Fireworks Viewing from Restaurants vs Parks

[emmasammy]

It seems so many people try to make dinner reservations at restaurants so they can view the fireworks. Do you find that the fireworks view from these restaurants is just as good or better than being in the parks to view them? In what cases is the viewing so far away that you would not consider the viewing from a particular restaurant a good choice and being in the park better?

 

[jubileegirl]

Hi, emmasammy! I was just going to ask the very same question myself for our July trip! I wonder if people watch from the restaurants as an 'extra' but would also always watch from the park sometime too? I'll be interested to see what people reply to your post!

 

[ducklite]

Wishes is DEFINITELY better in the MK, or on a boat in front of the MK than in the CG or Narcooses. The view from Narcooses is better than the CG IMHO.

At Epcot the view from the three "inside" places that I can think of to see Illuminations from is partially blocked, and you can't hear the music.

Personally I prefer to dine and then head out to see the fireworks for many reasons. First, there are extremely limited tables with window views in most of the restaurants, so your chances of getting one are slim to begin with. Next, I hate it when I'm trying to eat, and have someone standing over me to watch the fireworks. It's rude and disgusting. Also, the restaurants get so full during those times that service diminishes. And last, the view is just generally better from other places.

Anne

 

[postmanrings]

I think for the first few times you need to fight the crowds after the fireworks and and enjoy them at the park. But for a change and your sanity it is nice to watch from a resort or other place where after the fireworks you can leasurly leave without the stampede! We watched from the Cal Grill and had no problem getting a window. I'm sure it depends when you go though. It gives it a whole different look viewing from say a mile or two away. We did have a couple little kids stand beside us, but by that time we are already done with dinner and they didn't bother us at all. You will be completely surrounded with people at the park and don't mind at all stepping in front of you!

 

[ncbyrne]

I always watch Illuminations from an unobstructed spot around the lake. Preferably on the rail where you enter WS. It's my favorite thing to do in all of WDW, so I try to see it at least twice on every trip. I also think that the fireworks at MK are best viewed in the park, and we stay for the fireworks the day we are in the MK. However, it's also fun to see them from the top of the Contemporary too. We don't make a PS for dinner, but we do get there early have a drink in the lounge and then meander out to the observation deck. Fireworks, from any location, are a priority on every WDW vacation.

 

[madalex]

Fireworks are definitely better from the parks - they are designed to be watched that way and you get the full impact of the fireworks themselves, the music, other effects, etc.

That being said, it is a nice little "extra" to combine a meal and the fireworks. Personally, we never schedule our meals around seeing the fireworks from the restaurant, but I can understand why some would do so.

 

[EmmasGrammy]

The show's are designed to be seen from the parks. The experience is definately more magical in the park. But for "repeat viewers" the meal with the view is pretty special too!! Getting a PS duriing the prime firework hours can be a trick if you are going during the busy season. Good luck and enjoy the magic!!

P.S. Our user names are so close. Do you have a special Emma too??

 

[scrump]

I agree that fireworks were meant to be experienced from inside the parks, but for a change of pace or for something different, try it from the restaurants.

One caveat about dining during the fireworks, especially Wishes - we happened to be inside Cinderella's castle during the show, and while it was nice, I definitely preferred to be outside. The novelty wore off for me after a couple of minutes, and then I just wanted to finish up my meal and rush outside to grab the rest of the show. I am glad I did it, though. Have fun!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Most times at the restaurants you will wind up standing outside to watch the fireworks anyway--on the porch at Narcoosee's, or on the observation deck at California Grill.
If you intend to have a good meal , both restaurants are great. But if all you REALLY want to do is see the fireworks, then it's a lot of $$$ to spend for a 15-minute show.

 

[Harambe]

OMG - I was really looking forward to seeing Wishes from Narcoossee's on our next trip, but I had no idea that people actually left their tables to crowd around the windows! DH would hate that (me too!) and it is his birthday.

 

[senecabeach]

I always plan on doing...both !!

When in the park, I plan on being in NO hurry...bring my patience...and let the stampeed....just go !!!
I enjoy hanging around, people watching, listening to the music, have an ice cream and just try to soak up all that is "Disney" ........ while most everyone else is trying to get out!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Harambe:
It's not that they crowd around the windows at Narcoosee's--most folks just step outside on the porch that runs along the outside of the restaurant. What this can mean tho is that if you do happen to have a window table, you might wind up going outside anyway. The people standing outside are at your "level" and if there are a lot of people, your view from the table might be blocked.
Frankly, even when we have a window table, we always step outside anyway--very easy to do, and you can see and hear better.

 

[Teaching in NV]

A great place to watch Illuminations is from a patio table at the Rose and Crown. Get a 7:30 PS and when you get there - request a table on the patio. If you are lucky, you get a wonderful seat for the show (and some pretty good fish and chips to feast on while you watch)

Unfortunately, you can't request an outside table when you do your PS.

 

[Harambe]

Uncleromulus - thanks for clarifying that for me! Sometimes it is just good to know what may happen. I really want to try this place.

 

[skiwee1]

Fireworks are always better being seen at the parks themselves. If you only have one time to see the fireworks then you really shouldn't waste it on a dinner viewing at an outside of the park restaurant as it will not compare in the slightest to the real thing! The only time I would recommend watching the fireworks while eating is if I have already seen the fireworks IN the park or are eating in the park.