Holiday Wishes from outside the park?

[velouria]

I've read that Wishes can be watched from outside the MK at some of the resorts. DH and I are not attending a MVMCP during our upcoming visit, but I wanted to explore the idea of us heading to one of the resorts to watch Holiday Wishes. We are staying offsite, so I'm just wondering if any of the resorts would allow us to park? If so, any recommendations on the best place to watch would be greatly appreciated! DH loves fireworks.

 

[Alesia]

My favorite place to watch from is the TTC. I think the view is much nicer from there than it is from any of the resorts.

 

[Jedimike]

If you are having a meal at the Contemporary Resort, you could park there and watch the fireworks from the California Grill or from one of the viewing areas at the CR. If you eat the California Grill, I believe they let you up on to the roof for the fireworks, irregardless of what time you at the at the California Grill (i.e., eat dinner at 6, finish at 8, then go up top at 9 or 10 to view the fireworks).

We had a magical stay at the Atrium Club at the CR one Christmas and LOVED the view of the fireworks from there. I think it is a better view than the Polynesian Beach, the Grand Floridian Dock or the Wilderness Lodge parking lot.

 

[Nancyg56]

O you an head over to the Grand Floridian and watch from the Marina area. The view is lovely

 

[jacknsally19]

The music is piped in at the Contemporary. Given that you are two adults, I would consider going up to the California Grill and having after dinner drinks at the bar. Then, watching the fireworks from the balcony (assuming you are OK with heights!)

 

[mickeyluv'r]

The view from the TTC is obstructed.

If you don't already have a dinner reservation, you are likely out of luck where those are concerned. Dinner at Cali Grill is also rather $$$. Another dinner option with a view is Narcoossee's, which is also in the crazy Signature $$$ range. Some tables at 'Ohana have a relatively unobstructed view- but some have almost no view. And odds are slim of getting an ADR there at less than 180 days. As others have said, you might be ableto have drinks, sans reservation at Cali. There is also a tiny area (kind of like a sushi bar) for a few lucky folks who don't have reservations. Your best odds of sitting there are to arrive early, and REQUEST that area. The CM's can be a bit strict about letting folks up to Cali without an ADR, and you can only sit there if it is empty.

Staying CR atrium level is a whopping $900+ per night around Christmas this year! You can also see wishes from some rooms of Bay Lake Tower.
It probably is a little less if you mean one of the earlier parties.

If you park at ANY park that day- then you can park in the MK lot for no additional fee. If you are already going to MK for the day, you don't need to move your car to dine at a monorail resort. You can get around via the monorail. After dinner the resort monorail ALSO stops at the TTC.

As others have said- only a few places PUMP in the MUSIC for the show. (Cr, Poly, Narcoosee's) If you watch it from a place like the TTC, and you want to hear the audio- do a search on the internet using your phone for recording of the show. Hit play at just the right moment, and you might get close to correct audio via your phone.

 

[Alesia]

As others have said- only a few places PUMP in the MUSIC for the show. (Cr, Poly, Narcoosee's) If you watch it from a place like the TTC, and you want to hear the audio- do a search on the internet using your phone for recording of the show. Hit play at just the right moment, and you might get close to correct audio via your phone.

They play the audio at the TTC.

 

[Robo]

You can see the MK fireworks shows very well from the TTC

(and they pipe-in clear, crisp audio from the show.)

Note: you are not allowed to stand directly in the actual Ferry loading area.

You can see them from the boat-dock and an outside

observation deck near Narcoossee's restaurant at the

Grand Floridian. Anyone can stand on Narcoossee's Deck.

The outside deck is not a part of the actual restaurant. (All serving is done inside.)

The deck is accessed from the sidewalk outside the restaurant.

Also, good viewing from the Patio overlooking the Marina.

The sound of the show is piped into these areas too.

At the Contemporary, there is viewing on an outdoor

observation area on the 4th floor.

