Credit: DisneyNighttime fireworks spectaculars at Disney Parks have long been a beloved tradition that continues to mesmerize, inspire, and enchant folks to this day.
It all started in 1956 at Disneyland, in Anaheim, California, continuing on in Orlando, Florida, with the opening of Walt Disney World Resort in 1971. Now Disney Fireworks are bigger and better than ever before. This is particularly true at Disney World, with the multitude of Parks and all those fantastic vantage points for viewing such sights.
Perhaps you’ve seen Disney fireworks in the traditional way—watching them as a spectator in a large crowd. But you probably never even realized there are so many other, more unique, viewing options. Here at Inside the Magic, we’ve compiled this list of five fun alternate ways to watch Disney World fireworks.
Related: All About the Long Legacy of Disney Fireworks
Dining With a View
Several Disney Restaurants offer optimal vantage points for viewing a nearby Park’s nighttime spectacular. For instance, California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort remains the number one go-to for rooftop dining, with the Magic Kingdom Fireworks happening right next door. During the event, they even dim the lights inside the dining room with surrounding speakers playing the accompanying musical theme for in-house diners to enjoy.
Topolino’s Terrace, on location at Disney’s Riviera Resort, is another excellent rooftop dining suggestion for folks looking to see sky-high views of EPCOT’s fireworks in the distance. The zenith location of Toledo, Tapas, Steak & Seafood on the upper level of the Gran Destino at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is another premium viewing area for both EPCOT fireworks and those at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (when they are going on).
Additional dining venues throughout Disney Parks and Resorts also make for fantastic fireworks viewing, depending on where you are seated. Some options include Rose & Crown, La Hacienda de San Angel, Monsieur Paul, and Tangierine Café (all within EPCOT’s World Showcase), Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian, and several others.
Related: Watch Disney Fireworks With NO Crowds At This Secret Viewing Area
Polynesian Village Bungalow Decks
Many locations within the Magic Kingdom Resort Area offer Guests excellent views of Cinderella Castle happenings. But those fortunate enough to stay in one of the on-water Polynesian Village Resort Bungalows may watch the nighttime fireworks from their balcony’s own private plunge pool. Additionally, attached speakers at every deck allow you to listen to the corresponding music while watching.
Related: The Grandest Accommodations That Money Can Buy At Walt Disney World
A Fireworks Dessert Party
Attending one of those existing Fireworks Dessert Parties you may have heard about is another excellent suggestion. Currently offered exclusively at Magic Kingdom Park, this opportunity allows Guests to enjoy delicious desserts, goodies, and other refreshments at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant either before or after the grand Nighttime Spectacular event. In both cases, Guests are escorted to specially designated viewing areas reserved exclusively for them.
Related: Details Unveiled for New Fireworks Dessert Parties
Ferrytale Fireworks Dessert Cruises
On select nights you can also view those stunning Magic Kingdom Fireworks from aboard a special dessert-filled cruise set on the waters at an optimal viewing location. For this undertaking, check-in is to the left of the Ferryboat launch at the Transportation and Ticket Center. The boat sets sail 50 minutes before showtime, to anchor at the preferred spot with time to spare.
Your Own Private Boat Outing
You may or may not already know about all those options for renting boats at marina locations all throughout Disney World. But did you know that you can actually arrange to have your own customized outing just in time for the nighttime fireworks at either Magic Kingdom Park or EPCOT? It makes for an exceptional, more private experience than the aforementioned fireworks cruise and lets you maintain more control over your designated outing.
Related: A Boat Lover’s Guide to Staying Afloat While Visiting Disney World
How you decide to watch the fireworks at any Disney venue is entirely up to you. But we at Inside the Magic find these ways to be particularly unique.
Do you have any other options to add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.