The 10 BEST Restaurants to Watch Fireworks at Walt Disney World
There’s nothing quite like watching the fireworks sparkle and boom above Cinderella’s Castle after a long day at the Magic Kingdom. The same goes for watching the extravaganza of light and color over the World Showcase in EPCOT. But what could make the experience even better? Food, of course! You can book a dining reservation with a view, so you get a great meal while watching the fantastic firework show. For many of us, this is a bucket list experience. But which places on Disney property offer such a perfect evening?
Here are our top ten picks for Walt Disney World restaurants to watch fireworks – both inside and outside of the parks – that have the best dining experiences!
Ohana, Polynesian Resort
There are few better indoor locations to watch the fireworks than Ohana, the family-style restaurant at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. It tops our list of restaurants outside of the parks due in part to its proximity to the Magic Kingdom and the view of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The restaurant has huge windows overlooking the lagoon that give a fantastic (and centered) view of the fireworks show behind the castle.
Since this is such a popular restaurant (and a well-known fireworks spot), there’s always a high demand for tables closest to the windows. It can be hard to snag an Ohana fireworks view spot! It also doesn’t offer as close of a view (as opposed to being inside the parks), but it might give you a little more elbow room as a trade-off.
Pricing: this pre-fixed family-style meal is $55 for adults and $33 for children.
Firework Show Visible: Magic Kingdom
Is there music? Yes! They pipe the show music into the restaurant during the fireworks.
Rose and Crown Dining Room, EPCOT
There are many great restaurants in the World Showcase to watch the fireworks, but we think the Rose and Crown will take the win (and based on its popularity, we think lots of you probably agree). The restaurant serves traditional British pub food – think Fish & Chips and Shepard’s Pie – with a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s got the best dining view for the fireworks in the entire park. That makes it hard to snag those reservations, which is the only downside to this spot. You’ll want to try for a seat on the patio to get the greatest view of World Showcase Lagoon, so get there early! Trust us. It’s definitely worth it!
**Note that there may be a fireworks party on the patio at this location, so be sure to check your reservation dates.
Pricing: $15 to $34.99 per adult
Firework Show Visible: EPCOT
Is there music? Yes! You’ll be able to hear and see the show from the outdoor patio.
California Grill, The Contemporary
Want to watch the fireworks from above the Magic Kingdom? Often considered the best place to watch Magic Kingdom fireworks outside the park, the California Grill fireworks view at the Contemporary Resort is the place to do it! Since it’s located 15 stories above the ground and features massive windows overlooking the Magic Kingdom, you can just imagine the view you’ll have from inside! There’s also an outdoor observation deck above the Grill (for patrons only) that you can check out when the show starts. However, you won’t be able to see the projections from this distance, and the view is slightly off-center.
This is one of the more expensive options on this list, so that may factor into your decision depending on the size of your dining party.
Pricing: Over $60 per adult (currently a pre-fixe menu for $89 per adult and $39 per child) Firework Show Visible: The Magic Kingdom
Is there music? Yes! They pipe the show music into the restaurant during the fireworks.
La Hacienda De San Angel, EPCOT
Didn’t grab a spot at Rose & Crown? No worries! La Hacienda De San Angel has you covered! This indoor Mexican restaurant is located across the walkway from the Pyramid and right on the water. They serve authentic Mexican cuisine (and great margaritas!). Much like the Rose & Crown, you can only see the fireworks from certain areas of the restaurant, so we recommend getting there early to request that table (and be prepared to wait a bit longer to be seated). If you don’t manage to grab a table close to the view, don’t worry! This location routinely allows patrons to get up and move to a visible spot as the show begins!
If you can’t get in there, we recommend trying for a table at La Cantina de San Angel. This quick service location is right next door and has some great outdoor seating. If you can snag a table near the lagoon, you’ll have an equally fantastic view (without the fuss of dining reservations).
Pricing: $15 to $34.99 per adult
Firework Show Visible: EPCOT
Is there music? Yes! They pipe music into the restaurant during the show.
Tokyo Dining, EPCOT
Another fantastic spot in the World Showcase, Tokyo Dining is a traditional Japanese restaurant in the Tokyo Pavilion. Because it’s located on the second story, you’ll have an unobstructed view across the World Showcase to see the show from the wall-to-ceiling windows at the front of the restaurant. The outdoor balcony is open to the public – but it’s slightly lower than the dining level, leaving restaurant guests with an excellent view.
**Tokyo Dining is closed through Summer 2023 for refurbishment.
Pricing: $15 to $34.99 per adult
Firework Show Visible: EPCOT
Is there music? Yes! They pipe music into the restaurant during the show.