The California Grill observation areas are reserved for patrons that day of the Grill or Bar.

(Fireworks shown above are simulated.)



At Wilderness Lodge, the "secret place" to watch the MK fireworks is from the northern area of the Cast Member (CM) Parking Lot.

At the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds Marina (angle shown on the map below,) some of the view (especially of the "Fantasyland" pyro) is blocked by the now unused Discovery Island in Bay Lake and by the high-rise buildings of the Contemporary Resort.

But, the view from the Ft. Wilderness' sand beach (farther north) is more open.

Still the tree-level can block the views of the lower-firing pyro.



Here are the angles of the views in the Bay Lake area.

Below are the angles of the views in the Seven Seas Lagoon area.

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As for viewing from INSIDE the dining area of restaurants

(you usually need ADRs for most, and they are usually busy during the shows)...

you can see (and hear) them at California Grill at Contemporary,

'Ohana at the Poly, at Trader Sam's and Trader Sam's outdoor patio at the Poly, Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian,

and (if you have access there) the Top of the World at Bay Lake Tower.

----------------------------------

 

[Juliemomma]

Thank you so much! I was about o cancel our reservation at Narcoossee because it wouldn't be as magical without the music. Now that I know we can hear the music too, we will definitely keep our reservation!

 

[Cee]

We've watched from the beach at WL, but there is no audio.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Thank you so much! I was about to cancel our reservation at Narcoossee because it wouldn't be as magical without the music. Now that I know we can hear the music too, we will definitely keep our reservation!

This is a great spot of the show, IMO. The tables aer set up so most of them have a decent view (unless a group stands on the deck and blocks your view).

This thread doesn't mention the water parade. That is also visible from Narcoosee's. We had a nice view of the water parade from the outdoor deck the last time we ate at Cali. I'd imagine the 4th floor deck is also fine, though I can't confirm. I should mention if you plan to stand out there in the winter months, it pays to bring a warm jacket! We were dressed for dinner at Cali, and didn't think we'd be opting to stand outside!

I still disagree slightly about the TTC and 'Ohana as great places. We've dined at 'Ohana a number of times during Wishes, and only a few times did we have what I would call a decent view. Do a search for "view of Wishes from 'Ohana" and you'll see what I mean. First, the view from all the windows is partly covered by wood framing and large trees. Second the restaurant has a central kitchen and large columns. Multiple tables are located completely behind the fire pits- with no view, and limited ability to stand for the show.

Overall, the tables at Narcoosee's and the newly remodeled Cali Grill offer much better views. The remodel improved Cali view quite a bit! The outdoor view is even better for some- so it pays to be prepared with jackets!

At the TTC, trees partly obstruct the view. I much prefer the view from the marina of the Grand Floridian.

 

[pinkgirlmommy]

If we are leaving MK around 8:15 after a dining reservation at 6:45 and Holiday Wishes is at 9:00, where would be the best location to watch them? We are staying at POP so would be heading to Pop after watching the fireworks, but since we are leaving the park so close to time I don't want to miss them while on a bus, Monorail or Ferry!

 

[figment_jii]

Wishes/HalloWishes/MK Fireworks can be viewed from any of the monorail resorts, WL, FW, the TTC, and (if you're lucky) the water transportation.

Contemporary - no view from Chef Mickey or the Wave. You can watch the fireworks from the CR 4th Floor Observation Deck or California Grill (if you are dining there).
4th Floor Observation Deck - guests can watch the fireworks from the viewing area. They pipe in the music. I would guess the view is similar to that of California Grill, but from a lower angle.
California Grill - the restaurant has an observation deck where you can watch Wishes. They pipe in the music. A few tables have a view of Wishes, but those are pretty hard to come by. You can ask for a window table, but they do not promise to have one available before fireworks. If you want to eat here, I would aim for an ADR about 2 to 2.5 hours before Wishes. Personally, I like the observation deck because you don't have to deal with reflections in the glass.

