Fireworks show options

[hllb]

Looking for some advice for our upcoming trip in January. I'd like to get a good view of the fireworks in Magic Kingdom. We've been to Disney a few times before, and generally, we don't do parades and fireworks because...holy sea of people. I'm not fond of the crowds. We usually hit the rides while everyone else is watching a parade or show. This time, I thought it would be nice to do something with a good view of the fireworks. I do know that they're best viewed in the park, but I'm not so concerned about that.

Right now, we have dinner reservations at California Grill to watch the show from there. It's an expensive meal for a family of 5. I also know about the two dessert parties with viewing. I did consider the one with viewing in the garden, but again, for a family of 5, it's more expensive than the dinner will be (or at least not less expensive) and you don't get a meal with it. Though admittedly, you'd be in the park and see the projections and such.

Are there other options I don't know about? Other, less expensive dining options that have a good view?

 

[hllb]

Bumping...

 

[BrianL]

Well, one thing about seeing it from California Grill, is that the new show relies heavily on projections on the castle synced to the fireworks. From what I hear, you just can't get the full effect from anywhere but in-park on the front side of the castle. I mean, if you've seen them before, it's not such a big deal to try alternate views. Honestly, in January, it shouldn't be too crowded. I'd stake out a good spot and wait.

 

[hllb]

Well, one thing about seeing it from California Grill, is that the new show relies heavily on projections on the castle synced to the fireworks. From what I hear, you just can't get the full effect from anywhere but in-park on the front side of the castle. I mean, if you've seen them before, it's not such a big deal to try alternate views. Honestly, in January, it shouldn't be too crowded. I'd stake out a good spot and wait.

I have heard that too. We haven't seen the new show (not sure we ever saw the old one, certainly didn't wait just to see it). The kids also wouldn't really know they were missing anything by not seeing the projections. It does sound cool though. And hey, watching from the park would allow us to keep our BOG dinner reservation that I was planning on canceling.

 

[2Gma]

Happily ever after at MK is a must see and this coming from someone who dislikes crowds and staying up late!

The projections are amazing, honestly never seen anything like that before (well kind of at Star Wars fireworks at DHS but even those can't compare). The fireworks, music and projections all tie together so not seeing all of it you are missing "the story."

We showed up to get a place about 20 minutes before HEA at 8p and it was crowded but our view was still ok as adults, harder for kids to see lower part of castle at their height. Desert party area would be awesome but I just can't pay that amount of $$$.

 

[BrianL]

I have heard that too. We haven't seen the new show (not sure we ever saw the old one, certainly didn't wait just to see it). The kids also wouldn't really know they were missing anything by not seeing the projections. It does sound cool though. And hey, watching from the park would allow us to keep our BOG dinner reservation that I was planning on canceling.

I think you'll be fine. Keep the BoG and just get to a spot in the Hub between 45 minutes to an hour ahead of time, depending on the crowds.

 

[cassie58]

People report standing in grassy area in front of Casey's for a good view and off the main drag. (Grassy area in front of Plaza is Dessert Party). We will try it in Nov. and see with the new show. We like to get a spot early and grab snacks from Sleepy Hollow to eat while we wait.

 

[hllb]

People report standing in grassy area in front of Casey's for a good view and off the main drag. (Grassy area in front of Plaza is Dessert Party). We will try it in Nov. and see with the new show. We like to get a spot early and grab snacks from Sleepy Hollow to eat while we wait.

I've heard sleepy hollow is good. We plan on grabbing something from there for lunch one day.