Tiki Terrace, Polynesian Resort
If you aren’t looking for a full meal but might be interested in having a few drinks and snacks, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at the Tiki Terrace at Trader Sam’s – an outdoor patio attached to the Grog Grotto. You can order everything from the indoor menu while enjoying the evening breeze from across the water of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The patio affords you a pretty good view of the show from most of the seating. Even better, Tiki Terrace is an all-ages spot! They have fun and fruity non-alcoholic beverages for the kids while you enjoy a Krakatoa Punch.
Pricing: $14.99 and under (though drink pricing may vary)
Firework Show Visible: Magic Kingdom
Is there music? No, but it is an outdoor venue, so you may be able to hear the fireworks (and show) depending on the evening.
Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom
There aren’t many places inside The Magic Kingdom that offer a premium view of the nighttime show. Most dining options along Main Street USA are often crowded or completely obscured by people watching the show from the street outside. Cinderella’s Royal Table – located inside Cinderella’s Castle – gives you a one-of-a-kind experience for the show. You’ll be beneath part of the fireworks and view the other part from behind the Castle. Watching the fireworks through those gorgeous windows above you is undoubtedly an experience you won’t miss. You’ll also get the royal treatment as Cinderella’s Royal Table features character dining with the Disney princesses.
If this is your first time watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks inside the park, we don’t recommend this one. You won’t get to experience the projection mapping and will miss half the firework show. However, it’s a unique way to watch if you’ve already enjoyed them the traditional way.
Pricing: Over $60 per adult (price will be updated once character dining returns in February 2023)
Firework Show Visible: The Magic Kingdom
Is there music? Yes! They pipe music into the restaurant during the show.
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant Fireworks Party, Magic Kingdom
If you’ve got the budget for a premium fireworks experience, one of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Parties may be the right choice. There are multiple options for Fireworks Dessert Parties in the parks (EPCOT has them, too), but this one is the OG. These parties offer a prime viewing experience that is in the Plaza Garden, elevated from the park and giving you a higher view to see both fireworks and projections.
You’ll be treated to a selection of tasty treats, including baked goods, puddings and parfaits, and other confections from the event chef. Drinks are available as well, including a complimentary wine or beer. Occasionally, they may offer different versions of the party (such as during the 50th Anniversary celebration) so be sure to check your reservations! However, this is an expensive experience and may not be for everyone. The view is also off-center, so you won’t be watching directly in front of the Castle.
Pricing: $99 per adult and $59 per child
Firework Show Visible: The Magic Kingdom
Is there music? Yes!
The Spice Road Table, EPCOT
Catching the fireworks show at EPCOT is always best from the World Showcase Lagoon. The Spice Road Table – located in the Moroccan Pavilion – is right on the waterfront and offers a similar fantastic view to Rose & Crown. The restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and it’s modeled after a Moroccan outdoor cafe. The patio seating also gives patrons an equally ideal location to watch the nighttime show.
**Note that there may be a Fireworks party on the patio at this location, so be sure to check your reservation dates.
Pricing: $15 to $34.99 per adult
Firework Show Visible: EPCOT
Is there music? Yes! The outdoor dining gives you a great fireworks experience.
Narcoossee’s, The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Another option not inside the Disney Parks, Narcoosee’s is a seafood restaurant located at The Grand Floridian right on the Seven Seas Lagoon. It offers a great view of Cinderella’s Castle and an equally beautiful view of the fireworks overhead. The wraparound porch-style dining room is a definite perk here, given the floor-to-ceiling windows. Tables at Narcoosee’s are also tiered, allowing more patrons to get a good view of the waterfront. There’s also a patio for patrons to watch the fireworks after their meal, though this can mean there’s the possibility of some diners having an obstructed view.
**Currently under refurbishment
Pricing: $39 per $56.99 per adult
Firework Show Visible: The Magic Kingdom
Is there music? Yes! They pipe music into the restaurant during the show.
Getting a Good Spot at Disney Restaurants to Watch Fireworks
- Try to make your reservation for an hour before the fireworks start. This gives you some leeway if there happens to be a wait time for your table. It also gives you time to settle into your table, order food, and likely be enjoying your meal when the show starts.
- Arrive early for your reservation. While it’s always good advice to show up early for any Disney Dining reservation, it can be even more important when it could make the difference between a good spot for the fireworks and a great one.
- There’s no guarantee you’ll get the perfect table. Depending on the restaurant, you may not even be seated in a location where you can see the fireworks. You may have an obstructed view. These are all possibilities to consider when choosing a restaurant.
- Still, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask politely for a table with a fireworks view. The staff may be able to accommodate you (especially if you are early!). If you have time, you may even be able to wait to see if a table opens up in that section.
- Recently, most restaurants have begun adding show music during the fireworks. However, there’s no guarantee that this is the case. If you really want to hear the show, you should call ahead and confirm that the restaurant offers that service before you book.
What’s your favorite spot to watch Disney’s fireworks? Let us know in the comments below!
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