
    but you need to be in front of the castle to hear the music.
    
    Mike_who_is_glad_to_see_this_conference_a_bit_more_active_today
    

    Although I agree there are obstructions basically at every location in
    EPCOT I kind of like the anticipation on 'where are we going to stand
    tonight'.  I've seen the show probably 8 times in three trips and each
    location (never the same) just presents something new and makes it more
    interesting to me.  I can almost say the same about Spectro Magic, each
    viewing location brings something new.
    
    -Jay