The new show (video below) first showed in early June and it’s something worth seeing. While the old show was truly about heart pounding music and big explosions, the new one has a variety of music themes and looks to be really fun. But don’t let us tell you about it…. watch this amatuer video posted to YouTube.

It all starts with the fireworks – show up early enough to get a standing spot near the tomorrow land walk way but not so early that you waste hours waiting. Once the firework show is wrapping up (you’ll know from the music) start heading into tomorrow land. Now this may seem counterproductive but trust us – Disneyland will be forcing people out of adventure and tomorrow land and right into your way if you try to take the direct route. In fact if you do manage to get in you’ll find yourself pushed up and away from the water as the masses exit.

Once you approach tomorrow land head left behind matterhorn, behind the castle and past fantasy land to the back of the park. Wave goodbye to toon town as you head on down behind big thunder mountain and to the water where you’ll soon be seated. While this is almost an entire walk of the park a fast walker can do it in 6 or 7 minutes well before the firework crowds have left up. If you really hustle (or just leave a few minutes before the fireworks end) you may find yourself roped off right by the boat enterance but no worries, that rope lifts as soon as the Fantasmic area has been cleared of people and trash leaving you in prime position to rapidly walk (no running) right up to your prime spot.

Our preference is right next to the center light pole by the fence but some people may prefer to pick a spot a bit further back where standing is allowed (the front area requires everyone to sit including kids).

And there you have it… the 7 minute loop that gets you the seats while everyone else waits for the crowd police to let them fight for the backrow.

For added benefit have on “runner” get your seats while the rest of your group watches the show, grabs a snack and uses the facilities. So long as everyone shows up about 10-15 minutes before the show starts they’ll be able to claim their spot – just be sure your runner has enough force to protect their seats!

2009 Calendar of events:
Main Park: Open 8am – 12pm
California Adventure: Open  10am – 9pm
Dreams will come true fireworks: 9:25pm
Fantasmic:  9pm, 10:30pm
For updated times and additional events see the Disneyland Calendar.

Breakfast –

Muffins, coffee and other quick snacks are available all over but for something a bit nicer we like to start with the Carnation Café and an order of Mickey Mouse waffles. Sure they’re made for kids but come on, it’s Valentine’s Day (or the day after) and you’re in the park. If you’re looking to eat outside of the park step it up from Starbucks or Dennys and give Mimi’s Cafe or a local dinner a try. Better food, better service.

Dinner –

By far the most popular spot for a romantic dinner in the park is the Blue Bayou. Located inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride this restaurant offers good food in a calm, low lite and just plain relaxing environment. Of course you won’t be the only one trying to get in so we’d suggest calling way in advance, weeks if possible, days if you must. If you happen to call before they start taking reservations for the day find out when to call back and book it.

If you don’t want to hit the Blue Bayou or just didn’t get a spot in time there are other options.  Cafe Orleans and River Belle Terrace may not seem like romantic spots with the kids that usually fill them but they offer great views of the water and any shows going on that evening.

Most of the restaurants at Downtown Disney will feature some sort of Valentine’s Day special with dinner and possibly music or entertainment (see this site for some of the 2008 events ). If this sounds like the right fit for you be sure to call in advance to find out their specials and reserve a seat. The restaurants at the Garden Walk are also a great option for dinner with PF Changs as our personal favorite for the evening, but again call early.

Things to do:

There’s nothing wrong with creating some fun memories and character photos are a great way to do that even if they may seem like a kid’s idea of fun. You’ll find lots of characters around the park through the day; some in more festive outfits than usual and all willing to take a perfect picture so bring the camera and hand it off to the next couple in line.

The steamboat may not be a class-5 roller coaster but it’s a pretty view and another nice time to sit back and relax. With couples in the park expect a more romantic vibe to the evening trips.

