Maybe you’re taking a day off from the parks or maybe you’ve planned a park-free visit to a Disney resort. Maybe you are just passing through Orlando for one night or maybe you want to view the show from a different perspective. Whatever the reason may be, we have a few recommendations for where and how to view Walt Disney World’s fireworks without needing a ticket to the park!
There are some paid experiences in Walt Disney World that give you a prime view of the fireworks from outside of the parks and others that won’t cost you a thing. Let’s explore the options!
Fireworks Boat Cruise
One way to see the fireworks without having a park ticket is to book a fireworks boat cruise! Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise sets sail from the Transpiration and Ticket Center and includes a variety of desserts and specialty drinks before and during Enchantment, the nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom. Available to book select Wednesday and Saturday nights, the price of $99 per adult and $69 for children ages 3-9 includes tax and gratuity.
You are also able to book a private fireworks cruise on a 25ft boat for up to 10 people to view Enchantment at Magic Kingdom or Harmonious at Epcot! These boat cruises leave 1 hour and 15 minutes before showtime and include snacks, soft drinks, and even balloons and banners if you are celebrating something special. The price is $399 plus tax and your cruise will take you around the Seven Seas Lagoon in front of Magic Kingdom if you are viewing Enchantment and to the World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot if you are viewing Harmonious. Cruises disembark from the Yacht and Beach Club to view the Epcot show and from the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, or Fort Wilderness marinas if viewing the show at Magic Kingdom. The audio that accompanies the fireworks show of choice will be broadcasted on the boat!
Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors & Fireworks at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Located at California Grill in the Contemporary Resort, enjoy a fireworks cocktail party with a grand view from the 15th floor. Guests of the 50th Flavors & Fireworks at Disney’s Contemporary Resort will dine on small bites including sushi, dessert, and other popular dishes from the California Grill menu. For those that are 21 and older, beverages from the bar are also included in the price. When it is show time, guests will observe the show from California Grill’s private terrace where they will hear the accompanying music to Enchantment. There is a dress code for this experience and the price of $129 per person includes tax and gratuity.
View from the Concourse at The Contemporary Resort
If you are a guest of the Contemporary Resort, perhaps you are one of the lucky ones that can view fireworks right from their room window or balcony! Regardless if you have a park view, guests of the Contemporary or guests who are on property for a dining reservation should make your way to the 4th floor observation deck! This will give you the perfect view of the fireworks show from across Seven Seas Lagoon and they will even play the accompanying audio to Enchantment.
The Beach at Polynesian Resort or The Grand Floridian
If you are staying at the Polynesian Resort or the Grand Floridian, you may also have been lucky enough to book a theme park view for your room. But even if don’t have a view of Magic Kingdom from your window, you can enjoy views of Enchantment from the beach areas at both resorts. If you are not staying at either of these resorts, plan for dinner at one of the restaurants or drinks at one of the lounges at these resorts so that you are on property. Take a stroll to the beach afterwards, and stay for the fireworks! Try dinner at Ohana at the Polynesian and or make a reservations at the Narcoossee’s to see the fireworks right from the restaurant.
Views from Disney’s BoardWalk
If you are staying at the a resort on Disney’s BoardWalk or visiting the BoardWalk for some ice cream and an evening stroll, you can view the fireworks portion of Harmonious! Choose to stand on either bridge to get the best view, but you’ll see them flying high in the sky from pretty much anywhere around the BoardWalk! The Dolphin Hotel also offers rooms with a view of Epcot, which will allow you to view the fireworks each night!
Capa Restaurant at Four Seasons
Dining at Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, may be the best opportunity yet to see fireworks outside of the parks! While you will enjoy a delicious meal on the 17th floor, your view from the outdoor observation deck will give you the distinct opportunity to see the fireworks shows at both Epcot and Magic Kingdom! Sounds like the ultimate date night or Valentine’s Day surprise for your loved ones.
Have you ever viewed fireworks from outside of the park? Where is your favorite place to view the show? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image Courtesy of Disney
Written by
Shelley Wehler
Contributing Writer
Shelley is a stay-at-home mother of two girls living outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Her love of all things Disney has grown even more as she sees the magic come alive through the lens of her young daughters. She spends her free time keeping up with the latest in Disney news and daydreaming of her next trip to the parks!
