Where to watch Wishes?

[texaslady22]

Going to a conference next week. Staying at Coronado Springs.

One night, we have no dinner plans. Some colleagues thought it might be nice to watch Wishes. We won't have park tickets. I would suggest the beach at the Polynesian, but I don't think you can do that anymore, can you? Where else could we go?

And any good counter-service or easy table-service ideas (with no ressies)?

 

[Alesia]

I think the best view is from the TTC.

 

[Robo]

I think the best view is from the TTC.

Yup.
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 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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[SureAsLiz]

You can absolutely watch from the Poly. Other locations include the Grand Floridian boat dock, the 4th floor deck of the Contemporary, and the TTC ferry dock. The only times I have ever seen them restrict access is for special shows like the 4th of July.

My favorite is the Poly. You can grab a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai, grab a spot on the beach, and watch part of a movie (if they have one playing that night) before the fireworks start.

The TTC offers a nice straight on view, but the ferry does still run during the show, so you will most likely have to deal with a crowd exiting during the show - not terrible but a slight inconvenience.

The Contemporary deck offers a side view, but has very little seating. Not my favorite place. Plus the monorails run right above you which can be good or bad.

I haven't watched from the Grand, but there is limited seating there as well. Someone else can probably tell you if it fills up, but that is one I hear talked about the least, so I would guess it is a quieter location.


Edit://
And Robo beat me to it. But I still personally recommend watching from the Poly - it offers a great overall experience rather than just watching the fireworks

 

[SnackCredit]

The Grand's boat dock and Narcoossee's veranda are fine places. Not too crowded.

 

[neatokimmo]

Robo those pictures were great and very easy to understand!