How loud are the fireworks?

[Bettie]

Whenever we see our local 4th of July fireworks, my daughters hate it because it's so loud. So I'm trying to figure out strategies for viewing at WDW where they can enjoy them without freaking out about the sound. I'm also considering doing the fireworks dessert party if the sound is not too loud from that location?

 

[Disney_1derland]

We bought our noise sensitive dd earplugs that are on a string. She uses them in attractions as well as for fireworks. They work great and keep her from getting overstimulated from the noise. She just keeps them around her neck at all times and if something gets too loud for her, she pops them in. She's in control of the noise and that makes her much happier. Took a few trips to figure this out but now she is able to enjoy something that use to make her run for the hills!

 

[Belle72]

We bring noise cancellation headphones for the fireworks. My dd would not wear the earplugs. We ended up using them at a few other shows because some are surprisingly loud ie Mickey's Philharmagic

 

[Costino1]

Its quite loud due to the fact you're so close to them. However, if you want to view them at the Contemporary or across the end of the park you can see them fine without the noise

 

[larryz]

Let's put it this way -- they'll wake you up if you're staying in the north wing of the Wilderness Lodge...

So in the park, they're really loud.

 

[Feralpeg]

I live about a five minute drive from the back of Magic Kingdom. I hear the fireworks every night in a closed house.

 

[jennine]

Our DD is pretty sensitive to noise, especially fireworks, but she found that they did not bother her at all where you could hear the music.....sort of drowned the popping noise out. When we couldn't hear the music, it bothered her and she had to put her earplugs in.

 

[RMulieri]

They are pretty loud ,as are any of the 3d shows, inside attractions, stunt shows etc.We pack earplugs

 

[MRNsMommy]

We bring noise cancellation headphones for the fireworks. My dd would not wear the earplugs.

We do the headphones, too! Both my DDs are very sensitive to loud noises, so I've got to buy another pair for our next trip.

 

[Bettie]

We did earplugs at the last July 4th show, and one of my daughters still couldn't handle it. I guess we will pick up some headphones. I assume we can get by with the $35 kind, not the $350 kind?

 

[stitch34]

They are definitely loud wherever you are in the park. I was terrified of fireworks as a kid, so I can relate.

I would suggest heading over to the Polynesian and watching them from the beach. We've gone over there before to see the electric water parade and see what the fireworks look like from there. Great view - still can hear them, though not as loud. Beautiful view of them, and kids can play on the beach while they watch, so maybe they'd be so busy playing in the sand that that would distract them a bit from the noise!

 

[MRNsMommy]

We did earplugs at the last July 4th show, and one of my daughters still couldn't handle it. I guess we will pick up some headphones. I assume we can get by with the $35 kind, not the $350 kind?

Yes, those are fine...I think we spent about $50 on the ones we have...and they work perfectly!

 

[shocker]

My DS had to leave Epcot by the back entrance with DH during the show, he couldn't take anymore. He tolerated the VERY loud shows and rides though. We did practice turning up the stereo loud at home and discussing how nothing touches us or hurts us even when it's loud, it's still just sound. We also practiced darkness and flashing lights for the same reason, all to be expected from Disney.

If you want to go the earplug route just make sure you've practiced with the child so they know what to expect.

Also, I tend to agree w/PP on picking a location outside the parks to watch.

DS has grown out of it and I'm sure you're little one will too. Until then, don't expect too much.

 

[wolfie1]

I've found there are a lot of things that are WAY too loud for my little ones. I bought these Peltor 90554 Kid's Earmuffs for $14 bucks and my kids did fine during the fireworks.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ET5XAI/ref=oss_product

 

[melliemelo]

We have watched them on the ferry dock to be away from the loud booms. Perfect view of the castle and they even pipe in the music.

 

[crazymk96]

I've always found them to be really loud, but viewing them from the beach at the Polynesian, viewing deck from the Contemporary, etc. are great. Nice view, very little sound

 

[nickymaria]

They're loud. It all depends on your kids. Mine can listen to loud music, my older one rides EE no problem. But they are TERRIFIED of fireworks. We also bought the Peltor earmuffs for our trip in December and they both still freaked the heck out. It was not fun, we had to literally run out of the park. But - I would imagine plenty of kids are so engaged by the spectacle that the fear subsides. Just sadly not mine!

 

[goofyernmost]

I have to agree with loud. They are fireworks just like any other fireworks you have ever witnessed. They are explosives and make an explosive noise. So if you have had trouble at other fireworks you will have the same trouble at Disney.

 

[HeidiLowe]

IllumiNations is VERY loud. My 5 year old son who doesn't like fireworks anyway screamed bloody murder. He and I finally ended up in a bathroom for the rest of the show while my 3 year old son and dh watched it. The 3 year old wasn't afraid of them, just held his hands over his ears.

 

[Sleepy425]

The following information was correct as of 2004 -

Although the quick service restaurants will look closed, they normally keep the doors open. As long as you don't make a mess (rearranging chairs, leaving trash, etc), nobody will say anything about you hiding out there during the fireworks. This way the rest of your party can enjoy the show and your daughter will be safely away from the noise.
When I worked in the Magic Kingdom I often advised parents to take their frightened children into Pinocchio's Village Haus. ESPECIALLY for the finale - being in Fantasyland for the final boom is intense (spoken as someone who has never handled loud noises very well. My managers knew I voluntarily cleaned bathrooms during fireworks).