more impressive?

[MIALIAS]

I HAVE A GROUP OF FIRST TIMERS...WHERE WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TAKING THEM TO CATCH THE MK FIREWORKS...

top of the world lounge

or

Grand floridian

Please give me your thoughts

tx

 

[rlovew]

I would take them into the Magic Kingdom- each of the other places have a different view of the fireworks but for the best view they should be in the park. If you can't watch them in the park then it would depend on the view of the fireworks you are interested in- at TOWL you are above many of the fireworks and see they are not actually fired or exploding over the castle but instead over Space Mountain. From the Grand Floridian- you will see them at ground level rather than from above. You will see them as being fired off over the castle but will miss many of them from the viewpoint.

 

[MIALIAS]

we cant make it to the park this trip...thats why im asking between the 2...

let me know what you all think...

tx

 

[moran66]

I would say TOWL for sure I took my family there and they were ready to buy into DVC. Grand Floridian is nice but TOWL for fireworks is easily better.

 

[eeyoresmom]

We didn't like the view of Wishes from TOTWL at all. Its a sideways view and not at all impressive. The fireworks should be seen from a view with the castle in the foreground. I have never watched from GF but the Poly is better than TOTWL IMO.

 

[Kidanifan08]

TOTWL is kind of nice, but the fireworks viewing is not stellar. You may want to look into a Fireworks Cruise on the lagoon. We have done the Pirates and Pals cruise from the CR a couple of times and that has been the best fireworks view of all; even better than being on Main Street.

 

[MIALIAS]

Am I better off at Poly (with construction) or the GF?

and at the GF - Where is the best view?

 

[sleepydog25]

I'll be contrary and say TOWL. While I agree seeing the Castle in the foreground with the fireworks directly behind is best, first-timers will be thrilled with the spectacle. Plus, you can have drinks and/or snacks while you wait and watch.

 

[eeyoresmom]

OP, just make sure all your guests are allowed to visit TOTWL ( staying in a dvc resort on points). We have been asked for proof every time , although we haven't visited in about a year.

 

[thepops]

Another spot I've watched them is right outside the MK gates, under the Monorail. We were coming back from something and timed it right and just watched from there. When it was all over, a quick walk to the buses (ahead of the main crowd) and back to the resort!

 

[twinsouvenirs]

TOTWL is kind of nice, but the fireworks viewing is not stellar. You may want to look into a Fireworks Cruise on the lagoon. We have done the Pirates and Pals cruise from the CR a couple of times and that has been the best fireworks view of all; even better than being on Main Street.

That sounds amazing--when they say there are beverages... are we talking alcoholic or not? DH could be convinced if there were adult beverages

 

[wdwfan1]

They serve both!

 

[Kidanifan08]

That sounds amazing--when they say there are beverages... are we talking alcoholic or not? DH could be convinced if there were adult beverages

We have done the Pirates and Pals cruise twice. The last time was 2012. There were no adult beverages. It's a nice family event. There is time for photos with Hook and Smee. The cruise is hosted by a pirate and he/she does some Disney trivia and there was a trivia contest to win junky prizes. There are a lot of corny jokes. The view of the fireworks from the middle of Seven Seas Lagoon is amazing, and they have the Wishes music. We would definitely do this again. There are more expensive firework cruises, which we may do someday, but with an 8 yo, this is a fun time!

 

[Deb & Bill]

If all of your guests are staying on site with you on your Disney reservation (not just DVC, but any Disney reservation, as long as you are a DVC member) you can bring them up to the TOWL.

From the Member Website:

Disney Vacation Club Members staying at any Disney-owned-and-operated hotel at Walt Disney World Resort (whether they booked with vacation points or cash) may enjoy access to one of the vacation kingdom's most exclusive spaces: Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort through December 29, 2015 (blockout dates apply, including but not limited to December 30, 2014, December 31, 2014, July 3, 2015 and July 4, 2015). Current operating hours are 6 p.m. to midnight.

This perk is available exclusively to Members and those in their traveling party who are staying on that Member's reservation. At least one Member in the traveling party must accompany the group and present his or her current MagicBand or Key to the World card with a Disney Vacation Club Membership notation in order to gain admission to the lounge and observation deck. If the Member's MagicBand or Key to the World card doesn't display a Membership notation, a Disney Vacation Club Member ID is also required to verify Membership.

Note that Members traveling from other Resorts must use Walt Disney World Transportation, as parking is unavailable to anyone not staying at Bay Lake Tower or Disney's Contemporary Resort. Upon arrival, Members must walk to the Bay Lake Tower main lobby entrance on the ground floor and check in at the Top of the World Lounge desk in the lobby.

This special Top of the World Lounge access is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the lounge reaches capacity. As the lounge is particularly popular during the Magic Kingdom fireworks, arriving as early as possible will give Members the best chance of gaining admission.