Do you enjoy the fireworks and nighttime spectaculars at Walt Disney World? They are all a MUST DO for our family on every trip. Over the years, we have found our favorite spots to view Happily Ever After, Illuminations, and now with the new Symphony in the Stars fireworks show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we can add another firework show to our list. This week, I am going to share the Best Firework Viewing Spots at Walt Disney World.
Happily Ever After. This fireworks show is exclusive to the Magic Kingdom, and is a Walt Disney World classic. With so many wonderful spots at Magic Kingdom to view Happily Ever After, it was hard to narrow it down. But, these are the I recommend:
- Main Street USA near the Emporium. This area is toward the entrance to Magic Kingdom, but not quite as far from Cinderella’s Castle as the train station. This area gives you a full view of the castle, and you can see the whole fireworks show. Since the fireworks are shot off behind Cinderella’s Castle, you want to be a bit farther away so you can see the whole show. Keep in mind that if you want a spot on Main Street USA for Happily Ever After, it is best to stake out a spot about 45 minutes or so before the Main Street Electrical Parade that evening. This spot will give you a good viewing point for the Main Street Electrical Parade, that evening’s castle show, and Happily Ever After.
- Behind Cinderella’s Castle, around the new Fantasyland walls. This area, behind the castle, gives you a totally different viewpoint. One thing I love is that it is less crowded back there than on Main Street USA. Also, if you want to enjoy some attractions after Happily Ever After, before leaving the park, it will be easier to get to them.
- Outside the Magic Kingdom. You can view Happily Ever After from outside the Magic Kingdom. Two of my favorite spots for this are the Transportation and Ticket Center Dock, and the boat dock at the Grand Floridian. You can see the entire show from these vantage points, and they pipe the soundtrack to those areas as well. The soundtrack is part of what makes Happily Ever After so magical, and I love that you can enjoy it while be outside the park, and away from the crowds. It also makes a fun activity on your first night at Walt Disney World, after dinner at one of the Magic Kingdom area resorts.
Illuminations. Illuminations takes place at Epcot in the World Showcase. This is a combination of lasers and fireworks, and has some spectacular vantage points as well!
- Entrance to World Showcase from Future World. Just as you cross into World Showcase from Future World, you have a nice view of the lagoon. To your right and left are two gift shops. Right between these two is the best spot, in my opinion. Our family watches Illuminations from there almost every time. We stake out our spot about 30-45 minutes before it starts. While one of us stays with the kids, the other goes to some favorite pavilions in World Showcase and gets snacks for each of us. Even if you are not right up at the rail, you can still have a good vantage point from this area.
- The Mexico Pavilion. I love this area as well. Mexico is on the end of World Showcase, so there is quite a bit of room to spread out along the waterfront. Another aspect that I like about this area is that between Mexico and Norway, there are few trees or lampposts. So your view isn’t as obstructed as in other areas around World Showcase.
- Disney’s Boardwalk Bridge. This is outside of Epcot, just to the left as you exit through the World Showcase entrance to the Boardwalk Area. The soundtrack is not piped to this area, though. However, you can get a good view especially of the fireworks portion of Illuminations from the bridge. Our family likes to get a pizza from the pizza window on the Boardwalk and sit on the bridge to watch Illuminations. This area works especially well if you are staying at one of the Epcot resorts and you don’t want to go back into the park for the evening. You can catch the fireworks and then go right back to your resort.
Symphony in the Stars. This night show is the newest addition to the Walt Disney World fireworks family. Taking place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this is a Star Wars themed show that you can really enjoy from almost any area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- On Hollywood Boulevard, near the Trolley Car Cafe. This vantage point will put you front and center for the Symphony in the Stars. It gives you a nice, all around view of the fireworks, and you have the Chinese Theater in the background. It’s just beautiful!
- Echo Lake. While not directly front and center for the show, it is less crowded in this area. And, you still get a good viewing point. Another thing I like about this area is the reflection of the fireworks off of Echo Lake. It makes for pretty photos, and gives it an extra magical feel.
- Walkway to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. This is outside of the park, and you cannot hear the soundtrack. However, if you have already seen Symphony in the Stars, or you don’t mind missing out on the music, it makes a great spot. If Symphony in the Stars is showing at 8PM, you can easily watch it from this point and make it to Epcot to see Illuminations at 9PM. How cool would that be?
So there you have it. I have given you some great inside the park viewing spots, as well as some spots for outside each park. Even if you have had a long day in the parks, I highly recommend working a fireworks show into your touring plan, especially toward the beginning of your trip. That way you are sure to see them!
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