ONE Day in Magic Kingdom plan

[Haydo Potato]

My wife and I are going to be at Disney in a couple of weeks, staying onsite and arriving on Sunday evening the 23rd and going to MK on the 24th and planning to spend the entire day there. I have some questions in preparation:

1. For the 23rd, where is the best recommendation of where we can watch fireworks anywhere in Disney World? We won't have a park pass that day. Is there any viewing from Disney Springs or should we find another location? We have also considered the light show at the Grand Floridian, is that allowed if we aren't staying there and/or worth seeing?
2. At MK, what is the best afternoon parade location to watch from?
3. We are planning on eating lunch in the park and then maybe a lighter dinner -- what is the best spot for lunch that won't be a long wait (aka BOG) but is a fun place to be?
4. We would love to meet one or some of the DW staple characters for a pic (Mickey, Donald, Goofy) -- when is the best time to hit that? i know it starts early in the day but does that deter from hitting rides?
5. Where is the best spot to watch the Happily Ever After firework show?

Any feedback from these would be great, or any additional tips for one day at MK!

 

[cdnjason]

My wife and I are going to be at Disney in a couple of weeks, staying onsite and arriving on Sunday evening the 23rd and going to MK on the 24th and planning to spend the entire day there. I have some questions in preparation:

1. For the 23rd, where is the best recommendation of where we can watch fireworks anywhere in Disney World? We won't have a park pass that day. Is there any viewing from Disney Springs or should we find another location? We have also considered the light show at the Grand Floridian, is that allowed if we aren't staying there and/or worth seeing?
2. At MK, what is the best afternoon parade location to watch from?
3. We are planning on eating lunch in the park and then maybe a lighter dinner -- what is the best spot for lunch that won't be a long wait (aka BOG) but is a fun place to be?
4. We would love to meet one or some of the DW staple characters for a pic (Mickey, Donald, Goofy) -- when is the best time to hit that? i know it starts early in the day but does that deter from hitting rides?
5. Where is the best spot to watch the Happily Ever After firework show?

Any feedback from these would be great, or any additional tips for one day at MK!

1. Beach at Polynesian Resort.
2. Personally, I like right at the flagpole at Town Square. @Robo has maps: https://www.disboards.com/threads/wdw-maps-by-robo.3545729/#post-56460944
3. Plenty of options. I would go with whatever you're in the mood for. Personally, I love the corndog nuggets at Casey's.
4. Evening when people are leaving the parks for the day. Morning is good too, but interferes with shorter line on main attractions.
5. @Robo has maps. See link above.

 

[Shellyred8]

My wife and I are going to be at Disney in a couple of weeks, staying onsite and arriving on Sunday evening the 23rd and going to MK on the 24th and planning to spend the entire day there. I have some questions in preparation:

1. For the 23rd, where is the best recommendation of where we can watch fireworks anywhere in Disney World? We won't have a park pass that day. Is there any viewing from Disney Springs or should we find another location? We have also considered the light show at the Grand Floridian, is that allowed if we aren't staying there and/or worth seeing?
2. At MK, what is the best afternoon parade location to watch from?
3. We are planning on eating lunch in the park and then maybe a lighter dinner -- what is the best spot for lunch that won't be a long wait (aka BOG) but is a fun place to be?
4. We would love to meet one or some of the DW staple characters for a pic (Mickey, Donald, Goofy) -- when is the best time to hit that? i know it starts early in the day but does that deter from hitting rides?
5. Where is the best spot to watch the Happily Ever After firework show?

Any feedback from these would be great, or any additional tips for one day at MK!

1. I second the vote for the beach from the Poly resort. Go to the end by the TTC.
3. We like Columbia Harbour House.
5. Somewhere in the hub area, not behind a tree. If you feel like a splurge, you could go for the Dessert party where you get seating in the hub area.