From Disney Insider
This summer is the Coolest Summer Ever at the Walt Disney World Resort, which means that there will be plenty for park goers to do from morning till night. When the sun sets though, all eyes are on the skies for the incredible array of fireworks spectaculars. Additionally, as part of these nighttime wonderments, the Coolest Summer Ever will feature Frozen fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But it’s one thing to casually catch these evening shows while casually heading to the Transportation and Ticket Center, but another to bask in their multicolored glory. In order to make the most of your fireworks-going experience, we put together a list of our staff’s favorite spots, so you can have the best time (and have the best view) seeing every show.
Magic Kingdom
No trip to Walt Disney World is complete in our opinion without seeing the Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams at least once. During the nighttime fireworks spectacular (which is hosted by Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy), the skies above the Magic Kingdom are filled with fireworks, all set to classic Disney songs. Whether it’s your first time seeing it, or your 20th, here are some of our favorite ways to watch Wishes.
Wishes FastPass+ Viewing Area: This recently opened area is right at the central hub of the Magic Kingdom, directly in front of the castle, and couldn’t give you a better view of the grand spectacle of Wishes. It’s a large stretch of land, covered in Astroturf and giving off the vibe of a grassy stretch of your local park. You can lay out and watch the fireworks, but only if you make sure to sign up for it; this is a FastPass+ exclusive experience so have your nifty wristbands ready.
Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party: For a prime viewing location of Wishes, the Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party offers you just that, plus some yummy desserts while you’re watching the show. (Also: we just love Tomorrowland Terrace.) Here’s a helpful hint, though: we recommend booking this one far in advance as it is a popular option and often sells out quickly.
California Grill Observation Deck: Guests who are dining at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort during the same time as Wishes have a lovely view of the fireworks from the restaurant. What’s so amazing is how closely you feel like you’re experiencing the fireworks, even though you’re pretty far away (they even pipe in the music). And even if you fail to secure a reservation for around the time of Wishes, fear not: if you dine earlier in the evening at California Grill, you can still go back up to the observation deck and watch the fireworks from there.
EPCOT
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth always awes us and gives us chills no matter how many times we’ve seen it (it opened back in the fall of 1999). One of the things we love about IllumiNations is that it is a 360 degree experience, so no matter where you are in the World Showcase, you can experience the show in all its might. Everyone has their particular spot they like to see IllumiNations in, and these are some of ours.
Dining at One of the World Showcase Restaurants: If you want a great meal and a great view, look no further than some of the amazing restaurants found all around the World Showcase. The Rose & Crown Dining Room, La Hacienda de Angel, and Spice Road Table are just a few of the places where you can enjoy a wonderful meal from around the world and soak in IllumiNations at the same time. Reservations are highly recommended for the restaurants around the World Showcase, so be sure to plan accordingly (and remember, there’s a penalty for flaking on reservations, so don’t mess around with that either).
The Bridge Between the United Kingdom and France: While it is set a bit further away from the lagoon, the bridge between the United Kingdom pavilion and the France pavilion offers a great view of IllumiNations. It’s a popular spot for those who are longtime fans of the show, and offers a great vantage point for all the fireworks and low level fire effects. Plus, we just really love this area of the park.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
This summer, the Hollywood Boulevard sky will be filled with Frozen fireworks. The show, choreographed perfectly to the beloved songs of the film, is truly an immersive and thrilling way to experience the soundtrack of Frozen. (There’s something quite magical about hearing “Let It Go” and having a spectacular burst of fireworks go off when Elsa sings, “let the storm rage on.”) This is definitely a must-see for any fan of Frozen and here are our top spots to see it:
Center Stage: If you prefer to be front and center for your fireworks, then the area right in front of the Grauman’s Chinese Theater, called Center Stage, is your best bet. Historically, this was where the giant Sorcerer Mickey hat used to be. These days this spot is the prime location to see all of the effects of the Frozen fireworks, anchored by the beautiful replica of the Chinese Theater (home to Disney’s Hollywood Studios staple the Great Movie Ride).
Echo Lake: Another great location is off over by Echo Lake to the left of Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner. You still have a lovely view of the fireworks overhead, and can have a little more breathing room from the more intensely popular Center Stage area.
Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package: Prefer not to have to think about finding a spot for the fireworks? Then the Frozen Summer Fun premium package might be the thing for you. It offers guests reserved seating for the Frozen Royal Welcome, the sing-along show, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, and the Frozen fireworks with a dessert party. Reservations do need to be made in advance for this package, but it’s definitely a good option for Frozen fans young and old.
What are some of your favorite places to see the fireworks shows at Walt Disney World? Tell us in the comments below.
As co-owner and co-creator of The Main Street Mouse.Working in a technical support position for 18 years, it was time for a change.As the Webmaster and Project Planner, I spend most of my time researching everything from the latest Disney News, technology advances and of course keeping up on all the Marvel news that comes out.I never considered myself a writer but I’ve come to like blogging and sharing news with all.I feel blessed everyday that I get to spend my days working with my best friend and love of my life while we continue to grow and expand what started as a hobby all those years ago.
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