So how crazy is MK on the 4th? would you drive an hour to watch the fireworks?

[NicoleLarson]

I just found out that our town, nor any of the surrounding towns do 4th of July displays. We live an hour away from WDW and have APs, is it worth it to see the display? Is MK insane Xmas crazy crowded? It's just my DH and myself so I thought about going up to California grill, if I can get a reservation...

 

[angierae]

If I lived an hour from MK I'd probably drive in for fireworks once a week, but that's just me. I don't think an hour drive is much at all, especially if you're not worried about ride lines, just wnat to see the fireworks.

 

[andyman8]

From a fellow passholder, I'd say it's definitely worth it, but I love Fourth of July at WDW (leaving Wednesday for my fifth Fourth of July trip to WDW in a row). Yes, it's insanely crowded, but in my experience, it still is less crowded than Xmas/NYE (done that at WDW as well). This summer is also looking less crowded with the South American economic downturn and Brexit cutting into international crowds. That said, MK will still probably close to capacity in the early afternoon, though I've never seen it get to a level where Passholders aren't permitted entry, so you shouldn't have to worry about that. If your priority is just the fireworks at MK (which are AMAZING!) and not necessarily attractions, I'd drive up in the morning (aiming to get there before noonish just to be safe with capacity closures and stuff), have your three FP+ selections for early afternoon, and make an in-park ADR that allows you at least 60-90 minutes of time before the fireworks to stake out a great spot on Main Street.

You mentioned trying to get a table at California Grill. The view, while not as great as Main Street, is still very impressive, and I was really pleased by my last meal there in March. While getting an ADR for two within a week will be difficult, I believe I was actually able to do it for the day before the Fourth (which they also show the fireworks on) a few years ago. You might try also for Narcoosee's (which is where you'll find me this year). One tool I recommend is the new Touring Plans Reservation Finder. You do need to create an account with TP but do not need to subscribe, so it's free. This is because it's still in Beta testing. Keep in mind, it will just notify you (I would recommend turning on text message alerts) when a reservation becomes available, so it remains your responsibility to actually log on and reserve it. It will search for an hour before and after your designated time. So I'd put it 7:30 or 7 given that the fireworks are at 9. Here's the link:

https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/reservation-finder

Also, Epcot hosts a wonderful 5 or so minute long Fourth of July fireworks tag to IllumiNations that is impressive as well.

 

[StuckInKS]

I wouldn't know, the one time we tried to go to MK on the 4th it was closed due to capacity (if that tells you anything about the craziness ). I'd get there early.

They did show the fireworks on the 3rd and they were pretty awesome!

 

[NicoleLarson]

From a fellow passholder, I'd say it's definitely worth it, but I love Fourth of July at WDW (leaving Wednesday for my fifth Fourth of July trip to WDW in a row). Yes, it's insanely crowded, but in my experience, it still is less crowded than Xmas/NYE (done that at WDW as well). This summer is also looking less crowded with the South American economic downturn and Brexit cutting into international crowds. That said, MK will still probably close to capacity in the early afternoon, though I've never seen it get to a level where Passholders aren't permitted entry, so you shouldn't have to worry about that. If your priority is just the fireworks at MK (which are AMAZING!) and not necessarily attractions, I'd drive up in the morning (aiming to get there before noonish just to be safe with capacity closures and stuff), have your three FP+ selections for early afternoon, and make an in-park ADR that allows you at least 60-90 minutes of time before the fireworks to stake out a great spot on Main Street.

