Tips for Fireworks Viewing
Everyone is excited that fireworks are back!! I know that I cannot WAIT to see them in person again. First things first, they’re gonna be packed. We went nearly 500 days without them, and people are happy to embrace some shred of normalcy returning. Not to mention there will be TWO new fireworks shows beginning October 1, 2021: HarmonioUS in EPCOT and Disney Enchantment in Magic Kingdom. Everyone will be there.
Let’s start with the obvious:
BEST VIEWING SPOTS IN MAGIC KINGDOM
Once upon a time, you could watch fireworks from anywhere in the park. Now, though, you need to be able to see the castle if you want to see the projections. If this is your first visit, you do NOT want to miss the projections. If you want a close-up view of projections with a mildly obstructed view of the pyro, go directly to the front of the castle. Don’t pass go, don’t collect $200, all of that. And get there early.
If you want to get out of the Magic Kingdom early and beat the rush, your best bet is to watch the fireworks from the flag pole in front of the train station. Make sure you can see the castle, though, or you will miss the projections. Then, as soon as Tink flies, gather your stuff and head to the exit, or else you will be in the sea of humanity.
The best place to get the perfect combination of pyro and projections is right in the center of the Hub from the Partners Statue back to the front of Casey’s/The Plaza. Wanna win the lottery? If you manage to score a table at Casey’s or the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, guard it with your life! Another PERFECT location is the porch at Crystal Palace. Again, though, you will need to get there super early to score these locations. They are extremely limited and they will fill up fast.
Honorable mention spots inside Magic Kingdom: Bathrooms outside of Pinocchio Village Haus, Frontierland, Dumbo (while riding), Adventureland bridge.
BEST PLACES TO VIEW FIREWORKS OUTSIDE OF MAGIC KINGDOM
Wanna beat the crowds but still catch the fireworks? Stand on the ferry dock at the Transportation and Ticket Center. You have a perfect view of the Magic Kingdom and the music is piped in so you will only miss the details of the projections.
The Contemporary Obviously, the high price tag for the Theme Park View rooms means you can watch the fireworks directly from your balcony. If you book a reservation at the California Grill, you can watch from your table OR the observation deck (and this counts for any meal, just show your receipt). You can also have a pretty great view from the walkway between the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower.
The Grand Floridian Grab a late dinner reservation at Narcoosee’s for a great meal with a great view. You can also head out to the beach and the marina for a great view.
The Polynesian So many options! First, you could grab a Dole Whip or a Lapu Lapu (or both! YOLO!) and head to the beach! Not an outdoorsy type? Get a dinner reservation at ‘Ohana and watch while you eat! Or head to Trader Sam’s (whenever it reopens) and enjoy the show with a great cocktail.
Fort Wilderness You can watch the fireworks AND Electrical Water Pageant from the beach at Fort Wilderness. It is far away, but you will still see it!
BEST VIEWING SPOTS IN EPCOT
Yes, EPCOT Forever! Is back until October 1, when we will FINALLY see HarmoniUS! Where should you go?
Naturally, the best spot is the hardest to get: the patio at Rose and Crown. It is so popular and so hard to get that Disney instituted a rule that you may wait ONLY one hour, then you either take the table offered or you can dine elsewhere. Make a reservation for 7:30–7:45, arrive about 15 minutes early, and tell the hosts you’re willing to wait the hour allotted for a fireworks view table.
You should also note that the patio stretches around the building, so while you can see the fireworks from the side patio, the BACK patio is where the best views are. So best of luck!
La Hacienda de San Angel Located in Mexico, La Hacienda is right up on the water with massive windows, offering magnificent views of the fireworks. Again, this will require patience and luck! Make that 7:30 reservation, arrive 20 minutes early, and tell them you’re willing to wait for a fireworks-view seat!
Tokyo Dining This is still a “hidden gem” so to speak, so if you like sushi and sake, this may be your best bet!
Germany, UK-to-France Bridge, Italy Isola, Mexico, Mitsukoshi Department Store second level, anywhere around World Showcase Lagoon with an unobstructed view of the water.
BEST PLACES TO VIEW EPCOT FOREVER OUTSIDE OF EPCOT
The Boardwalk Over towards Jellyrolls OR the bridge between Boardwalk and Beach Club. Honorable mention to the bridge towards Swan and Dolphin.
The Riviera If you are lucky enough to dine at Topolino’s, you should be able to see them from the outside lounge.
The Skyliner This takes some planning, but riding the Skyliner can offer some AMAZING views!
Beach Club The beach at Beach Club has some great views of the higher fireworks.
So there you have it! Did your favorite spot make the list or is it still your secret hidden gem?! Want to get away?! I CAN HELP! Contact me today for your free, no-obligation quote!!
Originally published at https://danielleatlovethemousetravel.com on July 7, 2021.
