Wishes pictures from Calif Grill balcony

[GrumpyOne]

With reservations for dinner of course, I'd like to take a camera and tripod out to the balcony for pictures of the Wishes fireworks. Do many people go out to the balcony to view the fireworks? Would it be better to show up early for the fireworks then have dinner or would it be better to have dinner and then watch the fireworks?

While I enjoy good food, my primary purpose would be to take photos from the balcony. I think I'd prefer to watch the fireworks first then have dinner after it has quieted down but I wonder if people start gathering at the close railing far in advance or if they just go out a minute or two prior.

 

[engle]

I was there in early October on a Wednesday night...we had dinner and in the middle, went out to watch the fireworks. It was VERY crowded. The entire terrace was full of people. I know that way down at one end, it was less crowded...so if you are going to set up a tripod, you will need to get out there pretty early. Also, it is dark and not that roomy so be careful that no one knocks your equipment over. With that said, I wouldn't think that this is the best location given the circumstances, not the view. IMHO.

 

[engle]

Oh, I forgot to mention...we went out about 10 minutes prior to the start of the fireworks. It was already PACKED...more people came out when it started.

 

[Ms. Belle]

People start gathering about 10 mins beforehand and once the fireworks start even more people who are eating dinner come out. It gets very crowded. If you are going to take a tripod, I would go out at least 15-20 mins before the fireworks to get a good location to set up.

 

[BriarRosie]

I think if you're going to go through the setup of a tripod, you might as well set up in the best viewing spot, which is in the Magic Kingdom itself. I've always seen people with tripods on Main Street, usually close to the Hub.

The view from California Grill puts the fireworks at a weird angle in relation to the castle. When you consider that angle plus the crowds on the viewing platform, hopefully you'll get your photos from where I suggested instead.

 

[disprincessatheart]

I was there in early October on a Wednesday night...we had dinner and in the middle, went out to watch the fireworks. It was VERY crowded. The entire terrace was full of people. I know that way down at one end, it was less crowded...so if you are going to set up a tripod, you will need to get out there pretty early. Also, it is dark and not that roomy so be careful that no one knocks your equipment over. With that said, I wouldn't think that this is the best location given the circumstances, not the view. IMHO.

When I was out there it was packed - so much so that people were going back inside because they couldn't see being 3 and 4 deep. I'd worry about equipment getting damaged.

 

[Liltx]

Isn't there a balcony on another floor that has a really great view? I remember my dh went there one night while we girls were sleeping and filmed it from there. I believe he could hear the music as well. We were in a garden wing but this was part of the main tower.

Monica

 

[billfatora]

I have to tell you... from my experiences at The California Grill, I'd never combine eating and the fireworks. Food's great - fireworks are great, but together, you loose a little something from both of them....
With that being said, I do have two other recommendations - assuming that you have fairly decent camera equipment to go along with the tripod (sorry don't mean to sound condescending !). My first choice would be to see if I would be allowed to "set up" out on "Sunset Point", a small, scenic area that juts out into "Seven Seas Lagoon". You access this area from "The Polynesian Resort", and I know of this area because it's where I was married.... Not only do you get a fantastic, unobstructed, view of the "castle" and the fireworks, but you get a reflection off the lake, and if you are into that type of photography, you'd be amazed at what you can get.
My second choice would be to contact "The Grand Floridian" to see if they still run the "special criuse" for the fireworks display (sorry - I just can't recally it's name right now) and, if they do, ask if you can film from there. You would be shocked at just how steady the pontoon is - almost no movement at all.... Hope this helps.