The Best Off-Site Locations for Watching Magic Kingdom Fireworks
It's not always possible for guests to enjoy the tables near Casey's or the Tommorrowland Terrace for fantastic Fireworks viewing. Some families need to be further away to avoid the noise, some just want to avoid the crowd, and some do not have park tickets. Whatever your reasons are, here are a few ideas for where you can view the Magic Kingdom firework shows without actually being IN the Magic Kingdom along with what we think of each.
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1. 'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort:
For this one, you will need a reservation and you will have to coordinate it with the timing of the fireworks (keep in mind that it can sometimes take up to 30 minutes to be seated even when you have a reservation). That said, this location is fantastic because they dim the lights and play the music! The view is a bit far, but worth it when you consider that you are saving yourself from both crowds and possible inclement weather. Plus, 'Ohana serves a great meal and only 1 Table Service credit. Wins all around! |
2. California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort or Narcosee's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort:
Honestly, these are not my favorite options. The California Grill has great food but it gets terribly crowded and both restaurants cost 2 Table Service Credits. So, even though this may be an option if you are stopping in for dessert, I might not want to waste 2 Table Service credits just for fireworks viewing. IF you do decide that you want to check out the California grill, you do not have to time it out so that you are in the dining room precisely at showtime. You can dine earlier and then present your receipt to the hostess and enjoy the outdoor viewing platform. For Narcosee's, the view from inside is great, plus the music and narration are played via speakers in the restaurant. There is also a lovely wraparound deck in case you want to get a better view than the one you have at your table. As an alternative to Narcosee's, I would recommend the Grand Floridian Marina as it is detailed below.
Honestly, these are not my favorite options. The California Grill has great food but it gets terribly crowded and both restaurants cost 2 Table Service Credits. So, even though this may be an option if you are stopping in for dessert, I might not want to waste 2 Table Service credits just for fireworks viewing. IF you do decide that you want to check out the California grill, you do not have to time it out so that you are in the dining room precisely at showtime. You can dine earlier and then present your receipt to the hostess and enjoy the outdoor viewing platform. For Narcosee's, the view from inside is great, plus the music and narration are played via speakers in the restaurant. There is also a lovely wraparound deck in case you want to get a better view than the one you have at your table. As an alternative to Narcosee's, I would recommend the Grand Floridian Marina as it is detailed below.
3. Disney's Grand Floridian Marina: There is a great spot on the Grand Floridian Marina, near the Gasparilla Island Grill, where you can view the fireworks (though you will likely not see the projection on the castle very well or at all). This is a nice option because it also allows you listen to the music from the Arcade/Grill if it's pumping loud enough.
4. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Beach: Much like the Marina option above, this is nice if you want to relax and avoid the crowds, but keep in mind that the elevation of the beach means that you may not get a great view of the projections on the castle.
4. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Beach: Much like the Marina option above, this is nice if you want to relax and avoid the crowds, but keep in mind that the elevation of the beach means that you may not get a great view of the projections on the castle.
5. Private boat ride in the Seven Seas Lagoon: Arguably the best (though not the cheapest) non-park viewing of the fireworks show. Despite being at an elevation where seeing the projections on the castle could be a challenge, the whole experience makes it a fun option to consider. Generally speaking, you pay a flat rate per boat, so the best per person price is if the boat is at capacity. It's a great experience also because you can order some catering or add on snacks and beverages, so it's a great way to do something unique and catch an incredible view of the show.
And one more for good measure...
Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage is not free, BUT the experience is a lot of fun for families and since it includes some fun fare, it is a good value for your dollar. The voyage begins about an hour prior to the show with some yummy snacks and treats and, of course, characters! Then, the actual voyage begins to the fireworks viewing and the location is excellent (you might even catch some of the electric water pageant). Each boat only holds up to 60 passengers so don't wait too long to book this one!
Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage is not free, BUT the experience is a lot of fun for families and since it includes some fun fare, it is a good value for your dollar. The voyage begins about an hour prior to the show with some yummy snacks and treats and, of course, characters! Then, the actual voyage begins to the fireworks viewing and the location is excellent (you might even catch some of the electric water pageant). Each boat only holds up to 60 passengers so don't wait too long to book this one!