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View of the Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World: Where are the best places to eat with a view of the magic kingdom from the restaurant?

From Ryan Sanford
Posted June 1, 2010 at 12:14 PM
In my next trip to WDW, looking for a nice place to dine with a view of the Magic Kingdom. I have seen some pictures of restaurant's with a view of it, but don't know where they are.
Any other good places to eat outside the parks worth going to?


Comments in chronological order. Most recent at the bottom. Scroll down to respond.

From Nick Markham
Posted June 1, 2010 at 12:39 PM
The restaurant at the top of the Contemporary Resort has an amazing view. Every night, during the fireworks, the restaurant's lights are turned down and the music synchronized to the fireworks is played while guests get a magnificent view of the show.

From Ryan Sanford
Posted June 1, 2010 at 5:00 PM
Thanks Nick! Can anyone go there, or do you have to be staying there?

From Ali Salem
Posted June 1, 2010 at 5:43 PM
Yeah the California Grill on top of the Contemporary has easily the best views. Anyone can eat there but make sure you make a reservation! (And Try to Get It Close to the Wishes Fireworks Show). The food is also Phenomenal!

From James Koehl
Posted June 1, 2010 at 5:59 PM
We tried to watch the fireworks at MK from the California Grill. We had a window table, and thought it would be a great spot. They didn't turn down the lights, so the glare was so bad that we couldn't see much of the fireworks, and if they did pipe in the music to accompany the fireworks we couldn't hear it because everyone took it as their cue to talk louder. We finally tried to watch them from the outdoor patio, but it was so crowded that we couldn't see anything at all except the back of a bunch of drunken heads. We finally gave up and went back to our table, where we found a bunch of teenagers standing with their noses pressed to the glass windows, watching the fireworks, talking too loud and bumping our table. At least the food was good. We finally did see the fireworks several days later when we went to Magic Kingdom and saw the Christmas fireworks.

From Anthony Murphy
Posted June 1, 2010 at 6:52 PM
California Grill is the only one I think!

From James Koehl
Posted June 2, 2010 at 2:40 AM
I vaguely remember someone saying that there was a restaurant at the Grand Floridian (not V&A) that has a viewing deck on the water that is a good place to seem the fireworks. Anyone know about this?

From David L.
Posted June 2, 2010 at 5:19 AM
I think there is one at the Flordian but it is a lot more expensive and it's really private like one waiter for you and I thin there was a patio where you could watch them. I'm not entirely sure but this is what i've heard. Hope you have a great time wherever you go!

From TH Creative
Posted June 2, 2010 at 3:21 PM
The restaurant at the Grand Floridian is Narcoossee's. California Grill is a great choice. The food is excellent. Also if you have to linger to watch the fireworks, there is an outside observation deck.

Book reservations NOW!

From James Koehl
Posted June 2, 2010 at 4:35 PM
Am I the only one who had a bad experience at California Grill, at least as far as the fireworks go? Lucky me :+(

From Brady Allen
Posted June 2, 2010 at 5:27 PM
We had Christmas dinner at Narcoossee's. The food was excellent. We had our drinks and apps then was invited to go outside on the deck and watch the light parade on the lagoon. Once we returned to our table dinner was served. The food was great and the portions were huge. Our server once again came over and told us the fireworks were ready to begin so we order our desserts and returned to the deck. The music was played overhead as we watched the fireworks slighly to the left of Cinderella's Castle. Surprisingly, all the fireworks were in view(I thought we were at a bad angle until they began). After the finally we went into the restaurant and our desserts waited for us at our table. That was the first time I've ate there and it quickly became one of our top restaurants at WDW. I definitely recommend Narcoossee's. Try to get a reservation 30 to 45 min before the fireworks start so you can get in and get settled.
Enjoy!

From Ryan Sanford
Posted June 2, 2010 at 6:35 PM
Thanks everyone. : )
James, i can picture your whole situation.
Seems like you can't go wrong with either one when choosing. So, Narcoossee's may be a little more organized when viewing the fireworks... Both seem very nice!

From Ali Salem
Posted June 2, 2010 at 7:09 PM
I think that James experience is an anomaly. When I dined at The California Grill the staff informed everyone and it was a very big deal for the entire restaurant. While the deck can get crowded as long as you secure a spot your view will be fantastic!

From Jack Curley
Posted June 8, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Can I ask a question of everyone who has been to the California Grill? My sister and her family are going to WDW this year, and my nephew is terrified of fireworks. Can you actually hear the fireworks exploding from there, or do you just see the lights and hear the music?

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