Polynesian - no view from Kona.
'Ohana - a few tables have a view, but most do not. I would not go with the plan to see fireworks from your table. There are some reports indicating that folks do get up and move around to see the fireworks. This would be the approximate view (you can see the castle to the left of the main wall support).

Beach - guests can watch the fireworks from the beach (intermittent). They do pipe in the music, but it can be hard to hear or may not be working anymore. The view is straight on, but at a distance. This photo was taken before the DVC construction was completed, so the view may be somewhat altered.

Grand Floridian - no view from Citricos (a few bursts might be visible, but not really anything worth seeing) or 1900 Park Fare.
Narcoossee's - this is my favorite restaurant in WDW. Most window tables have a view of Wishes, but the view is often blocked by folks standing out on the veranda. You'll probably have to go outside to watch as well. Then dim the lights and pipe in the music (inside the restaurant and outside on the veranda). You can request a window table. I would aim for an ADR about 90 minutes before Wishes.
Boat Dock - guests are able to view the fireworks from the boat dock area. They pipe in the music. Almost the same view as Narcoossee's.

WL Boat - if you happen to be lucky and be taking the boat to MK from WL (or the opposite), you might be able to watch Wishes from the boat.

I've not as familiar with the layout of watching Wishes from WL or the TTC.

 

[Robo]

If we are leaving MK around 8:15 after a dining reservation at 6:45 and Holiday Wishes is at 9:00, where would be the best location to watch them? We are staying at POP so would be heading to Pop after watching the fireworks, but since we are leaving the park so close to time I don't want to miss them while on a bus, Monorail or Ferry!

Ferry to TTC.
However, if you are not driving, you can't get to the Pop from TTC.

You'd need to go back to the MK gates to board a bus to Pop.
(Inefficient, to say the least. )

I'd just stay in MK to see Wishes and Celebrate the Magic.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

I would take a boat to the Grand Floridian and watch either from the dock or just in front of Gasparilla Grill.

 

[AEB123]

I just got a 6:55 California Grill ADR for a night during Christmas week when Wishes is at 8:00. I think I read somewhere that we are allowed to go up to the observation deck in between dinner and dessert and come back to have dessert at our table. Can anyone confirm that? If we don't have a table near the window, this is something I'd like to do if it is allowed.

 

[Robo]

I just got a 6:55 California Grill ADR for a night during Christmas week when Wishes is at 8:00. I think I read somewhere that we are allowed to go up to the observation deck in between dinner and dessert and come back to have dessert at our table. Can anyone confirm that? If we don't have a table near the window, this is something I'd like to do if it is allowed.

Confirmed. It is allowed. And, would be a good plan.

 

[CupcakeLisa]

do they pipe the audio in at Top of the World Lounge?

 

[Robo]

do they pipe the audio in at Top of the World Lounge?

Yes.

 

[pinkgirlmommy]

I have read about all of the spots, but since we have only been there once I am still not familiar with everything and with timing, so I am looking for a recommendation. We can't stay in MK after we leave CRT as we are not doing MVMCP and will be escorted out from what I hear which is fine. It is our arrival day so I know we won't make it until midnight and don't want to get tickets to MVMCP. We are not trying to stay in to watch them, just wondering if there is a good spot outside. Our ADR is at 6:45, I figure we will be done around 8:15, out of the park around 8:30 or 9. Holiday Wishes is at 9:30. If it is later, can we watch from just outside the gates of MK anywhere? If not, the quickest route to watch? My kiddos will be tired so walking a lot will not be an option at this point. We don't mind riding a boat around or monorail as long as there is not much walking involved. It looks like a lot of walking to get to the dock or Gasparilla grille from the GF. Where does the boat stop? We will have a car but were thinking of leaving it at the hotel for our MK day. But if the best option is Monorail to TTC then we could park it at the TTC.