Fireworks: How soon do I need to get there?

[robinb]

I am an expert at WDW fireworks and can zoom in 20-30 minutes before the fireworks and get a great spot. The last time we tried to see Disneyland's fireworks years ago we ended up in a really bad place but didn't realize it until the fireworks started. We then got caught up in the hub shuffle. *sigh*

We're going to be at DLR from 12/29-12/31 (yeah, I know ... busy, busy, busy!) and the fireworks are at 8:40 pm every night. I don't need a perfect spot, I just need a good spot and I would prefer to wait no more than an hour. My family simply does not have the patience to wait any more than that. Any suggestions on where to see the fireworks and how soon I need to get there?

 

[skiingfast]

You can also watch from the back of the park near Small World.

The real key is finding a spot with a good view of the color changing castle.

Since they are "special" fireworks a lot of people hang out and wait longer for them. Be ready to invest some time if you want a great view. Even if this means using a blanket camper to hold onto a spot.

 

[Dizneydaz]

We go to DLR a lot and I won't wait an hour for the fireworks.

Some of the places I have watched them from with a small wait are by the Rivers of America (this is also a great place to see the snow-check location on map) and a new spot we just found that is not perfect, but is still pretty good, is over to the left of the castle, at the front. Near the walkway to Frontierland by the mexican restaurant. My DD11 and I watched the Hallowishes fireworks from there during one of Mickey's Halloween parties (it was pretty crowded). We got there about 15-20 min. before the fireworks started, we could see at least 50% of the castle, and only some of the fireworks were blocked by the pine trees to the left. I plan on watching the fireworks from there, again, the next time we watch them. Added benefit is we were able to sit on the planter wall, cagin the castle. There are benches here too if you get there earlier.

Small World is good as well. Main Street can be a zoo. If you want to watch on Main St. I suggest watching closer to the entrance than to the hub and the castle. Stand in the middle of the street. We watched the summer fireworks from there this year and it was good. Also a great place to watch them if you want to make a fast exit out of the park as soon as they end.

 

[mak702]

If you're staying at the Sheraton on 900 Disneyland Dr., that is the best place to see the fireworks. I dropped my sister off there one night right at the time the Christmas fireworks show started, I had to cover my ears a few times it was so loud! I think they shoot them off a few hundred yards from there. I couldn't believe it. And nobody stops to watch it. Hilarious because there were a ton of car alarms that triggered too.