4th of July- Fireworks Viewing

[MrsDisneyRacer500]

We're doing an adults trip the weekend of the 4th of July. Not doing the parks on that day but hoping to watch the fireworks from outside a park. Our plan is to watch them from the beach of Poly but wanted to see if anyone had experience in watching them elsewhere, like from the Boardwalk. Care to share your secret spot?

 

[AMusicLifeForMe]

I'm not sure if the Poly will do what they have done for Dec. 30th and 31st for the New Years Eve fireworks...

The past couple of years, the beach at the Polynesian for New Years Eve has been only available for those staying at the Polynesian. I'm not 100% sure about this for the 4th of July, but just warning you just incase it does happen.

You can always watch from the pathway between the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian. I don't think there really is a great view to watch the EPCOT fireworks from the Boardwalk area.

 

[Marionnette]

We're doing an adults trip the weekend of the 4th of July. Not doing the parks on that day but hoping to watch the fireworks from outside a park. Our plan is to watch them from the beach of Poly but wanted to see if anyone had experience in watching them elsewhere, like from the Boardwalk. Care to share your secret spot?

The Poly beach is restricted to Poly guests and those with ADRs at Kona or ‘Ohana. They’re pretty vigilant about it. There’s even a special roped off area for CL guests.

Last year, my brother and his daughter did a BBQ with reserved viewing at the GF. They really enjoyed it even though the dinner was moved indoors due to rain.

You might get a good view from the boat dock at the TCC

You can’t see the Epcot fireworks very well from the YC/BC, S/D and BWI. Only the really high ones are visible. The best view is from the bridge leading to the IG but it tends to get crowded with others who are doing the same thing.

If you can get an ADR for Call Grill, they allow you to return to watch the fireworks from the observation deck just by showing your receipt.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

While the main Poly beach with the best view is reserved as has been noted, other spots such as the path between Poly and GF or the TTC can be good alternatives. For 7/3 and 7/4 the big behind the MK fireworks are ‘simulcast’ from an island launch point in the middle of the 7 Seas Lagoon, which really expands viewing options from points all around the monorail resorts as compared to regular MK fireworks.

 

[LindsayHD]

The Poly beach is restricted to Poly guests and those with ADRs at Kona or ‘Ohana. They’re pretty vigilant about it. There’s even a special roped off area for CL guests.

Last year, my brother and his daughter did a BBQ with reserved viewing at the GF. They really enjoyed it even though the dinner was moved indoors due to rain.

You might get a good view from the boat dock at the TCC

You can’t see the Epcot fireworks very well from the YC/BC, S/D and BWI. Only the really high ones are visible. The best view is from the bridge leading to the IG but it tends to get crowded with others who are doing the same thing.

If you can get an ADR for Call Grill, they allow you to return to watch the fireworks from the observation deck just by showing your receipt.

This is so exciting to hear. We are staying at the Poly the week of July 4th with our 16 month old and I was nervous the beach was going to be insanely crowded. That makes me feel better that they monitor who is coming and going. I have never been on the beach of the Poly. Should we get there early or bring like a towel to sit on?

 

[mickeymom22]

We love watching the MK fireworks on the beach at Fort Wilderness. Just another option for you!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

This is so exciting to hear. We are staying at the Poly the week of July 4th with our 16 month old and I was nervous the beach was going to be insanely crowded. That makes me feel better that they monitor who is coming and going. I have never been on the beach of the Poly. Should we get there early or bring like a towel to sit on?

It is still insanely crowded, but they do limit the people incoming. I highly recommend requested second or third floor for those dates, as the patio furniture becomes a liability on July 4. (They ask you to move it into your unit, or it walks off.)

 

[GADisneyDad14]

This is so exciting to hear. We are staying at the Poly the week of July 4th with our 16 month old and I was nervous the beach was going to be insanely crowded. That makes me feel better that they monitor who is coming and going. I have never been on the beach of the Poly. Should we get there early or bring like a towel to sit on?

I’ve done Poly the last two 7/4’s. We all have our personal definitions of insanely crowded, but I would not call Poly insanely crowded on 7/4. Yes, the resort overall is very busy. The reserved beach area is wonderful for Poly guests. You realize just how many non-Poly guests are around milling outside the fence while you get let through.

They have a DJ and characters on the beach - it’s tons of fun. Your 16 month old will be a little young for the dance party, but maybe it’ll provide some entertainment value? Last year, Goofy and Donald were there.

I have seen people bring towels/blankets and start setting up spots towards the side of the beach where the castle is visible (towards the fire pit). Just when people start popping a squat can be variable, but given the restricted access you don’t need to stress too much about it.

I’ll caveat that exact procedures, entertainment, and setup can change year to year, so just be observant.

FWIW, some info from 2018:








This pic is actually 12/31, but the same setup applies for 7/4. Metal barricades restrict access to this beach area. In my experience, enforcement is quite strict.


Boom! (Taken from a TPV room, not the beach, but the beach has the same general angle).


Hope that helps! With apologies for the hyperbole, I absolutely love Poly on special days like 7/4 and 12/31 - it’s a great location and there’s a fun vibe that’s hard to explain.

Happy to answer any questions.

 

[mrsap]

Some pictures of the dance party on the beach from this past 4th...

The kids really had a great time!

View attachment 391120

 

[LindsayHD]

I’ve done Poly the last two 7/4’s. We all have our personal definitions of insanely crowded, but I would not call Poly insanely crowded on 7/4. Yes, the resort overall is very busy. The reserved beach area is wonderful for Poly guests. You realize just how many non-Poly guests are around milling outside the fence while you get let through.