You mentioned trying to get a table at California Grill. The view, while not as great as Main Street, is still very impressive, and I was really pleased by my last meal there in March. While getting an ADR for two within a week will be difficult, I believe I was actually able to do it for the day before the Fourth (which they also show the fireworks on) a few years ago. You might try also for Narcoosee's (which is where you'll find me this year). One tool I recommend is the new Touring Plans Reservation Finder. You do need to create an account with TP but do not need to subscribe, so it's free. This is because it's still in Beta testing. Keep in mind, it will just notify you (I would recommend turning on text message alerts) when a reservation becomes available, so it remains your responsibility to actually log on and reserve it. It will search for an hour before and after your designated time. So I'd put it 7:30 or 7 given that the fireworks are at 9. Here's the link:

https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/reservation-finder

Also, Epcot hosts a wonderful 5 or so minute long Fourth of July fireworks tag to IllumiNations that is impressive as well.

How did I forget about narcoosses!? I do prefer their food. I wonder if we could just get a drink and watch from the dock?
Thanks for all of the info.

 

[hakepb]

I wouldn't know, the one time we tried to go to MK on the 4th it was closed due to capacity (if that tells you anything about the craziness ). I'd get there early.

They did show the fireworks on the 3rd and they were pretty awesome!

Reminds me about closing.
Chances are, no available parking at TTC unless you arrive before 9a

 

[TexasPrincess1]

I vote go to Disney World! Also, I second the idea of getting there early to avoid being turned away.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I would do it in a heartbeat.

 

[NicoleLarson]

I vote go to Disney World! Also, I second the idea of getting there early to avoid being turned away.

I would do it in a heartbeat.

Thanks, now I just have to talk my DH into this idea.

 

[zaccaglin]

Heck no. Exiting the park afterwords is a nightmare.

 

[NicoleLarson]

Heck no. Exiting the park afterwords is a nightmare.

Yeah, that's why I am leaning towards seeing them from Cali grill or narcoosses then taking the back entrance out directly after.

 

[zaccaglin]

Yeah, that's why I am leaning towards seeing them from Cali grill or narcoosses then taking the back entrance out directly after.

Back entrance will be closed for up to an hour after fireworks. They will be doing perimeter fireworks that evening and will have to wait for the all clear. They are not always speedy about this. Meaning the road way from the Contemp, around the back of the park to the GF will be closed.

 

[NicoleLarson]

Back entrance will be closed for up to an hour after fireworks. They will be doing perimeter fireworks that evening and will have to wait for the all clear. They are not always speedy about this. Meaning the road way from the Contemp, around the back of the park to the GF will be closed.

I didn't even think of that. Thank you! That definitely changes things.

 

[Minnie-Mickey]

There is a back exit?

 

[Minnie-Mickey]

DD and I did MK last 4th of July. I am glad I went but it is mobbed. I think they said it closed at some point during the day. At firework time, it was wall to wall people. I truly mean that with no exaggeration. Glad I did it at least one time.

 

[NicoleLarson]

There is a back exit?

Yes, if you keep going past CR or GF that road actually makes a circle. However there's a road that goes through a back stage area and you can exit that way. If you are going to I-4 this would not be an optimal exit though.

 

[Minnie-Mickey]

Yes, if you keep going past CR or GF that road actually makes a circle. However there's a road that goes through a back stage area and you can exit that way. If you are going to I-4 this would not be an optimal exit though.

I miss understood, I thought a new way out of MK

 

[Mickey'sGF]

Planning to make our first 4th if July trip this year! Managed to get a mine train fast pass for 10:15pm, so I'm guessing MK is open a few hours past fireworks. Does the crowd die down A few hours after fireworks?

Thanks for all the info!!

 

[NicoleLarson]

So we went on the 3rd and watched from California grill. We loved it and would do it again in a heartbeat. The 4th of July fireworks are most definitely best seen from outside the park since they go off from different areas.

 

[catm]

I just found out that our town, nor any of the surrounding towns do 4th of July displays. We live an hour away from WDW and have APs, is it worth it to see the display? Is MK insane Xmas crazy crowded? It's just my DH and myself so I thought about going up to California grill, if I can get a reservation...

The fireworks to see on the 4th are the EPCOT fireworks. Those are the official 4th or July fireworks. We went 2 years ago and it was well worth it. I've never seen anything like it before and I highly recommend them.