Best Viewing Areas

[Disney_JB]

My two siblings and I are going on our first trip to Disney World in two weeks. I was wondering what the best viewing areas for the parades/fireworks shows are. If anyone knows any secret places or how long we should wait in a spot that would be really helpful. Any advice is welcome.

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

https://www.disneytouristblog.com/magic-kingdom-best-fireworks-views/

https://www.disneytouristblog.com/festival-fantasy-parade-tips/

 

[sponica]

Somehow I end up watching the parade from in front of the country bears.
No comment on the fireworks, we don't usually stay for them and last time I splurged on a theme park view and watched them from my patio.

 

[Pyxie]

I actually love watching the parade near Splash Mountain where it starts. We've had good luck getting a spot there and you can watch it at the beginning, then spend the rest of the time riding rides while the rest of the park watches it.

 

[KristaZ]

I agree for the parade - head to Fantasyland, usually you can walk up a few minutes beforehand and find a spot somewhere. We also always seem to end up in front of Country Bears.

For fireworks, IMO, the best spot is in the hub behind a planter, that way no one ends up blocking your view at the last minute. Downside is to get one of those spots, you'll likely need to be there a good 90 minutes beforehand (if not more on a crowded day).

 

[Dulcee]

In the past we've enjoyed watching the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from the raised platform for the entrance to the railroad on Main Street. Grab snacks, head up early and you can grab a bench. It is not the perfect unobstructed view but it does save you from some of the pushing and jostling that goes on in the crowds directly in front of the castle.

 

[loves to dive]

In the past we've enjoyed watching the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from the raised platform for the entrance to the railroad on Main Street. Grab snacks, head up early and you can grab a bench. It is not the perfect unobstructed view but it does save you from some of the pushing and jostling that goes on in the crowds directly in front of the castle.

Are you talking about upstairs where you board the train where the characters sometimes are? If so, don't they block that off now?

I also like in front of Country Bears for the parade. If you get there early enough you can sit on the little platform and they put the rope right up to it so no one can squeeze in front of you and it's shaded.

As far as FWs, I rarely watch them since I've never been able to find a place where someone doesn't squeeze in front of me at the last minute or a Dad throws his kid on his shoulder and dances around. I tend to sit on the concrete benches going toward tomorrowland (Tink flies right over). I get there early enough that even if someone gets in front of me, I can stand on the bench and still see. You aren't going to see much of the projections since there are some trees there but you will see the FWs and, as I said, Tink flies right over.

 

[holden]

If we watch the parade (which we don't often do because it's a great time to ride attractions), we watch it from where it starts just next to Splash Mountain.

 

[kylenne]

I also like in front of Country Bears for the parade. If you get there early enough you can sit on the little platform and they put the rope right up to it so no one can squeeze in front of you and it's shaded

This is my favorite spot as well. Love to grab a Dole Whip float and take a break there. I love Frontierland in general for watching the parade but there is very little shade in most of the areas so it can be a bit tough. I still prefer it because then you can hop on rides very quickly and easily after it's over, while people further south are still watching it.

 

[gharter]

MK, you want to be on Main Street, near the hub. Thats the only view where the fireworks appear to be behind the castle.
EPCOT you need to be in an area where you are looking directly at the Stargate. If you can't see the center of it, you won't see the projections in it. The side panels are visible at the sides, but you will miss the main screen.