Seeing fireworks from a restaurant at Disneyland /Cal. Adv.

[GoofyDad1970]

hi all! I am going to Disneyland for one day on July 24. I have a conference in California and worked out an extra date to go to the park.

My wife LOVES Disney fireworks. We are not familiar with California parks, and I would like to maximize our view while, at the same time, minimizing the crowd. I have heard that a good place to see fireworks is from the Carthay Circle Terrace. I can get a reservation at the restaurant, but can I get guaranteed seating on the terrace? If you don't sit on the terrace for your meal, can you walk out there and watch the fireworks afterwards, or will you be hovering over people eating at their tables (which would be kinda rude).

Are there any other options that someone could recommend for me? I would be willing to pay a premium for a view and for a meal. Thanks!

 

[lalasmama]

Generally, you will not be guaranteed a specific table with a reservation. Of course, this can be circumvented sometimes (example: the high number of people in a party may mean you get the Wishing Well table or such).

 

[SMD]

You're missing a lot with this fireworks show without the projections. It's worth investing a little time to be on Main St a few minutes before they start. With just 2 people you can easily find a decent spot with a view of a Main St building and fireworks and a glimpse of the characters that fly by the castle.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Agree with the above poster. It is well worth the effort to be on Main Street, by the castle, or by IASW to view the fireworks as they were meant to be seen. If you must view from a restaurant, you can see the fireworks with a limited view from the Plaza Inn (TL end), from the balcony at Catal in DtD, and from the balcony at the Jazz Kitchen in DtD. There is also a limited view from the esplanade.

 

[bcla]

You're going to be too far away for a great experience. That being said, a lot of the hotels sell a "Disney View" meaning that the room will be OK for viewing fireworks. I remember once staying at the Hilton and walking to the top floor of the garage to view the fireworks. I got there a little late and only managed to see a minute of the fireworks.

 

[figment_jii]

I don't think the Carthay Circle Restaurant is really going to be a good/great viewing option for fireworks. You can (sometimes) request a table when you check-in, but they will not guarantee you that they can honor the request. The biggest problems with the Carthay is that you can't see the Castle, some of the structures on Buena Vista Street get in the way, and they don't pipe in the music for the show. I think seeing the fireworks from Carthay is a fun, alternative view if you've already seen the show from somewhere on Main Street (or at least inside DL). I would not recommend it for first time/only time views of the show.

 

[MikeRx]

We are there at the same time. Are you there the the pharmacy meeting?
A couple of options and things to think about as you only have 1 night:

We love the Disneyland Forever Fireworks and are big Wishes! fans in WDW, but the fireworks at Disneyland are not a nightly guarantee. They are often cancelled due to weather and winds in the upper atmosphere that may not be perceptible in the park. If they are cancelled it could really put a damper on your night. If you must make the attempt you could do the Paint the Night package at the Blue Bayou in Disneyland. You see the parade and then hop into the street to see the fireworks in a great location, projections and all!

If you are wanting a truly unique California-only experience you can see World of Color in California Adventure. It's become one of our favorites and a must do each trip. We now do the WOC dessert party after years of doing the WOC dinner packages. WOC is not typically cancelled even if it is raining. You have the option of doing a dining package at Carthay Circle or the Wine Country Trattoria or the Dessert Party. The Dessert Party provides reserved seating for the show and a sparkling beverage!

Whichever you choose you will have a magical time and have fun!

Mike

 

[purple figment]

While you can see some of the fireworks from DCA, the music & narration are not piped in so if you have never seen the fireworks show, I would make an effort to see them from inside Disneyland. Tinkerbell and Nemo fly, and there are projections on the castle and on the buildings on Main Street or if you are closer to the hub they also utilize the Matterhorn - none of which are visible from DCA or locations outside of DL.

As far as I can remember we have only seen people on the outside patio of Carthay Circle once so I do not think they seat anyone out there on a regular basis. Also because of the limited view of the DL fireworks show I have not seen anyone go out there to watch. If the menu at Carthay Circle is appealing or you are a Snow White fan it is an excellent restaurant to dine at, but not if fireworks is your goal.

 

[GoofyDad1970]

I still have points available if anyone is interested.

 

[Marshmelo]

I still have points available if anyone is interested.

I think you may have posted in the wrong thread. How did the fireworks viewing work out 3 years ago though??