Fireworks Viewing Tips

[JodyLynC]

There seem to be many options for viewing fireworks and evening light displays at each of the four parks: Cruises, ADRs at resort restaurants, Dessert Parties, Dinner Packages, less populated viewing areas, etc.

What are your best strategies for viewing the nighttime shows? Are there some shows that are better than others? Is it you've-seen-one-you've-seen-them-all or are they all worth catching? Are some nights better than others for a certain show?

We are planning a July 2017 trip.

Thanks!!
Jody

 

[Barbydoll8]

Lots of opinions on this but personally, if you've never done them, you are missing out. No one does fireworks like Disney. Each show is unique and varies in length.
In MK, get a spot early. I typically line up an hour before the fireworks show. I've watched them directly in front of the castle or around the hub area, from the main street train station but some people say they like Frontier land viewing which I've never done. I've also done the dessert party. I've also watched them from the beach at the Poly, Wilderness lodge and a top of the Contemporary (my favorite so far).
In Epcot I've watched from a reserved spot during a special event. From the World Showcase back by Japan. In front of the world show case by Canada and by the bridge from the BoardWalk outside the park. Again, scouting my spot early.
HS - I've watched right in front of the Chinese theater. Got there a little too early but still got there about an hour in advance. (see a theme here?) and I think this show was my favorite. And Fantasmic is a great show but I wouldn't do a dining package with it. If you get in the theater early you can get a great seat. BTW, I've gotten wet from this show several times so you might depending on where you are seated.
I have not seen the new show in AK yet but I'll wait until they get the kinks out.
Claiming your spot to see any of the shows early is my only tip. It's hard to get a "bad" spot to see any of them but you can get a better spot if you claim early and you ask cast members where their favorite spot to watch them is.

 

[katt789]

Every show is different and deservers to be seen at least once, because every show has such different aspects to it!
-Wishes: NOW, if you want to watch in front of the castle, your best options are to do the dessert party, and move down to the hub grass to watch, OR get there early enough to watch them from the front of the castle (this meaning, if there is a parade before the fireworks, either watch the parade on Main st & move into the hub area for fireworks as it ends, OR get there right as the parade is ending)
OR: I like to watch from back in Fantasyland, WAY more space, you still get to see all the fireworks, and they're going off on all sides of you which can make things magical.
OR: watch from the Trader Sam's patio!

Fantasmic: aim to get there early. The fp doesn't do much, the dining package does, but I find it's not worth it to "waste" the money, we usually grab a qs dinner and try to line up as early as we can, then head in, do some weaving and speed walking to find a central more forward spot. They also might open up the roped off area if it doesn't fill up so you can move into it.

SW Fireworks: with the new show you'll probably want to be closer with the projections and such, so ARRIVE EARLY, swap off for bathroom breaks, grab so QS food to eat while you wait. Previously, I've always watched from the crossways streets leading down to Fant, and watched the fireworks, then booked it down to Fant. If Fant is earlier, we've done the opposite too and it worked out to get a closer spot for the fireworks!

Illuminations: This one can be trickier, any spot along the lagoon is better, but obviously you sometimes have a tree or something in your way. I haven't watched it in a while, but I know around Mexico we had a pretty clear view. I also like going up the stairs in Canada to watch it, get a pretty un blocked view there!

Dak: I haven't seen any of the new stuff, but I imagine getting there early is SUPER important for good seats!