Favorite Spot to Watch Fireworks

[CastleOSullivan]

One year I went on the Rhine River cruise, and if I remember correctly, they were playing the music over the radio system. Last year I went on the cruise, and they weren't playing any music. I was pretty disappointed at that. I think the music is a big part of the overall experience. Has anybody been on the cruise yet this year? If so, did they play the music?

 

[chickenking]

To Nora & Peter R.,

When you guys picked Festa, where did you go? On AC or the spot near RR? I may check this out tonight.

 

[Zachary]

We were over next to Roman Rapids. I've always found it to be a pretty good spot.

 

[pandorazboxx]

Has anybody been on the cruise yet this year? If so, did they play the music?

They do but on speakers mounted on either side of the Rhine. If you don't sign up early you might get the third boat and you can't hear much of anything.

 

[kenwa]

The top of Apollo's Chariot is awesome but if that is not an option then Italy is the spot. The bridges get crowded and are hard for the little ones to get a good view. In Itality before you cross the bridge to Germany the traffic can be light and you can find a spot with a decent view without fighting for a spot.

 

[Hoopla]

I've heard that the Italy/Festa bridge is a bad view for the fireworks. Is that true?

 

[b.mac]

I've heard that the Italy/Festa bridge is a bad view for the fireworks. Is that true?

Not really, the fireworks clear the trees easily.

 

[chickenking]

Thanks guys for the Festa recommendation! It was a pretty nice view. But man there is a lot of shrapnel raining on you!! It was mostly small junk like drops of water hitting you on top of the head. But then, the bigger stuff follows. Two BIG chunks of cannon fodder hit me in the arm and leg. Not as crowded as I thought it would be. Got some good pictures. Stay tuned...

---

EDIT:

My favorite shot of the night!!

 

[Party Rocker]

Thanks guys for the Festa recommendation! It was a pretty nice view. But man there is a lot of shrapnel raining on you!! It was mostly small junk like drops of water hitting you on top of the head. But then, the bigger stuff follows. Two BIG chunks of cannon fodder hit me in the arm and leg. Not as crowded as I thought it would be. Got some good pictures. Stay tuned...

The wind controls the debris. Whenever the wind is Italy bound you are going to get hit with smoke and debris, but when it is Germany bound it flies off into Festhaus Park.

 

[Natoma]

I saw them once last year from the Scotland overflow parking lot, as recommended by an employee, and it turned out to be excellent. There are few people around, you don't have to crane your neck back to see the show, and as you can imagine it's a great panoramic view. The trams will only take you there on busy days, however. +1 to parking lots.

 

[CastleOSullivan]

I think it would be really neat if we could do a combined effort video of the fireworks (or any other show). We could simply go to the park at the same night, and each film from different locations. Sounds like something I've always wanted to do.

For the mods:If any of you think there should be a separate thread for this, then feel free to do so.

 

[mnofstl72]

Over at the tables behind the swings, drop down the umbrellas and relax.

 

[chickenking]

Last night I pulled over on the side of Rt. 60 to watch the show. Excellent view!! No shrapnel. Did have mosquitoes from the grass though.

 

[I305Evan]

You should back up a little bit more to have Apollo in front of the fireworks. Would be an amazing shot if done right.

 

[chickenking]

^
I take it you mean to center the 1st big drop (right side in picture)?

 

[Apollogeist]

I like watching the fireworks while on Apollo, great experience if timed during the finale.

 

[I305Evan]

^
I take it you mean to center the 1st big drop (right side in picture)?

Yes. It looks good to have a snip it of the drop, but if you were able to get the lift and drop in the picture and possibly a train, then it would be beyond epic.

 

[chickenking]

How's this?

 

[I305Evan]

If the fireworks were a bit lower (move back maybe, but if you're on the side of a road please don't ) that way it lights up the coaster track.

 

[chickenking]

Sorry Evan. I have to come clean. The picture above is 'shopped. It is simply not possible to get what you are describing on the side of the road. I am as far back (to the left going towards Newport News) of the park as I can go before my view gets obstructed by the bridge, and then power lines and trees. Moving the other way (towards Williamsburg where I was last night) only has my view being blocked by the trees lining BGW's road to their parking lots. So without being able to get much higher, or having the trees slashed, I can't get that shot from the side of Rt. 60 anywhere.

Here is the best I can get for you: