Can you see the fireworks from monorail resorts?

[Hippychickali]

Just a quick question: Can you see the fireworks from monorail resorts? Are there some that are better than others? We are thinking of getting a PS for a restaurants at either the Contemporary, GF, or Poly and then watch the July 4th Fireworks from there. So, I would appreciate your information.

Ali

 

[Sammie]

Yes to all three. O'Hanas at the Polynesian is really good with a great view. These reservations go very quickly sometimes a year in advance, book quickly.

 

[skiwee1]

Actually I think the monorail resorts, at least the Poly closes the beach to non resort guests on July 4th. Unless you are actually staying in the resort you are out of luck. You could always try to get a tableview of the fireworks at Ohana though it might be tough.

 

[Hippychickali]

Yes to all three. O'Hanas at the Polynesian is really good with a great view. These reservations go very quickly sometimes a year in advance, book quickly.

I didn't realize you could book that early. I thought you could only book in 90 days in. Someone told me on another thread that you can go to the resort but they will only let you in if you are staying there or have a PS.

Ali

 

[Sammie]

I didn't realize you could book that early. I thought you could only book in 90 days in. Someone told me on another thread that you can go to the resort but they will only let you in if you are staying there or have a PS.

Ali

You are right about the 90 days. I guess my cough meds are messing with my clear thinking. I meant some people plan these dates a year in advance, mark their calendar for the exact day to call.

I know the monorail restuarants on the 4th go very quickly. As long as you book a restaurant that requires a PS you can stay and watch the fireworks. They will check your name on their PS list when you arrive and give you a 3 hour visitors pass.

 

[Hippychickali]

Thank you Sammie so much for the information. I think we will choose a monorail restaurant for that evening. Don't worry...I've got it marked on my calendar too.

Ali

 

[TammiMcMan]

Definitely mark your calendar for the 90 day window and have some options. The California Grill at the CR, Narcoossee's at the GF and Ohana at the Poly will all give you great views. Do a search on the threads too to get an idea of what time the July 4th fireworks are normally scheduled as Disney probably won't have published their park schedule yet. At least you'll have a pretty good idea of what time to make your ps for. I don't know if they have to assure you parking if you have a PS, but security at these resorts is usually very tight on this night because many do try to get in to view the fireworks. It might be a good idea to plan on taking Disney transportation or a taxi to dinner.

 

[Sammie]

You will probably have to valet park since self parking will be very limited on these days and they do tow on the 4th of July.

 

[Hippychickali]

Actually, we won't have to worry about driving because we won't have a car. We'll be relying on Disney transportation for the whole trip. So, no worries. By the way, we have decided on the Grand Floridian Cafe and I have put it in my PS Planning Report. Thanks for your help.

Ali

 

[mjmcca]

The Grand Floridian cafe is a very nice restaurant but it does not have a view of the fireworks.

 

[Hippychickali]

That's ok MJ. We plan to dine before they begin. We couldn't eat dinner that late anyway.

Ali

 

[TammiMcMan]

Yup, the GF Cafe is a very nice spot for dinner, but won't help you out with viewing the fireworks, unless you plan on going into the MK afterwards. Because of how the buildings are situated on the property, there are not a lot of vantage points from the GF. There is very limited space on the boat dock and some standing room around the marina. I know the Poly does check resort ID on this night in particular, I don't remember if the GF checks.

Another option to look into is a Wishes cruise. They also book at 90 days and I imagine that the 4th of July is going to be popular. You'll get a pontoon boat that seats up to 10 people and it sits out on the lake during the fireworks. I think the cost is around $125 dollars.

 

[Hippychickali]

I'm confused. I thought if we were eating there we would get a 3 hour visitors pass to stay on property. Did I misunderstand?

Ali

 

[Ilovestitch]

I just made my 'Ohana PS today! Anyways, I suggest eating an earlier dinner at 'Ohana and then afterwards going down to watch the fireworks from the beach. -Steph

 

[TammiMcMan]

The pass entitles you to dinner and on many occassions, you are allowed to walk around the resort. You're talking about 4th of July though. In the past, many non-resort guests have tried to get on the beach at the Poly, parked at the CR and gone into the MK or crowded the already limited viewing space at the GF. This has caused the resort CM's to become more strict and limit the grounds to resort guests during busier times of the year. Just throwing it out as an FYI, that they may have the viewing area's blocked off and only admit resort guests.

Steph ~ I know for a fact that they check Poly room keys at the beach on 4th of July.

 

[Hippychickali]

Well that would be a bummer. Maybe we won't bother with that PS then. I guess there's no way to know for sure. We could always spend a quieter evening at the resort.

Ali

 

[TammiMcMan]

Sorry, I just didn't want you to be disappointed. If you make a PS at Narcoossees, you can definitely go out onto their wrap around deck to view the fireworks. If you want to go with the California Grill, you can also use their observation deck. At Ohana's you can request a window table and have a fireworks view, but it's not guaranteed, just a request. And again, there's the Wishes fireworks cruise. If you're lucky enough to book one, you could always post a thread that you have "seats" available and share the cost. They actually have a thread already set up on the theme park board. You can keep an eye out and see if any other DIS'er reserved a boat and is advertising for the extra seats.

 

[Hippychickali]

Thank you Tammi. I really do appreciate all of your suggestions. I'll have to talk with DFi before we decide what to do. I know we'll have a great time no matter what we are doing.

Ali