The Best Places to Watch Fireworks at Walt Disney World

Fireworks are the way to end your Disney day. No one does fireworks quite like Disney, which makes them can't-miss experiences during your trip. The two largest firework displays at Walt Disney World are Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom and Harmonious at EPCOT. Both shows premiered last October in honor of the resort's 50th-anniversary celebration. In addition, Disney puts on special firework displays on holidays like the 4th of July and New Year's Eve. Make sure you get a great spot for fireworks with my list of the best places to watch fireworks inside and outside the parks!

Disney Enchantment

Disney Enchantment is the first nighttime spectacular to feature effects down Main Street, U.S.A., giving guests more opportunities for excellent firework viewing spots. Here are some of my favorite places: 

Cinderella Castle Hub
The central hub immediately in front of the castle is one of the most popular places to watch the fireworks—and for a good reason. The area offers largely unobstructed views of the castle so that you can see the projections in more detail than anywhere else in the park. This area tends to get crowded quickly, so it's best to find a spot at least one hour before the show starts.

Main Street, U.S.A. - Train Station
If you'd rather not wait an hour before the fireworks to find a spot, you may be able to find a place toward the base of Main Street, U.S.A., about 20-30 minutes before showtime. I recommend watching the show from the flagpole area or the train station platform above the park entrance (if it's not roped off). This area provides panoramic views of the castle fireworks and the Main Street projections. If you plan to visit Magic Kingdom for more than one evening, I recommend viewing the fireworks from both vantage points. You get a completely different experience each time! 

Another advantage of viewing fireworks from this area is that you can exit the park quickly after the show ends, beating the crowds to get in line for the resort buses, monorails, or ferryboats. 

Frontierland
This firework location is off the beaten path and is not nearly as crowded as Main Street or the castle hub. It's a great place to watch if you've already viewed the show from a more "traditional" location. Plus, you'll get to take advantage of short wait times for rides like Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain before and after the show.

California Grill 
Located on the top level of Disney's Contemporary Resort, this restaurant is one of the best places to view Magic Kingdom fireworks outside the park. The lights dim and the music plays throughout the restaurant during the fireworks for an immersive experience. You can also view them from the patio outside the restaurant. Snag a reservation for dinner about an hour and a half before the fireworks start for your best shot of being inside the restaurant during showtime. This location gives you a bird's eye view and lets you in on some Disney magic, as you can see where the fireworks are set off from behind the park.

Beach at Disney's Polynesian Resort 
Is there anything more relaxing than watching Disney fireworks from a lounge chair? If you're staying at Disney's Polynesian Resort or have a dining reservation, head down to the beach area about 20 minutes before showtime for the most laid-back firework viewing on property. The Polynesian's over-the-water bungalows are the ideal location to watch the fireworks from the comfort of your room! 

Harmonious ​

Harmonious is one of Disney's largest firework shows to date. The display can be viewed anywhere around the World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT, making it feel less crowded than the Magic Kingdom. Here are my top picks: 

World Showcase - Entrance 
The entrance of the World Showcase (between the Mexico and Canada pavilions) is one of the best places to view Harmonious. I recommend finding a spot near the Disney Traders gift shop (directly after crossing the bridge from World Celebration) and the boat dock. Bonus: there is a Starbucks nearby if you need a quick pick-me-up. I recommend securing your spot about 30 minutes before showtime. 

World Showcase - Italy 
If you don't mind taking a stroll around the World Showcase after the show, viewing the fireworks from the Italy pavilion offers great views and a romantic ambiance before the show begins. 

Disney's BoardWalk 
The walking path and wooden boardwalk around Disney's BoardWalk Resort and Yacht & Beach Club is the best place to watch Harmonious outside EPCOT. Head to the bridge towards EPCOT's International Gateway entrance for the best and closest views. Although you won't be able to hear the music, your proximity to Epcot makes this a great place for firework viewing.

Dessert Parties and Dining Packages ​

If you'd like a more private, less-crowded firework viewing experience, consider booking a reservation for a Disney Enchantment Dessert Party or a Harmonious Dining Package. These experiences give you reserved firework viewing while enjoying dinner, dessert, and drinks. Here are the firework dining package options that are currently available: 

Disney Enchantment Dessert Parties 
There are three dessert party experiences at the Tomorrowland Terrace. Every experience includes buffet dining with a selection of desserts, fruits, cheeses, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. The "pre" and "post" Enchantment dessert parties allow you to view the fireworks from a reserved viewing area near the Plaza Garden while enjoying desserts and drinks an hour before or an hour after the nighttime spectacular. When you book a "Treats and Seats" experience, you'll get a reserved table at the Tomorrowland Terrace to watch the fireworks while enjoying food and drinks all the same place.

Ferrytale Fireworks Cruise
This unique experience allows you to hop aboard one of the Magic Kingdom's iconic ferryboats and view the fireworks from the middle of the Seven Seas Lagoon. You'll also enjoy desserts, drinks, beer, and wine selections. 

Harmonious Dining Package 
These dining packages include a prix fixe menu at Rose & Crown in the U.K. pavilion or Spice Road Table in Morocco. Once you've finished your meal, you can watch Harmonious from a reserved viewing area at the two restaurants' outdoor patios. 

Dessert parties and dining packages are an additional fee, and reservations are highly recommended. They also require valid theme park admission and a park reservation. Just Add Magic Travel® can handle these reservations for you! 

Contact me at [email protected] to add this experience to your next trip to Walt Disney World! Haven't booked your vacation yet? Get a free quote for your trip! 

Where are your favorite places to view fireworks? Let me know in the comments!