Want to Know the Best Locations to View the Fireworks at Disney World?

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!!

Magical Memories

Most of you have probably heard the term "Disney Magic."  Several weeks ago, I did a blog post on my own personal magical moments.    What's amazing to me, though, is that nearly everyone who has traveled to a Disney park has a moment of their own.

I read about them all of the time on different Disney blogs and I hear about them on podcasts, but in the back of my mind, I always think, "Man, did they get lucky!"

But after attending my recent training at Walt Disney World, I know that luck doesn't have much to do with it.  There were close to 40 agents in attendance for the training and at our opening session, we were asked to share something about ourselves including our favorite Magical memory from Disney.

Every single person had a story to tell - most said they had a hard time picking their favorite one out of many.  And yes, these were all Disney nerds like myself, but they had really great stories!  I don't think we were all just the type to find Magic in everyday occurrences, they were truly special moments.

On this recent trip, I had several moments...  I went to buy popcorn to watch Fantasmic and the man working the booth told me to take a few boxes instead of just the one I had purchased.  Not having others with me, I didn't take them (although I definitely could have eaten more than one!).  

On one of the character greetings, the Cast Member asked if I was alone.  Not acting pitiful at all, I said yes and so she said I should probably just go on to the front of the line.  

There's nothing you can do to guarantee a Magical Moment, but here are a few tips:

• Be nice.  The worst thing you can do is be loud and rude and give them the whole "do you know who I am?" act!
• Wear a birthday/anniversary/special celebration button.  At the very least, most Cast Members you encounter will call you by name and tell you congrats.  It's fun having tons of people a day tell you Happy Birthday!  And if you remind me to mention your special celebration item when I make your dining reservations, you'll sometimes get that free cupcake or confetti on your table!
• Be observant.  Our special moment with Belle that I talked about on my earlier blog post only happened since we were paying attention to the fact that Belle was due to visit and her line was empty. 
• Engage with Cast Members.  I read stories often about how Cast Members love interacting with guests.  You don't have to tell them your life story, but just chatting with them in line helps their work day pass a little more pleasantly.

Most Magical Moments are small and you might not even notice them at the time, but keep your eyes open - Disney Magic has a way of sneaking up on you!!

Adults Only Trips to Disney

If you read my blog post last week (if you didn't, don't tell me!), then you know that I just returned from a solo Disney World trip.  I came back from that trip with several thoughts for those of you that might be considering a Magical vacation but think you'll go somewhere else because you aren't planning to take any kids with you.

First of all, without kids you are free.  I missed my family the entire time, but I was free to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted.  One night I didn't even stop for dinner until well past 10:30pm.  If kids were there, we would have had a massive meltdown well before that time.  And my dinner one night was pretty much just what I bought at Goofy's Candy Co.  My kids would have loved it for sure, but I wouldn't have wanted to hang with them after that!

Spontaneity is much easier.  I was headed for the Haunted Mansion when I saw that it had been temporarily closed.  Checking the MyDisneyExperience app, I saw that Buzz Lightyear had a 10 minute wait.  I instantly changed my plans and took off at a very brisk walk for Buzz, enjoyed that and then back to Haunted Mansion.  I wouldn't have asked my kids to walk that much for one ride.  And I would have been frustrated at their lack of speed in doing so if they'd agreed!

I sat and watched every parade and fireworks show without anyone telling me they were bored or wanted to move on.  I visited every Princess and character meet and greet that I wanted without the boys teasing me for wanting to hug Cinderella.

The most hilarious moment was when I witnessed a young boy throw a spectacular fit outside of the Lego store in Disney Springs because he didn't get what he wanted.  By the end of it, his shoes and hat were in 3 different locations spread out among the crowd.  I tell you that kid deserved an Oscar.  I partially felt sorry for the parents and partially laughed my head off that it wasn't my kid.  Luckily they never did that (in public anyway) but it felt pretty good to know that wasn't happening to me.

There are tons and tons of amazing restaurants and bars at Disney that cater to the adult crowd.  I'm not much of a foodie, but if you are, then you're in for a treat at these places.  They will accommodate children of course, but are wonderful for adults.

You're also free to come and go as you please.  I tend to make my family go from open to close at the parks, but if you're looking for a bit more relaxation, you can go at a slower pace.  There are 2 amazing golf courses at Disney World and several spas to indulge in. 

Most resorts have a "quiet pool."  They aren't adults only, but with the appeal of the other resort pool which usually has slides, there are rarely children in the quiet pool.

To be honest, I would prefer taking my kids with me just because I love seeing Disney and all of the Magic through their eyes.  But trust me when I say you can have a perfectly Magical trip as grown ups.

If you're curious about all Disney has to offer for an adults only trip, please give me a call!  I would love to help you plan the perfect getaway!