Watching MK Fireworks from outside park

[Doug123]

How is the transporation center for watching the fireworks?

 

[Robo]

How is the transporation center for watching the fireworks?

Very good.

Much of the Polynesian Resort beach, normally a great viewing location, is torn up for
DVC construction at the present time, so...

You can see the MK fireworks shows very well from the TTC
and they pipe-in clear, crisp audio from the show.)
Note: you are not allowed to stand directly in the actual Ferry loading area.

You can see them from the boat-dock and an outside
observation deck near Narcoossee's restaurant at the
Grand Floridian. Anyone can stand on Narcoossee's Deck.
The outside deck is not a part of the actual restaurant. (All serving is done inside.)
The deck is accessed from the sidewalk outside the restaurant.
Also, good viewing from the Patio overlooking the Marina.
The sound of the show is piped into these areas too.

At the Contemporary, there is viewing on an outdoor
observation area on the 4th floor.
The California Grill observation areas are reserved for patrons that day of the Grill or Bar.

(Fireworks shown above are simulated.)

At Wilderness Lodge, the "secret place" to watch the MK fireworks is from the northern area of the Cast Member (CM) Parking Lot.

At the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds Marina (angle shown on the map below,) some of the view (especially of the "Fantasyland" pyro) is blocked by the now unused Discovery Island in Bay Lake and by the high-rise buildings of the Contemporary Resort.
But, the view from the Ft. Wilderness' sand beach (farther north) is more open.
Still the tree-level can block the views of the lower-firing pyro.

Here are the angles of the views in the Bay Lake area.

Below are the angles of the views in the Seven Seas Lagoon area.

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As for viewing from INSIDE the dining area of restaurants
(you usually need ADRs for most, and they are usually busy during the shows)...
you can see (and hear) them at California Grill at Contemporary,
'Ohana at Poly, Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian,
and (if you have access there) the Top of the World at Bay Lake Tower.
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[Doug123]

Wow, thanks!

One more question: is the international gate a good place to watch the EPCOT fireworks from outside that park?

Thanks again!

 

[Robo]

One more question: is the international gate a good place to watch the EPCOT fireworks from outside that park?

No. Not at all.

MOST of effects of IllumiNations take place ON (or just a few feet above) the surface of the water of the WS lagoon.
Except for the very first "Comet" firework effect, and several other major "sky-blasts", IllumiNations can't really be enjoyed from outside Epcot's World Showcase. A good 1/3rd of the show does not involve fireworks but a large "video-globe" towed across the water and tiny lights imbedded into the buildings of WS.
One favorite outside spot to view the few "sky-blasts" is on the bridge** coming toward Epcot's International Gateway from the Boardwalk Resort. You can't hear any of the music track, which is a very important part of the show.
You can't see very much either, and there will be very long periods of time where you see nothing at all.
There are a few villas at the Boardwalk that have (obstructed) views, and there are limited views from a beach at CBR, but as stated above... you will not see very much, and what you DO see can't legitimately be called "IllumiNations."
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Boardwalk Area > FACING Epcot's Int'l. Gateway, seen upper-left with the Rose-colored Rooftops.

The bridge** I mentioned above is in the far-left, center of the shot.

 

[Doug123]

Bummer! Thanks for the info, though.

 

[DeVineMom]

The Contemporary 4th floor viewing area is a great place to watch fireworks. However, the last two times we tried watching there (most recently July 3rd), the audio wasn't piped in. Anyone else have this experience? Is this a permanent loss of the audio or did we just happen to catch it on a bad night twice.

 

[Robo]

The Contemporary 4th floor viewing area is a great place to watch fireworks. However, the last two times we tried watching there (most recently July 3rd), the audio wasn't piped in. Anyone else have this experience? Is this a permanent loss of the audio or did we just happen to catch it on a bad night twice.

This is the first time I've read about this issue.

Hope it was an isolated case in both instances.

 

[Princess Michele]

Robo, thank you for all of the information you have provided. I think we are going to try and see the MK fireworks from the GF dock later this month.

I loved the view of the Frozen fireworks from outside the park in the WDWMagic video. From looking at your maps of the Epcot resort area am I correct that standing on the path from HS to the Epcot resorts I should have a good view of the fireworks? Thank you.

 

[Robo]

Robo, thank you for all of the information you have provided. I think we are going to try and see the MK fireworks from the GF dock later this month.

I loved the view of the Frozen fireworks from outside the park in the WDWMagic video. From looking at your maps of the Epcot resort area am I correct that standing on the path from HS to the Epcot resorts I should have a good view of the fireworks? Thank you.

Better views along the pathway inside the area that I shaded in green on the map below.
(The bottom green arrow points to the spot where the WDWMagic video was shot.)

 

[Princess Michele]

Better views along the pathway inside the area that I shaded in green on the map below.
(The bottom green arrow points to the spot where the WDWMagic video was shot.)

Thanks Robo. Your maps and info are great.

 

[BlueFairy]

Great tip on the Frozen fireworks. Can we assume that there is no music to be heard in this area?

Thanks.