Fireworks from California Grill deck?

[Cup-of-Tea]

Hi,

We will be having dinner (5pm) at California Grill and I was wondering if it makes sense to go back to their observation deck for fireworks? Or is the view not that good and better to stay at a bench somewhere and wait for it? We are going for the first time in May, so the crowds may be high for new fireworks...

 

[tannerandcatesmom]

Fireworks from the Contemporary viewing balcony are truly magical!! However, if you have not seen them from ground level.....that's a tough call. Of course you could always do both!! You will love California Grill, our service and food were fantastic!! Enjoy!

 

[Cup-of-Tea]

I have never seen them. Although this also means I would not know what I'm missing out on . I was just thinking that it may be less crowded at the observation deck.

 

[SgtTibbs]

How (if at all) did the new "Celebration at the Top with Fireworks Viewing at California Grill" option change the traditional viewing area for guests dining at the California Grill?

 

[tannerandcatesmom]

How (if at all) did the new "Celebration at the Top with Fireworks Viewing at California Grill" option change the traditional viewing area for guests dining at the California Grill?

I think Celebration at the Top is in the private dining rooms of Cali Grill and they have a separate balcony for fireworks.

 

[tannerandcatesmom]

I have never seen them. Although this also means I would not know what I'm missing out on . I was just thinking that it may be less crowded at the observation deck.

You are correct! The observation deck will definitely be less crowded than ground level. If you can, I think you should do both!! Just be prepared for the crush of people leaving Magic Kingdom afterward

 

[Cup-of-Tea]

Thank you!!

 

[Silver Queen]

We have viewed Wishes in both locations. If looking at fireworks is your main objective the deck at the Cali Grill will certainly be less crowded, but it is not the same as being in the park where you get the full effect of the music, narrative and coordination of the pyrotechnics. You might want to check out Robo's map for suggestions for good viewing spots. You don't have to be right on Main Street to enjoy the show.

 

[DWillowBay]

If you've never done it, it's a fun and new perspective on the event. However, having done it ...and enjoyed it...I don't need to do it again. For me, I'd rather be in the park...even though I feel like I'm caught in a stampede afterwards.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

It's an awesome experience!! We LOVE Cali Grill for both food and watching Wishes.
Don't miss it! Definitely worth it. Have a great time.

 

[cgattis]

It's sort of like watching fireworks versus being IN them. Both are amazing. But if I were seeing Wishes for the last time or the new show for the first time, I'd choose inside the park.

 

[MamaMaleficent2016]

We did this for the first time, on our trip in early February. It was AMAZING. We watched the sunset while dining then killed time by shopping and exploring the Contemporary. We returned to watch the fireworks from the observation deck. The view is breathtaking. They pipe in the music. I might have cried.

Dining at the Grill and watching the fireworks has now become a MUST DO for all future trips.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

There is nothing like watching the fireworks in the park somewhere with a view of the front of the castle. This is how they are intended to be viewed, so obviously the best view. But the crowd can be spirit-crushing! At least for me.

California Grill deck is my favorite place to watch outside the park. It's the closest (I think) location that pipes in the music.

That's all coming from someone who has seen Wishes too many times since it first opened. Unless you have a good reason not to be in the park (too late for kids, older people travelling with you, crowd-induced panic attacks), I really think I'd suggest seeing it for the first time from the park.

Also, once the new show starts, maybe someone will report back. I'm wondering if there will be more use of projections on the castle.