Viewing fireworks (California Grill dinner and deck vs Contemorary 4th floor)

[jenlw]

My family will be staying at Bay Lake Towers in March. We will not have access to the Top of the World Observation deck. I'm trying to decide if it is worth it to make dining reservations at the California Grill, so that we can see the fireworks from their outdoor decks. What is the difference between viewing them on the California Grill deck vs going to the Contemporary Resort 4th floor observation deck? I know the California Grill deck will be higher, but is everything else similar? Thanks!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Will you have hoppers? It's nice to just stroll over to MK and watch them from Town Square and then duck out before the crowds and stroll back to BLT.

I am not a big fan of the 4th floor deck but if we are too tired or don't feel like walking back over, then it's great The view from the 4th floor deck is a bit obstructed and off center, if you get there early try to grab a spot in the left hand corner if you are facing MK.

Personally I wouldn't go to CG just for the fireworks, but if you want to eat there anyway, then it would be fun.

Lots of choices!

 

[JZCubed]

I am a DVC Member and Bay Lake is my home resort.

During one vacation, prior to both Grand Floridian & Polynesian DVC expansions, we watched the fireworks from each resort.

Bay Lake/Contemporary is the 'worst' view because you are watching from the side, not towards the center of the fireworks. The closer on the Monorail Loop to Magic Kingdom, the better the view of fireworks.

So as previous post mentioned, I would not make a CA Grill reservation just to watch the fireworks.

Then again, if this was pretty much my only option (since returning to the Parks do not always work with young children), then this would be OK too.

Really, kinda' depends on your circumstances.

Just a note on the positive side - some rooms at Bay Lake that are considered Lake View may also have a reasonable viewing of the fireworks. On this same note, you can 'tune in' the simulcast on the TV in your room - just as they do from CA Grill and all the other dining locations where the fireworks are viewable (i.e., Narcoossee's). We did this last year when Observation Deck was at capacity. Try to request, "an even numbered room in the North Tower," for best result if you have a Lake View; any room with MK view is about as good as Observation Deck.

 

[jenlw]

Thanks for the info. Yes we will have park hoppers, so I have a feeling we might hop on over to MK and watch fireworks if we are back at our resort by then. Our boys are 12 and 14, so they will be able to stay up late with us this trip. Thanks again!

 

[mrsR123]

You might consider staying indoors. One time we watched from the north elevator lobby on a high floor-- in our Jammie's ;-)
You sacrifice the music, but the view is amazing! And free.