While there will likely be a few rides shut down as February is the off season, most of your favorites should be up and running so go have a blast, that’s what you’re here for. As usual if it’s a weekend or looks to be busy, stock up on Fastpasses in the morning to use later that day and enjoy a longer amount of time to chat if you do get stuck in a line. It’s not a bad thing to get to talk a bit.

Getting a little competitive can also be a fun way to spend the day and both Astroblaster and Toy Story Mania are great ways to shoot some aliens, compete and in the case of Astroblaster, get a cute photo to remember the experience. Of course there are also the boardwalk games in California Adventure if you’re craving something where you can win a prize.

You should also expect to run in a number of couples getting married on the big day which can add some extra romantic feel to the park. If you’re considering making a proposal yourself call the restaurant of your choice or park operations to ask about ways to make it even more memorable… there’s a lot you can do with their assistance or you can just ask someone to hold your camera while you do the deed in front of the castle.

Go big or go home –

If you want to make your Valentine’s Day trip into more of a romantic getaway consider booking a room at one of the nicer hotels in the area. The Sheraton, Hyatt (our pick) and Hilton are all great choices and can provide anything from chocolate strawberries to champagne for your evening. You can often find a killer deal on these hotels by using Priceline’s name your own price feature for the 3 and ½ star level or just call and book directly, chances are each hotel will have a special Valentine’s Rate and possibly other benefits from dinners to gifts on arrival.

Take the memory with you -

Disneyland does sell some seasonal merchandise starting a few weeks in advance so look for pins, stuffed animals and other products with a Valentine’s Day theme – these can make great souvenirs of your trip or good gifts for someone else if you come in advance.

You may also want to consider actually buying one of those ride photos or a posed shot of you in front of the water, the castle or some other spot. Of course you can always have the photographers take a photo with your camera as well (or ask another visitor if there isn’t a photographer around).

Fireworks are a big part of the magic, heck, there have been trips when that’s all we came for but with so many visitors getting to see the fireworks can be a bit of a challenge. To help you get the best spot we’ve put together this quick fireworks show guide.

1. Fireworks don’t always happen. Unfortunately Disneyland can’t control the weather and even during peak seasons shows can be canceled day after day. When you get to the park as someone if they happened last night, if not, ask a cast member shortly before the show if they’re planning to have them – cast members aren’t always right but they tend to know when it’s windy and unlikely.
2. The show lasts just over 15 minutes so you’ll be ok if you’re getting off a ride. Just be sure to time your plans so you aren’t in the ride the entire show or stuck in a line for it. But if you do happen to lose track of time simply step out of line and find a vantage spot. It may not be great but it works
3. During slower times like winter fireworks often only run on the weekends so check the calendar before you book.
4. If you’re leaving around the show you can catch a nice view from the Mickey & Friends parking structure. Try the roof or upper story.
5. The best place to see the fireworks is in front of the castle but this is where the crowds are too. If you want to get a good spot get there early (before the crowds grow) and position yourself right by the safety rope. You may have to be insistent as people do try and sneak in.
6. If you’re watching Fantasmic don’t try and grab the whole group and run over. You can see the fireworks from the river where the Fantasmic show is… the view isn’t as great but it’s less crowded.
7. If it’s not being used the Pavilion to the right of the castle has a few spots that you can see the fireworks clearly from. However if it’s crowded stay away – the trees block most parts of this area from viewing.
8. If it’s busy take a spot in the middle of Main Street as close to the center as you can get and back from the fountain. Most of the show is high above the castle so you don’t need a great castle view to see it.
9. The carnation café and plaza restaurant umbrellas obstruct the view but if you find an uncovered table you can sit and watch the show while you eat. Just be sure to look for a table early.
10. After the show ends there’s a huge park exodus. If you’re near the castle just walk further into the park and onto a ride. It’s the best way to avoid the mobs.

That’s our tips to viewing the show. Remember, the fireworks aren’t just about explosions of colors like you see for most 4th of July or New Years events. What Disneyland shows is a coordinated presentation with music, fire and all sorts of fun effects that makes for a very, very impressive show.