The Best Untraditional Places to Watch the Happily Ever After Fireworks in Disney World
The Happily Ever After fireworks are a perfect way to cap off your night at Magic Kingdom in Disney World! Most people watch them in front of Cinderella Castle, on Main Street, U.S.A., and it can be VERY crowded, with people staking out their spots way in advance.
But, there are actually some less traditional places to see the show that can be just as magical. You do miss out on the projections on the front of the castle and down Main Street, but if you’ve seen the show before and want to see it from a different point of view or simply want to avoid those massive crowds, we have some solutions for you!
The Best Places to Watch Happily Ever After (Outside of Main Street, U.S.A.)
Before we get started, if you’re only going to Disney World once or if it’s your first time there, I wouldn’t recommend seeing the show for the first time from these alternative options. Definitely go for the traditional viewing experience right in front of Cinderella Castle or down Main Street, U.S.A.
Now, for those of you who want a different perspective, let’s dive in!
Polynesian Resort Beach
This can be a popular option, but it is a good one! The beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has a bunch of chairs facing Cinderella Castle and open beach space for you to sit and see the fireworks.
Photo: Disney
The music for the show is piped in through the nearby speakers so you get all of the musical cues while the fireworks light up over Seven Seas Lagoon! They’re a little far away, but you can still see them very well and they’re super pretty.
Wailulu Bar & Grill
Another great option at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is Wailulu Bar & Grill at the new Island Tower. There is a bunch of outdoor seating as well as the full outdoor bar with a view of the lagoon.
Sit up at the bar and grab a fun drink or at an outdoor table and get a snack while you look across the lagoon! Right below the restaurant is a little pathway near the water where you can watch as well.
And, the music is also piped in here, so you can get more of a full experience!
Enchanted Rose Lounge
Enchanted Rose Lounge is located on the second floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and has an extensive indoor bar and lounge area, as well as an outdoor balcony! The outdoor balcony is a great spot to catch the fireworks.
Photo: Disney
Since you’re up on the second floor, you get a great view across the lagoon to see both the castle and the fireworks in the sky! Plus, you’ll have a comfy seat and access to food and drinks.
California Grill
If you enjoy a meal at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you also have the opportunity to watch the fireworks on the outdoor balcony! You are invited to come outside during the show and watch the fireworks — the music is piped in and you’re on the top floor of the hotel, so it’s a great view!
Happily Ever After
If you eat here before the fireworks happen, just save your receipt from that same evening and you will be able to see the fireworks that night, even if you’ve already finished your meal!
Frontierland Boardwalk
This might not be a great view for long, since construction is starting in this area in July, but for now, check out the fireworks along the boardwalk in Frontierland! The boardwalk is along the Rivers of America and you will get a great view of the fireworks up in the sky.
The music from the show is also very loud so you can definitely hear it right here during the show!
Fantasyland
Fantasyland is an awesome place to see Happily Ever After! There are a lot of different spots and the fireworks basically go off right over the land, so you can have good viewing from many places.
Photo: Disney
You can stand behind Cinderella Castle and see the fireworks going off all around you! The music is loud and you won’t have the giant crowds you usually find on Main Street, U.S.A.
On a Ride
This is definitely the most untraditional, but watching the fireworks from a ride is a seriously magical experience! You won’t be able to see the whole show from a ride, but you can catch parts of the fireworks lighting up the sky.
This involves some luck and experience with timing. The wait times are usually pretty low during the fireworks, so it’s easier to get on rides, but there can be some trial and error.
Photo: Disney
I’ve watched the fireworks while riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and it’s like you’re in a movie. Floating along the outside parts of the bayou at night while fireworks burst in the sky? Incredible. Racing through the mines with sparks flying over your head? Unreal.
This experience is something you have to go into with low expectations, because it’s all about timing and you never know how long the wait time is actually going to be before you get on a ride. Go for the low wait time and ride, and consider seeing the fireworks a bonus enhancement!
I’d mostly recommend going on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure during the fireworks since it’s a longer ride with more leisurely time outside so you’ll prob get more time or a better chance to see the fireworks. Once Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Astro Orbiter reopen, those will also be good options for viewing!
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