Restaurants with MK Fireworks Views

[summerlvr]

I just booked a spur of the moment July 4th trip because I love fireworks and am now having a huge case of buyer's remorse. I can't really cancel because I booked non refundable air fare. Then I remembered that I let my AP expire because I have a Free Dining trip booked for September and of course I had to purchase a ticket as part of that package. OH BOY, now what? A one day ticket for July 3, the day I would actually be going to the MK to see the fireworks is $125+tax. Hmmm, what to do, what to do?
Well how about dinner at a restaurant that has a view of the fireworks? That's cheaper than a park ticket and doesn't require spending the day in a hot, crowded MK. Sounds like a plan, right?
Cali Grill has nothing available. Is it possible to get a seat in the lounge if I show up right at 5, and would I get a golden ticket to return to view the fireworks?
Narcoosee's used to have a special outside area where guests could go to view fireworks. Do they still have that? But of course they have no availability either. What if I have dinner at Grand Floridian Cafe? Would I be able to access somewhere on GF grounds to view the fireworks?
I've pretty much ruled out anything at the Poly because I don't think their restaurants have a good fireworks view.
Are there any other options that I am not coming up with?
Thanks!

 

[gharter]

While I enjoy watching the fireworks of HEA from different resorts and restaurants, be sure you understand that the next show has a LARGE part being castle projections that cannot see from any resort or restaurant. That doesn't make it bad, it is what it is. If you eat at CG earlier, you can go back up for fireworks.
The view from Narcoossees is still good as is the view from the beach at the Poly.

 

[summerlvr]

Thanks! I will keep trying for a CG or Narcoosee's ressie. I think the Poly restricts beach access for holiday fireworks though. Not too sure that the July 4th fireworks have all the castle projections that HEA has. If I can view from somewhere outside the park, I'll be happy with whatever I can see.

 

[leiaorgana]

Last year for the 3rd/4th July fireworks Narcoosee's gave out wristbands for the decking area when you paid so that only the people who had dined there could go on the decking and they had a security guard checking for bands before they’d let you on. I’m hoping they do the same this year as it was much easier.

 

[jillt2ph]

OP, you sound like me! I managed to score a reservation for the DVC dessert party at the Contemporary on the 3rd since I will be alone. Friend arrives on the 4th so used Touring Plans to score a Cali Grill ADR for that night. No park ticket since my AP expired in Jan.

 

[summerlvr]

Thanks! I will keep trying for CG or Narcoossee ADR. Maybe will try Touring Plans reservation finder.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Do give touring plans reservation finder a try. So far it's never failed me.

If push comes to shove another good place to see the main portion of the fireworks is the marina's plaza at GF. People start grabbing chairs and moving them around for the best view about 30 minutes before the fireworks begin.

 

[summerlvr]

Do give touring plans reservation finder a try. So far it's never failed me.

If push comes to shove another good place to see the main portion of the fireworks is the marina's plaza at GF. People start grabbing chairs and moving them around for the best view about 30 minutes before the fireworks begin.

Thanks, will keep that in mind!

 

[Pumbaa_]

Go to Epcot instead?

How much was your plane ticket? Maybe better to take that hit instead?

 

[sharonabe]

Are there any other options that I am not coming up with?

Not sure when your flights are, but you could also consider one of the After Hour events. MK has one July 1, AK July 2, and HS July 5. Tickets are about the same as your one day cost, but the parks would be MUCH less crowded and COOLER.

 

[summerlvr]

Arriving on the 2nd, very early am, leaving on the 4th, flight is around 5pm. I might just go ahead and get a 1 day ticket for the 3rd. MK hours are 8am-12mn with 12-2 EMH, so would definitely get my money's worth out of that ticket!

 

[sullyfam]

I would save yourself the trouble of hunting for ADRs and the best possible fireworks viewing and spend the $125 on an MK ticket. At the signature restaurants, if you are doing a full meal with drinks etc. you are going to be spending a chunk of change as it is. Might as well spend the $125 to get into the park if the fireworks are really your priority.

 

[summerlvr]

Go to Epcot instead?

How much was your plane ticket? Maybe better to take that hit instead?

If Epcot did their 4th of July fireworks on the 3rd also, I would so be there!
Plane ticket was $136, so taking a hit on it wouldn't be too bad. That's an option.

 

[summerlvr]

I would save yourself the trouble of hunting for ADRs and the best possible fireworks viewing and spend the $125 on an MK ticket. At the signature restaurants, if you are doing a full meal with drinks etc. you are going to be spending a chunk of change as it is. Might as well spend the $125 to get into the park if the fireworks are really your priority.

With the long hours at MK on the 3rd, I would get my money's worth out of the ticket, so that's probably what I will end up doing.

 

[CraigInPA]

I can think of four alternatives not already offered:

Ones with food:
Fireworks cruise on 7 seas lagoon. I don't know if they offer this on July 3, but it would allow you to see the fireworks
Highway in the Sky dining. This ends at the 4th floor observation deck of the Contemporary to see the fireworks.

No food, just the fireworks:
Stand outside MK and watch from the bus area. You can see some of the projections, and virtually all of the fireworks from there.
The 4th floor observation deck of the Contemporary, or the bridge between the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower (the doors are often unlocked on the Contemporary side)

 

[chalee94]

With the long hours at MK on the 3rd, I would get my money's worth out of the ticket, so that's probably what I will end up doing.

A less expensive, non ADR option is to grab QS at Gasparilla's at the GF and watch fireworks from the marina.

 

[summerlvr]

I can think of four alternatives not already offered:

Ones with food:
Fireworks cruise on 7 seas lagoon. I don't know if they offer this on July 3, but it would allow you to see the fireworks
Highway in the Sky dining. This ends at the 4th floor observation deck of the Contemporary to see the fireworks.

No food, just the fireworks:
Stand outside MK and watch from the bus area. You can see some of the projections, and virtually all of the fireworks from there.
The 4th floor observation deck of the Contemporary, or the bridge between the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower (the doors are often unlocked on the Contemporary side)

Interesting alternatives, thank you. I thought about the ferry dock, but didn't think about the bus area.
I tried the fireworks cruise and Highway in the Sky, but they weren't available.