Best viewing places for Illuminations and MK fireworks
Walt Disney World: Where is the best place to view Illuminations and MK fireworks? Are there any restaurants you can see them from?
Where is the best place to view the Illuminations show at Epcot? Can you see it from anywhere around the lake? Can you see it while dining at any of the restaurants? How about Magic Kingdom fireworks? Where is the best place to watch them from and see Tinker Bell fly? Are there any restaurants (in Magic Kingdom) or other hotels we could see them from possibly while eating dinner or having drinks?
For the fireworks at the MK, the best restaurant to see them from is the one on the top of the Contempary Hotel. I don't know what they are calling it these days. The other trick that I do is go see the Hoop Dee Doo Review at Fort Wilderness (7:30 show). It lets out just in time to take the boat from FW to the MK and see the fireworks. You can usually get a good view right at the Main Street entrance.
You can see Illuminations all around the lake. Japan and Italy have places to eat while watching them, but you can't count on getting a seat near the windows, and you can't reserve it. The best place to watch them around the lake is sit so you are facing the American Adventure. This is really crowded and you have to arrive early to watch from there, but it is the best experiance! As far as magic kingdom, main street really is the best viewing so you can see tink fly. If you want a quite out of the way place I found that the bridges in Frontierland offer a different perspective and is quite beautiful place to watch them, the only downside is you don't see the castle. I went about 3 weeks ago and they were no longer allowing people to watch the fireworks from the rooftop of the Contemporary, nor was the place to eat up there dimming the lights and playing the soundtrack as in years past. I wouldn't risk missing out by going to the Contemporary.
Melinda - What do you mean about "facing American Adventure"? Is that standing in front of Mexico and looking across the lake at the American pavilion? Are there any "obstructed" views around the lake? I remember there is a stage area in front of the US Pavilion that could block the view.
I mean when you walk out of Future World to the World Showcase you can either go right towards Canada or left towards Mexico or right in front of you there is a gift shop and a big open area. If you sit there you are directly across the lake from the American Adventure. That is the best place to sit. If you are going to sit there, get there 30-45 minutes early. We usually grab a snack and a beer and enjoy the people watching before it begins! American Adventure, Africa (drink stand, and france offer some of the worst viewing in my opinion.
Thanks Melinda. My husband made reservations at "Japan" for dinner and figured we would be over on that side. The past three times we went were at the location you mentioned and it was great! (But VERY crowded.) Had never tried to see it from the opposite side of the lake before.
I think the best place to see Illuminations in EPCOT will have to be either at the outdoor cafe in Mexico, the bridge in Italy, or the top floor in Japan. In Magic Kingdom, I would have to say to try and sit by the Tomorrowland Noodle Terrance because they are outdoors and really close to the castle!
For Illuminations,I think the best place to watch it is at Norway.The view is absolutely amazing!The best view for WISHES is at Frontierland(behind the castle).
From Jen Magee
Posted May 23, 2005 at 12:39 PM
Ack, the California Grill no longer loves the MK fireworks? When I ate there last year, they went around to all the tables repeatedly to make sure everyone knew the fireworks were coming, sent people who didn't have great seats outside to the roof... I hope it was only for the one night and not a permanent thing, because that was a really fun element of the restaurant. Anyone have any info?
Illuminations: On the offchance that there are no tourgroups the ideal place would be World Showcase Plaza. Seeing as that isn't possible most of the time, the best spot is next to the American Gardens Theater (on Italy's side).
Wishes- The two best places are directly in the middle of Main Street (down where the side street is, except in the center of the street) and on the Train Station. Both provide the ideal spots for the fireworks, tink, music, and all the effects.
We just got back from our trip to WDW and had a great time!
You can also view Illuminations from the Boardwalk hotel. Stand next to the Dance Hall on the boardwalk for the best view.
For Wishes, at Narcoosee's at the Grand Floridian, they still play the soundtrack for the fireworks which is great! Also, the Water Parade starts around 9pm at the same location.
Our first night at Wilderness Lodge we rented a pontoon boat (complete with a knowledgeable captain) for a tour of the lake, viewing the light parade, and then anchoring outside M.K. for the fireworks. The music and narrative came over the boat radio. My 9 year old grandson was fascinated, my daughter and her husband entranced. It was truly a magical and relaxed beginning to our vacation. We were celebrating a career achievement for my daughter and I arranged for the boat to be decorated with balloons and a cake and drinks to be aboard. We could see Tink fly very well! Reserve in advance!
OK well at Magic Kingdom you can either watch from the Beach at Fort Wilderness, Contempoary Hotel, and Polynesian Hotel. At the park watch from Tomorrowland or get a spot 45min in front of Main Street U.SA or Watch from Fantasyland.
At Epcot I got the best from Italy and watching from The United Kingdom Restraunt.
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