Where to watch the Fireworks if not in the park...

[myers2170]

We plan to be at WDW July 2-9 but would rather not fight the crowds at MK on the 4th of July. Where is a good place to watch the fireworks from outside of the park? We are staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Alesia]

The best view is from the TTC. It's a straight-on view rather than the off-to-the-side view you get at the contemporary or the Grand Floridian .

Also, they pipe the music in and it sounds much better there than it does at the resort beaches.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

We have dinner at Narcossias and then bring the usually 1/2 bottle left, ask for 2 paper cups, borrow a towel from the pool and sit on the beach and watch wishes.

AKK

 

[myers2170]

The best view is from the TTC. It's a straight-on view rather than the off-to-the-side view you get at the contemporary or the Grand Floridian .

Also, they pipe the music in and it sounds much better there than it does at the resort beaches.

Just curious...but what is the TTC?? And where is a list of all the acronyms??

 

[Hannahinwonderland]

Just curious...but what is the TTC?? And where is a list of all the acronyms??

Transportation and Ticket Center. It's where you park & can catch the monorail loops.

 

[kj2mom]

We were there for 4th of July last year and I seriously considered the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) to view the fireworks. We ended up watching from the Hub but have heard great things (and seen great photos) of watching from TTC. If Robo sees this, he has a great map highlighting the best viewing area from that location.

 

[Robo]

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. There is soon to be a paid "Wishes Dessert Party" that will be held on that boat dock.

The Narcoossee's Deck shown is now reserved only for guests of 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 the Poly, at Trader Sam's and Trader Sam's outdoor patio at the 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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[wookiebeck]

If Robo sees this, he has a great map highlighting the best viewing area from that location.

Robo has a map...or seven...probably had to reserve himself from posting more.

 

[Robo]

Robo has a map...or seven...probably had to reserve himself from posting more.

There's that small area of Poly Beach.

 

[Elleshoodat]

Wow, those maps are amazing!

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

I was wondering if anyone can verify if the music is piped in on ALL beaches at the Poly? I know it is on the main beach section. We'll be there on the 4th of July and are hoping the smallest beach (closest to GF...it looks like Laua Cove?) would be a little less crowded, but we really want the music.

 

[Robo]

I was wondering if anyone can verify if the music is piped in on ALL beaches at the Poly? I know it is on the main beach section. We'll be there on the 4th of July and are hoping the smallest beach (closest to GF...it looks like Laua Cove?) would be a little less crowded, but we really want the music.

The audio anywhere at the Poly beach is really, really bad.

Luau Cove (on many nights) will find the
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
still running during Wishes.
The sound from the show will drown out anything from the MK.

I'd be VERY uneasy about making plans for July 3rd and 4th for the Poly beach.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

The audio anywhere at the Poly beach is really, really bad.

Luau Cove (on many nights) will find the
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
still running during Wishes.
The sound from the show will drown out anything from the MK.

I'd be VERY uneasy about making plans for July 3rd and 4th for the Poly beach.

Thanks, Robo! We'll think about it. We reserved the Poly to avoid MK, though. I appreciate the feedback!

 

[Robo]

Thanks, Robo! We'll think about it. We reserved the Poly to avoid MK, though. I appreciate the feedback!

I'd walk over to the TTC Ferry Boat loading area and watch from there.
Great audio of the show. Great angle on the fireworks.

 

[Blue32]

I'd walk over to the TTC Ferry Boat loading area and watch from there.
Great audio of the show. Great angle on the fireworks.

Is this area at the TTC typically crowded? Do you need to show up in advance to grab a spot to see? Thanks!

 

[Robo]

1. Is this area at the TTC typically crowded?
2. Do you need to show up in advance to grab a spot to see? Thanks!

1. Typically, no.
But, on the 3rd and 4th of July, every place with a view of the fireworks will be crowded.

2. No.

 

[Alesia]

I was wondering if anyone can verify if the music is piped in on ALL beaches at the Poly? I know it is on the main beach section. We'll be there on the 4th of July and are hoping the smallest beach (closest to GF...it looks like Laua Cove?) would be a little less crowded, but we really want the music.

If good audio is important, the TTC is the best option.

 

[ChloesDaddy]

We plan to watch from the TTC one night on our trip in May. We'll drive and get there about an hour before then head back to YC before the exodus.

 

[married2mm]

This thread is simply wonderful.
Thank you sooo much for all the fabulous information.

We shall watch from ttc in May and hopefully dmil will stay up for the fun too.

 

[snayak]

1. Typically, no.
But, on the 3rd and 4th of July, every place with a view of the fireworks will be crowded.

2. No.

You say that now...wait till the TTC Fireworks Dessert Party leaks next Tuesday....only $39/person - bargain!