Walt Disney World isn’t Walt Disney World without its fireworks, you know? I mean, the views of Wishes -combined with its unique soundtrack-are for sure a must do on every itinerary. But let’s face it-at the end of a full day of touring the parks, sometimes the fireworks show gets pushed off the itinerary in place of some pool time and relaxing in your resort room. But with a little planning, and some easy tips to remember, you can enjoy Wishes and all its magic!
Tips to Remember:
- Spots along Main Street, U.S.A. fill up quickly for Wishes. If you plan on viewing it from Main Street, plan on choosing-and staying in-a spot around an hour before the show starts.
- Split your family up and take turns holding the spot while others run to do a few attractions, shop, or grab food.
- Choose the night you see Wishes on a day when you DIDN’T start at Magic Kingdom at Rope Drop. It makes for a long, sometimes crowded evening – it’s good to view Wishes on a day when you’ve had a break at the pool or resort.
- Plan on doing a few attractions after the Wishes show-most everyone is headed to the buses or monorail, and it’s your chance to hit a few more rides before returning to your resort.
Suggested Viewing Locations INSIDE the Magic Kingdom Park:
- Adventureland, just between Aladdin’s Carpets and the Jungle Cruise is an open area with great views of Wishes. It’s also not very crowded back here, AND you can hit Big Thunder Mountain Railroad with a minimal wait time.
- Splash Mountain viewing area–you know the bridge you stand on to watch boats come down Splash Mountain? Well, if you turn around the other way, you’ll have a great view of Wishes from the bridge.
- There are benches in Fantasyland-between Pinocchio Village Haus and the Cinderella’s Carousel. These make a great place to watch Wishes-and there are restrooms AND food options near by.
- Crystal Palace-this character dining spot is found at the end of Main Street USA, to the left. They have a spacious porch, with benches and you have a great view of Cinderella’s Castle from here.
- From atop an attraction–one of my favorite memories of Wishes is watching it while riding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. They are RIGHT above you! Also, the Astro Orbiter, Swiss Family Treehouse, or if you can catch a last-minute ride on the Liberty Belle would make great viewing spots.
Suggested Viewing Locations OUTSIDE Magic Kingdom Park:
- Boat launches at the Grand Floridian and the Wilderness Lodge provide unobstructed views and a quiet place to view the show.
- On a boat–sometimes, if you are on a boat from Wilderness Lodge or Grand Floridian to or from Magic Kingdom, your boat captain will stop to allow viewing of Wishes. Another option is the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Tour.
- On a beach-Even if you aren’t staying at the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, or Contemporary Resorts, you can still access the beach at these to watch Wishes.
- At a restaurant–Try to schedule your dining reservations at Ohana, California Grill, Chef Mickey’s, or the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party to overlap with Wishes. You’ll be so glad you did!
So, where is your FAVORITE spot to catch Wishes? Any of the above? Or do you have your own spot? Also, are there places you wouldn’t recommend for watching the fireworks?
Magically Yours,
Carrie
Carrie writes here on Chip and Co and also on My Favorite Finds. There you can find the best organization,recipes, Disney travel tips, and crafts. Stop by and check out all of her great ways to find the joy in the everyday!
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We actually were having dinner at Narcoossee’s on our last trip in October and were able to watch it between our dinner and the dessert. It was a fantastic view, we were right at a window, and our waiter was fantastic at timing our meal so that we were finished eating our dinner just before the fireworks started. And since they pipe the music into the restaurant, we had the full experience!
My least favorite place is in the circle area in front of Cinderella Castle. I think you miss seeing all of the height of them since you are so close. I love the Poly beach but on our last trip, we got out of ‘Ohana a little late so we watched from the steps at the Volcano pool! It was great viewing and no crowds!
These are good ideas. We are pass holders, but too often don’t stay because it has been such a long day.
Every visit we always try to plan a night to view Wishes from the beach at Poly, but it never happens – we do love to join the masses and view from the middle of Main Street, guess we’re goofy like that! lol
I watched the parade from the bridge by the Christmas shoppe but that is a horrible place to watch the fireworks in the spring. I will follow this advice!
My friends and I went in October of 2010 and we ended up behind the castle during the fireworks for MNSHP. It was AWESOME. Granted, it was walled off for the construction-but by far just a really new and neat experience. I also love watching from ‘Ohana.
be there in 5 days 🙂