The BEST Places to See Fireworks at Disney World (In All 4 Parks!)

The most iconic Disney experience is watching the dazzling fireworks display, be it above castle spires, a Chinese theatre, or a glittering lagoon. It probably goes without saying, but these nightly light shows are a must-experience part of Walt Disney World! But where are the best places to see fireworks at Disney?

Just follow me, and I’ll make sure you’ve got the best seat in the house – no matter which park you’ve chosen to visit!

Fireworks at Disney: A Longstanding Tradition

But first, I’d like you to follow me to Disneyland, to the very first Disney fireworks show. That’s right, we’re not just traveling to California to find the best places to see fireworks at Disneyland, we’re also traveling back in time – to Walt’s time!

Walt’s brilliant fingerprints can be found on just about every aspect of Disney World, and the booming backdrop to Cinderella’s castle is no exception. Back in 1956, Walt asked for the first fireworks show in Disneyland. He wanted the shimmering sparks to create a gorgeous halo around Sleep Beauty’s castle – just like the opening of the Disneyland television program.¹

The show grew over time and was eventually dubbed “Fantasy in the Sky,” finally coming to Florida on October 24, 1971, not long after the opening of Disney World.

Fireworks have been a breathtaking part of the entertainment ever since, becoming bigger, brighter, and bolder with each passing year. Which leads us back to the present – where fireworks at Disney World happen every night! As the sun starts to sink, you know something magical is about to begin…

The Magic Kingdom

Perhaps the most popular park in which to view fireworks at Disney, the Magic Kingdom‘s fantastical setting does tie in beautifully with the whimsy of exploding stars overhead. However, this also means the best places to see Magic Kingdom fireworks can get pretty crowded, so if the show is a priority for you, we suggest arriving at one of these locations 30 minutes early!

The Hub

“The Hub” is the area in front of Cinderella’s Castle, near the Partners statue of Walt and Mickey. Any spot within this circle provides prime viewing and the iconic postcard-perfect “castle shot.” You’ll also have a close view of Tinkerbell’s flight from the tip of the castle toward Tomorrowland! Just be aware that there is a projected light show on the castle itself, so standing too close will make it difficult to appreciate this aspect of the show. This will also be the most crowded area.

Main Street USA

Standing on Main Street not only gives you the chance to indulge in a yummy bakery snack, but it also provides the opportunity to see a second projected light show along the stylish stretch of colonial buildings! From Main Street, the castle is further away (which means Tink will be tinier), but you still have a clear view of the fireworks and can better appreciate the “big picture” version of the show. Arguably, Main Street USA is the best place to see Magic Kingdom fireworks as they were intended to be enjoyed.

Other Options

If you’re looking for a “quiet” spot to watch fireworks at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, you might try the bridge near Splash Mountain in Frontierland, which offers a profile view of the castle that still lets you enjoy the projected light show. You can also watch from behind Cinderella’s Castle, where the fireworks will climb over the top of Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (and will be extra loud!). Lastly, you could get really unconventional – and have a lot of fun – by watching from a ride like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or the PeopleMover.

Dessert Party!

If you’re really invested in fireworks at Disney, you can get Magic Kingdom fireworks reserved seating. This comes in the form of three different “dessert parties” held at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. (The difference is whether you enjoy your tasty treats before, during, or after the fireworks!) Along with your fancy snacks, you’ll snag a reserved seat in the Magic Kingdom plaza gardens (pre-party and after-party options) or remain in dedicated seating at the Tomorrowland Terrace (treats & seats party option). The options range from $99.00 to $114.00 per adult, so it’s definitely a splurge! But it’s also an unforgettably magical experience.

Outside the Park?!

This almost feels like using a cheat code in your favorite video game, but you can actually catch the fireworks at Disney without being at Disney World! (Whaaaat??)

The best place to see Magic Kingdom fireworks outside of the park is one of Disney’s resorts – especially the Polynesian Resort, Contemporary Resort, or the Grand Floridian. If you aren’t a guest, you’ll need a dining reservation to get in, but dinner and a show (away from the crowds!) can be a pretty good bargain.

Disney Springs

Wait, can you see fireworks from Disney Springs?? You bet!

While Disney Springs doesn’t have its own show, you can catch the colorful blasts from beyond the Magic Kingdom. The best view is from the restaurant on the old riverboat, Paddlefish – specifically the upper deck!⁴

EPCOT

Unlike the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT‘s biggest landmark, Spaceship Earth, isn’t integrated into the fireworks show. In fact, if you decide to stand by it, your view is going to be…well, just the side of Spaceship Earth. So maybe don’t go there.

Harmonious, EPCOT‘s new fireworks show, takes place at the center of the World Showcase Lagoon, exploding just over the water for brilliant sparkles in the night sky and breathtaking reflections in the water beneath. Floating river barges are decked out with LED screens that also add to this spectacular display.

World Showcase Plaza

The best place to watch EPCOT fireworks is the World Showcase Plaza. Here, you’ll be front and center, so the enlightening action is beautifully symmetrical. Don’t worry about having the front-most vantage point – standing back a little further from the water actually affords the best and slightly elevated views! If Harmonious is a priority on your bucket list, we recommend arriving early to secure a good spot. (And by early, we mean 30 to an hour!)

Japan

The next best place to watch EPCOT fireworks – and perhaps the best for unique photos – is Japan! The second floor of the Mitsukoshi Department Store offers a grand perspective for photographers. While this spot may not be the first for fireworks real estate, as it does fill up quickly, so early arrival time is key if you want to capture this neat perspective!

Even if you can’t make it to the upper levels of the department store, Japan’s waterfront at ground level is still an amazing spot! The beautiful red Torii Gate makes for a unique focal point in photos, though some folks might see it as more of an obstruction.

American Adventure Pavilion

Another great area with fantastic views is the American Adventure Pavilion. Across the way from the World Showcase Plaza, it offers another “head-on” symmetrical view of the show, although a bit of the river barge action is lost since you’re technically watching the show from behind. Nevertheless, it was designed to be a 360 performance, so you really can’t go wrong. With the straight-ahead angle and unobstructed view, some folks may find the American Adventure Pavilion better than the added interest of Japan.

Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has two fireworks shows, one after the other. Each one is about 12 minutes long, so most people find a spot for the first show and camp there for the duration of both displays. “Disney Movie Magic” celebrates live-action films, while the follow-up, “Wonderful World of Animation,” dives into the past 90 years of Disney animation history. Both had colorful displays of pyrotechnics and enchanting projections that wash over the Chinese Theatre.

This means the front of the Chinese Theatre, or down Hollywood Boulevard, is really your only viewing option. Half an hour is usually plenty early to snag a good place!²

Animal Kingdom

The best place to see fireworks in Animal Kingdom is…nowhere! Because Animal Kingdom is actually home to fabulous real animals, blinding, booming pyrotechnics are kept out of the park for their comfort and safety.³ You can still catch a smaller (but still gorgeous!) projection light show at the Tree of Life, where the tree “awakens” every evening, but if you’re dying for loud noises and bright bursts, we suggest park-hopping over to Magic Kingdom for the rest of the night!

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These have been our picks for the best places to see fireworks throughout the Disney parks, but what are your top spots? Let us know in the comments below!

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