The view from California Grill There is no better way to end a day at Walt Disney World than with fireworks! While they are meant to be viewed inside the parks, you can still enjoy them elsewhere. Here are a few of my favorite places to enjoy Happily Ever After and Epcot Forever. (Here’s hoping that we will be able to add fireworks from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to this list soon!) Keep in mind that the resorts are allowing you to park there only if you are staying at that resort or if you have a dining reservation. Give yourself extra time if you plan to use Disney Transportation, because plenty of others will have the same idea.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
California Grill is iconic for Happily Ever After viewing. There are two observation decks, and the music is piped in. If you can get a reservation I highly recommend it! You don’t have to dine near the fireworks time, just show your receipt and you will be allowed up.
What if you can’t get a reservation? There is an observation deck on the fourth floor that also has great views of the Magic Kingdom. That’s a wonderful place to watch. You can even see the fireworks from the Contemporary’s parking lot, but you won’t see Cinderella Castle.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Another fantastic, relaxing place to watch Happily Ever After is from the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The last time I was there they played the soundtrack, and we had a perfect view. You can see the fireworks from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort as well, but I enjoy the view from the Polynesian more.
Epcot Resort Area
Disney’s BoardWalk as well as Yacht and Beach Club Resorts are located along Crescent Lake. Just take the Disney Skyliner to Epcot. This is my favorite place to watch fireworks at Walt Disney World if I’m not in a theme park. If the night is clear you can see Happily Ever After in the distance, just stand with the BoardWalk’s main building behind you and look towards the water. When there are fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can see the show best on the walking path towards Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
When it’s near time for Epcot Forever, there are two places that offer the best viewing. The first is the bridge that is located near the International Gateway entrance to Epcot. It’s between ESPN Club and Beach Club. This bridge is a popular place to watch, so don’t wait until the last minute to claim a spot. There is another bridge on the loop around Crescent Lake, and that is my other favorite spot. It’s between Yacht Club and the Swan and Dolphin. You’ll be farther away, but it is usually less crowded. There is still a great view.
These aren’t the only places to see fireworks outside of the theme parks. You can see them from Topolino’s Terrace, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and plenty of other places. I’ve even watched them from the Target Parking lot on Rolling Oaks Boulevard! The places listed are just my personal favorite places to see them. If you’re looking for the perfect view and won’t be in a theme park, you might want to check one of them out.