Is it even a Disney trip if you did not get the chance to watch a magical fireworks show, complete with Tinker Bell soaring through the sky?
If you are like me, you would agree your Disney vacation checklist must include a sparkling nighttime show.
But, what many families and visitors to Orlando do not know is that the fireworks can actually be viewed without a park admission ticket!
Imagine watching without having to line up and snag a spot an hour or more early…not having to be elbow to elbow with a thousand of your new Disney “friends”… not stressing about getting back to your resort fighting the lines for buses…
It is true; you can view the two currently running shows from only a short distance away from the entrances of the parks. Magic Kingdom runs Enchantment each night, a special 50th anniversary fireworks show that explodes above Cinderella’s Castle, while Epcot wows guests with Harmonious, an impressive display of fireworks, lighting, and water effects. What better way to kickstart a vacation than to get a little taste of these two productions from outside the parks? (And check this article out as well for even more unique ideas for a fun first Disney day and night!).
If you know your way around Disney property, you may already know about some of the terrific vantage points to enjoy the shows. But no worries if you are a newbie! Working with a Disney specialist from our sister company, Smart Moms Travel, can be so useful because we can help you get the lay of the land.
But, for now, here are a few of my favorite tips and options:
Discover Magic Kingdom Area Resorts
First, let’s begin with the three resorts classified in the Magic Kingdom area that will lend lovely views.
Picture it: digging your toes into sand, munching on a dole whip, while hugging your littles as you stare at the night sky. This is the reality if you make a visit to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort or Disney’s Polynesian Resort, both of which provide beachy areas with lots of space, chairs, or swings. View the fireworks from across Seven Seas Lagoon as the resort pipes the music through, and it will be an experience you will long remember.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort, literally steps away from Magic Kingdom, is the closest you will get to the firework show above the castle without actually being on Main Street. It even has an observation deck you have access to if you have a dining reservation that night at one of their restaurants!
A bonus is that all three of these resorts have fabulous dining choices, and an advance dining reservation (which your Smart Moms Travel agent can secure for you) permits you to drive and park at the hotel property and remain there for the full evening. No car? No problem. Just take the easy and free Disney transportation to the hotel.
Venture to Epcot’s Back Entrance
The best spot I have personally found to see fireworks for free is just outside of Epcot’s back entrance. This past July my daughter and I enjoyed a casual dinner at Beaches and Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and at about 8:30 PM we walked ten minutes across the bridge that connects Epcot to the Boardwalk area. It is here we planted ourselves right by the skyliner hub, where there is plenty of space. We were incredibly close watching the nighttime spectacular that evening, with the gondolas flying above our heads, and it felt like the perfect cap to our first night while we ate our ice cream cones!
Book a Fireworks Cruise
Lastly, if you are open to spending some money for an extra special option to see the fireworks – that again does not require a park ticket – then ask your Smart Moms Travel agent about booking a specialty fireworks cruise, part of Disney’s Enchanted Extras collection. Booking these add-ons is one of the many services we provide our clients!
I had the opportunity to enjoy this ten person chartered boat ride over the summer with a group of friends, and man…talk about a bucket list experience! We met our captain at the Polynesian Resort dock about 90 minutes before showtime. She pulled us away from the dock and we relished in watching the sunset over the lagoon – truly incredible. She also gave us a guided tour of the area by water, providing us insider knowledge about some history regarding the engineering and design of Disney World’s property. And then, at 9:00 PM, the true show began, and we enjoyed Enchantment as we floated on the water.
There are countless places to experience the magic of Disney, but trust me on this – don’t miss out on the firework shows. In fact, make arrangements to see them twice!
If you are interested in even more insider knowledge like some of what you’ve learned here, I would absolutely love to assist you and become your Disney planning bestie!
When you book your vacation with me and our sister company, Smart Moms Travel, you have access to a Disney expert for all the trip planning details, and the best news is my help is totally free. Disney pays me so that my clients do not have to! I am a recommended Disney planning specialist, and I would love to partner with you in planning.Ready to get started today? Simply click here for us to connect! Or, if you are already booked with a Smart Moms travel planner, you’re in excellent hands, so be sure to reach out to them for advice, tips, and any questions.
