Watch the Disneyland Fireworks WITHOUT a Park Reservation

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Together Forever fireworks

Credit: Disney

Fireworks are officially coming back to the Disney Parks! Beginning July 4, 2021, fireworks are back at the Disneyland Resort, with Mickey’s Mix Magic being the first Disneyland Park firework show to return to the Resort. However, since theme park reservations are required to visit Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, reservations for Disneyland filled up almost as soon as the return of fireworks was announced.

The fireworks viewing tips we have to share can apply to any day when fireworks are showing but you can’t get a reservation or you don’t want to buy a ticket! But specifically, if you are a Disney Park superfan and you want to watch fireworks at Disneyland on the very first night they return on July 4, here’s how you can.

disneyland fireworks
Credit: Disney

Free Fireworks Viewing Locations

One of our favorite places to watch the Disneyland fireworks is the Disneyland Esplanade. This is the area right in between the two theme parks of the Disneyland Resort — Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park — and it offers amazing views of the fireworks, especially the grand finale that features those huge firework explosions that illuminate the night sky. Since admission into the Downtown Disney District is completely free, this is a great option if you want to be on Disney property without paying theme park admission.

disneyland fireworks
Credit: Disney

Another option is that you can watch the fireworks from a location off-property. You can park your car in a nearby lot off Harbor Boulevard or Katella Avenue, or you can stand just outside the Downtown Disney entrance on Harbor Boulevard and watch the fireworks from there.

Other Options For Viewing the Fireworks

There are of course other firework viewing options, but they are not entirely free.

First, we recommend dining at the Downtown Disney District and sitting outside (or at a table that faces Disneyland Park). Some of our favorite Downtown Disney restaurants that offer views of the fireworks include the outdoor dining section of Naples Ristorante e Bar and the balcony seating of Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. Book a reservation for around 30 minutes before the fireworks are scheduled to begin, and — just for the cost of your meal — you will have an awesome experience getting to see and hear the fireworks at Disneyland.

downtown disney
Credit: Disney

Since the firework shows return on July 4, and the Disneyland Hotel reopens on July 2, we have another awesome option. You can watch the fireworks from the Disneyland Hotel! Opt for dining at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar or Tangaroa Terrace at the Disneyland Hotel. If you plan your evening right, you could be in a great spot to stop and watch the fireworks from the outdoor areas of the Disneyland Hotel before or after your meal. You may not get to see the entire show or even all of the fireworks, but you should be able to see the highest explosions in the sky!

You can also book a hotel room on Disneyland property and request a room that offers a view of the fireworks. This is perhaps the most expensive way to watch fireworks on Disneyland Resort property, but if you want to see Mickey’s Mix Magic on July 4 from the comfort of your hotel room, then you can try to book a room at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or (our favorite!) the Disneyland Hotel.

Disneyland Hotel Sign
Credit: Disneyland

Keep Trying For Park Reservations

If you truly want to be in the theme parks on July 4 but you have not been able to snag a reservation, keep trying.

Disney Park reservations are updated on a rolling basis. If you have a Park Hopper ticket and reservations become available for Disney California Adventure, you can start your day at DCA and then Park Hop to Disneyland after 1 p.m. If you have a ticket that allows you access to only one Park, just keep checking to see if reservations open up for Disneyland. You may get lucky and snag a last-minute Disneyland Park reservation! Click here to view the calendar.

Disneyland Fireworks
Credit: Disney

Do you plan to visit Disneyland to watch the fireworks on opening night, July 4? Let us know in the comments and click here to book a trip!

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