Best fireworks view from a resort...

[aliwolly]

Hello! The boyfriend and I are heading to Disney in a few weeks. On our first night at the World, I'd love to have dinner and watch fireworks... Wishes will be on at 8:30 that night and at first I was looking to dine in the MK, but then I thought, "Gee, all those lovely deluxe monorail resorts probably have places where you can see the fireworks." We'll be in MK later on in the week and plan on seeing the show from inside the park then, so seeing it from a distance and, most likely, a more private location will be nice for the first night.

SO... My question is... I know you can see the fireworks from the California Grill at the Contemporary... can you only get to the observation deck at the Contemporary to view the fireworks if you dine at the California Grill? Are there any other places from the Contemporary to view the fireworks? How about the Poly or Grand Floridian? Any good fireworks views from there?

Thanks a lot!!

Ali

 

[dzneelvr]

We picked up an excellent view of the fireworks while waiting for the monorail at the GF.
but you must understand that WISHES is more than fireworks. It's a visual and audio show that ties each together. For maximum pleasure, you want to stand in front of the castle on main street in MK. You'll then see how the audio ties into the pyrotechnical presentations.

to just see the fireworks in the sky would not be seeing WISHES.

 

[CoolBreeze]

The best dinner spot to catch Wishes from is the California Grille atop the Contemporary Resort. The second best spot, and its a lot less viewable is from Ohana at the Polynesian.

California Grille is outstanding and won't disappoint you at all. It is a tad pricey and make your PS early as the Wishes time slots fill up quick over there. You'll need to ask the host/hostess at check in for a window table for the best view of Wishes.

Both CG and Ohana pipe the Wishes music into the dining room and dim the lights during the show.

Hope this helps.

Have fun!

 

[aliwolly]

Thanks for your responses I think I'm going to try and make a California Grill PS... The boyfriend is fascinated by the Contemporary Resort anyways... He's so disapointed that we're not staying there. I swear, the boy has no concept of money...

Oh, and we will be seeing Wishes at some point during our trip from inside the MK, hopefully at a good spot in front of the castle.

Ali

 

[lark]

I haven't been there in a few years, but there are also some comfortable lounge chairs with bar tables near the windows near the entrance. You can order everything from the menu there and don't need PS. They are first come/first serve. Last time we were there, we made PS for about 45 minutes before the fireworks, but checked in about 2 hours before the fireworks, and got one of the bar tables near the window. Since we couldn't get a guaranteed seat near the window for our PS, we simply told our waiter that we planed to cancel our PS, camp out there, to spread out dinner, and to leave a very large tip for tying up the table so long. She said no problem. We basically ordered three appetizers, one after the other, some drinks, and then dessert, and had great seats for the fireworks. We've done this 3 or 4 times. You may need to hang out for a while to get a table -- but there is turnover because people sitting there are often waiting for their name to get called for tables in the main restaurant. Maybe it's different now that check in for the restaurant is on a lower floor; check with someone who has been there more recently.

Not sure if those bar tables are still there, but if they are, it's a great spot. By the time the fireworks start, that area fills up with lots of people and we usually let kids come stand near the window in front of us, but you're certainly under no obligation to do that!

 

[aliwolly]

Lark -

Thanks for the great idea! I wonder if that still works...

Anyone out there know if the new check-in policy affects the ability to go and enjoy the lounge?

Thanks!!

Ali

 

[lwestwise]

We had dinner at Narcoosee's at the GF. Then took our drinks out on the deck overlooking the water and watched Wishes. the music was piped in from Wishes. That was the most enjoyable time I have ever had watching the fireworks.

 

[26555]

SO... My question is... I know you can see the fireworks from the California Grill at the Contemporary... can you only get to the observation deck at the Contemporary to view the fireworks if you dine at the California Grill?
Ali [/B]

I was wondering about this as well.............?

 

[TammiMcMan]

Just wanted to add a thumbs up for the CG. The view is incredible as you'll be looking down on everything.

Oh, and we will be seeing Wishes at some point during our trip from inside the MK, hopefully at a good spot in front of the castle.

Ali, don't get too close to the castle. You want to be at least as far back as the courtyard area where the Walt statue is.

 

[cinderellawannabe]

We stayed at the Poly in July, and watched the fireworks many nights from the beach there. If you are near the pool the music is piped in and the view is fantastic. There are also a few secluded and romantic spots, such as some "grown-up" swings and hammocks, as well as a little hill you can perch on top of. Have a great time!