Sure, you can easily follow the crowds and find a spot to watch the fireworks that Disney does so well. You’ll be able to see them from multiple locations. Some spots are better than others though - read on to see my favorite viewing spots at the different parks…
Disney World - Magic Kingdom -
Wishes - Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks show - ends this week and is being replaced by Happily Ever After. To see the entire show with all of the amazing castle projection elements, fireworks and Tinkerbell flying, you’ll want a spot in front of the castle. Those can be hard to get if you’re not willing to line up and wait forever before the show.
I like to head towards the bridge that connects Main Street with Liberty Square - it’s just a little South and West of the castle. Not too many line up here and if you’re lucky you can lean on the bridge railing and get a great view of the castle with the fireworks reflecting in the water below. Bonus points since this spot is close to Aloha Isle. Grab a Dole Whip before the show starts and you’ll be in heaven.
We happened to get behind the castle once just as the fireworks were beginning and it’s an amazing spot. You can’t see the projections and some of the lower fireworks are blocked by the castle itself, but you feel like you are in the middle of them. They shoot off of the buildings that house Peter Pan. Stand in the area between “it’s a small world” and Peter Pan and then prepare yourself for the noise. It’s a great spot if you’ve seen the show before and want to feel a bit like you’re backstage. Just keep in mind that they block off access to the castle during the show so you’re sort of stuck back there until the fireworks are over.
If you're the type to want to hit the road the second the last pop is popped, then consider watching from the end of Main Street (towards the entrance).
You can even see a good portion of the show outside of Magic Kingdom on the beach areas of The Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Ticket and Transportation Center, and The Contemporary. These spots pipe in the music from the show which adds to the fun.
Disney World - Epcot -
Illuminations is one of the best fireworks/laser shows around. At one point, the huge fireball actually singes your eyebrows which is fun. You can get a great viewing spot all around the lagoon of the World Showcase.
The only thing to consider here is if you’re trying to hurry out after the show. In that case you’ll want to be near the exit towards Future World or the exit behind the United Kingdom that leads to the Boardwalk and Beach Club Resorts.
Disney World - Hollywood Studios -
There are 2 options for fireworks shows here: Fantasmic and the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular.
Fantasmic takes place in an outdoor theater and you’ll want to sit in the middle or the back for the best views. Also, the front has a bit of a splash zone so if you don’t like the idea of getting wet, be sure to sit back a bit!
I prefer to sit or even just stand near the exit. It’s a huge theater and nearly everyone in the park goes to this show. That means if you aren’t near an exit, it will take a while to leave once the show ends.
Normally, I’m not in a huge rush to leave a Disney attraction, but in this case, I do rush out. If you want to see the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular, you’ll need to do your best fast-walk (no running in the parks!) over to the Chinese Theater since it starts basically at the same time that Fantasmic ends. Find a spot where you can see the Chinese Theater since a good portion of the show is a projection up onto that building.
I was blown away - literally - by this show. If you’re even the tiniest bit a Star Wars fan, don’t miss this one. I think it would be pretty amazing even if you weren’t a fan at all.
Honestly, if you have kids or are slow walkers and don’t know if you’d make both, I’d opt for the Star Wars show over Fantasmic.
Disney World - Animal Kingdom -
Rivers of Light is a fairly new show offered at Animal Kingdom. Sad to say I haven’t seen this one for myself yet but I do know that seating is limited and it’s back by Expedition Everest. It’s not a fireworks show, but more of a floating parade with lights. I hear it’s really pretty and peaceful. There are a few bridges from which you can catch a glimpse but the best seats are in the designated seating areas. If you watch this one, let me know what you think!!
