I need help from an expert - Fireworks Dining on July 3

[twitch]

I'll be in Orlando for a conference that ends on July 3. We're not going to spend money for park admission tickets, but thought about taking a cab to one of the resorts for dinner and fireworks.

We did California Grill during our Anniversary trip, and I know that there are a couple of other possibilities, but I'm not sure what they are.

I'm also not sure when the fireworks schedule is released, but I realize I have to make an ADR 180 days out if I want to make this work.

Any advice?

 

[twitch]

Perhaps I should be more specific in my questions...

Where are good resort dining places where you can see the fireworks (either during, or after the meal)?

Any idea when fireworks on July 3 would be? It's a Friday.

Thanks!

 

[lpizzuro123]

We were in Disney two years ago the week of July 4th. They did the MK July 4th fireworks on both July 3rd and July 4 and they did the July 4th IllumiNations only on July 4th. I do not remember if there was anything special at DHS at that time.

If you are not planning on being in the parks for July 3rd, I would suggest watching the MK fireworks from the beach at the Poly. You can have dinner at either 'Ohana (our favorite) or Kona (also very good). I do not remember what time the fireworks were but I want to say maybe 9:00 or 9:30.

Linda

 

[twitch]

Thanks!

Sounds like I might just want to do a regular time supper (say 5:30 or 6:00) and then stake out a spot for the fireworks then...

Any idea how early one would want to be on the beach at the Poly for a good spot? Can I bring a beach blanket or chairs, or is that frowned on? Will I run into any problems sitting on the beach if I'm JUST a dining room guest (not a resort guest or a park guest)?

 

[lpizzuro123]

No problem.

We watch Wishes from the beach at the Poly all the time but never for a special fireworks showing. I am pretty sure for July 3rd they do the surround MK fireworks so that would be a wonderful place. The beach is never really crowded when we go but like I said we have never watched for a special fireworks showing. They do pipe in the music but the sound is generally very low so you might want to be near a speaker (they are kind of hidden in the shubs). I guess you could bring a towel or something to sit on the sand on (not sure if you want to bothered bringing a chair). There are hamocks but not sure if you want to use one as most people on these boards will say they are for resort guests (which they are). I am sure if you just "follow the people" down to the beach you will be fine.

I think it would be a good idea to get PS at one of the restaurants in the Poly for that night because there are times during holidays where they only let resort guests and people with PS park in the lot. This happened to us one night at the Contemporary. It was Thanksgiving weekend and we wanted to go to the Contemporary one night because they had a sweatshirt in the gift shop that I had not seen anywhere else. We were not allowed to park there due to crowds so someone had to wait in the car while I ran in to get the item. They wanted us to park at the TTC and take the monorail over. Normally I would not mind doing this but we were not planning on staying, I just wanted to run in and get the shirt.

Enjoy the fireworks.

Linda

 

[tripplanner]

We were staying at the Poly in 2007 for July 4th. We were in the quiet pool until about 15 minutes before the fireworks occurred. I was shocked at how many people showed up for the fireworks there on the beach. We took our pool towels and sat on the beach. It really was the best place to be. The music from MK can be heard through the speakers there. It was perfect! If I were you, I would schedule dinner at Kona or O'hanas and then just stake out a spot over by the beach. There are chairs on the beach and by the beach. We were just in the pool up until almost the time for fireworks, so we sat on our towels on the beach.

 

[princesswendy720]

You can also go out on the dock at the Grand Floridian to see the fireworks. There are several dining options there: Citricos, Narcoossees (you can see the fireworks from inside the restaurant and they pipe the music in), the GF Cafe, and 1900 Park Fare.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Yes, the Grand Floridian and the Contemporary are both options for seeing the fireworks. We like the Poly because when you are on the beach you are directly across from the castle so it looks like the fireworks are going off right behind and around the castle. From the other places you are viewing the castle from the side so it looks like the fireworks are to the side of the castle. You are definately closer at the Contemporary but we like the view from the Poly the best.

Linda