They have a DJ and characters on the beach - it’s tons of fun. Your 16 month old will be a little young for the dance party, but maybe it’ll provide some entertainment value? Last year, Goofy and Donald were there.

I have seen people bring towels/blankets and start setting up spots towards the side of the beach where the castle is visible (towards the fire pit). Just when people start popping a squat can be variable, but given the restricted access you don’t need to stress too much about it.

I’ll caveat that exact procedures, entertainment, and setup can change year to year, so just be observant.

FWIW, some info from 2018:

View attachment 391112

View attachment 391113


View attachment 391115

This pic is actually 12/31, but the same setup applies for 7/4. Metal barricades restrict access to this beach area. In my experience, enforcement is quite strict.
View attachment 391119

Boom! (Taken from a TPV room, not the beach, but the beach has the same general angle).
View attachment 391117

Hope that helps! With apologies for the hyperbole, I absolutely love Poly on special days like 7/4 and 12/31 - it’s a great location and there’s a fun vibe that’s hard to explain.

Happy to answer any questions.

Thank you so so so so much! This is so helpful. We have gone to Disney very often (we even got married there) but we have never gone in the summer. I will be almost 8 months pregnant so we are just looking to enjoy some relaxing family of 3 time before our little girl comes and I have been so worried about July 4 and the crowds and the heat but this really really helps. It is so exciting that they do this many activities. Even if we only participate in one or two or get to the beach last minute, this is a way better option than trying to trek it to MK. I am so much happier we chose to stay at the Poly now. Thank you again! Can't wait

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thank you so so so so much! This is so helpful. We have gone to Disney very often (we even got married there) but we have never gone in the summer. I will be almost 8 months pregnant so we are just looking to enjoy some relaxing family of 3 time before our little girl comes and I have been so worried about July 4 and the crowds and the heat but this really really helps. It is so exciting that they do this many activities. Even if we only participate in one or two or get to the beach last minute, this is a way better option than trying to trek it to MK. I am so much happier we chose to stay at the Poly now. Thank you again! Can't wait

Cool, have fun!

I won't downplay the heat - it's hot! Last year the weather was actually very nice in the evening but a big storm rolled in right around fireworks time which caused a bit of chaos. The show was delayed a bit. Sort of added to the fun. But yeah, hot and sticky.

Also in case you don't know this, they also do the same fireworks show on 7/3.

My only material gripe about Poly on 7/4 is the people soup that the Lava Pool becomes in the afternoon, although you can have those same moments on non-7/4 days too - just part of the Poly experience to some extent.

Sadly, we won't be there for 7/4 this year - bummed to be missing it.

 

[mrsap]

Cool, have fun!

I won't downplay the heat - it's hot! Last year the weather was actually very nice in the evening but a big storm rolled in right around fireworks time which caused a bit of chaos. The show was delayed a bit. Sort of added to the fun. But yeah, hot and sticky.

Also in case you don't know this, they also do the same fireworks show on 7/3.

My only material gripe about Poly on 7/4 is the people soup that the Lava Pool becomes in the afternoon, although you can have those same moments on non-7/4 days too - just part of the Poly experience to some extent.

Sadly, we won't be there for 7/4 this year - bummed to be missing it.

I actually have some pictures of the storm on the 4th!! (Pool too)

 

[MrsDisneyRacer500]

So many great responses! Unfortunately, we won't be staying at Poly, was just hoping to catch the fireworks from there. Sounds like the pathway between Poly & GF is our best bet if we don't do the Celebration at the Top experience. We are staying at CSR. Anyone know if they do fun 4th activities like Poly does during the day?

 

[Lisann]

Cool, have fun!

I won't downplay the heat - it's hot! Last year the weather was actually very nice in the evening but a big storm rolled in right around fireworks time which caused a bit of chaos. The show was delayed a bit. Sort of added to the fun. But yeah, hot and sticky.

Also in case you don't know this, they also do the same fireworks show on 7/3.

My only material gripe about Poly on 7/4 is the people soup that the Lava Pool becomes in the afternoon, although you can have those same moments on non-7/4 days too - just part of the Poly experience to some extent.
.

Of all the resorts at WDW, the Poly is so in need of a third pool. Just always crowded, and sometimes to the point of just not fun.

 

[trishadono]

I do not have pix for this July 4th stay because I knew @GADisneyDad14 was also going to be there and took a break from all the picture taking work.


I had to go meet DD arriving late from mco during the storm delay. I noticed on my walk that people also watched at the green area in front the GCH. Lots of space to spread out.

Also the area near the marina works too as a back up spot.( did that 2017)

I too am missing out this 4th.

Hope you all post lots of pix!

 

[mrsap]

I do not have pix for this July 4th stay because I knew @GADisneyDad14 was also going to be there and took a break from all the picture taking work.

Lotsa people also watched at the green area in front the GCH. Lots of space to spread out. I had to go meet DD arriving late from mco during the storm delay.

Also the area near the marina works too as a back up spot.

I too am missing out this 4th.

Hope you all post lots of pix!

You’ll be missed!!

 

[trishadono]

You’ll be missed!!

DD is coming up from VA to visit. We have a great fireworks show 1/4 mile from my front lawn so we will have a nice family weekend. I will be looking for my poly fix pix from y'all.

 

[mrsap]

DD is coming up from VA to visit. We have a great fireworks show 1/4 mile from my front lawn so we will have a nice family weekend. I will be looking for my poly fix pix from y'all.

Hope you have a great time!! I’ll be next door this year, but I’m sure we’ll stop by at some point!