We’re always scoping out great viewing locations for fireworks at Walt Disney World. When your day ends in the Magic Kingdom, it’s a fan tradition to stay for the magical fireworks.

Playing until April 2, 2023, Disney Enchantment is a fireworks and projection show that debuted as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration. While the show focuses on the park’s centerpiece — Cinderella Castle, the projections actually go ALL the way down Main Street, U.S.A.). We can’t wait for Happily Ever After to return to Magic Kingdom on April 3, 2023 with all-new projections!

We want to share some of our favorite fireworks spots at Magic Kingdom. After all, at the end of a Magic Kingdom day you just might be too tired to strategize, and that’s why we encourage you to plan ahead.

Yes, we love Magic Kingdom fireworks from all of these various spots in and around Magic Kingdom, but there are absolutely some areas that are going to be the PERFECT viewing location for YOUR family. It’s up to you to decide which plan works best for your needs. You’ll want to know where you can watch this iconic show so that your evening ends in the most magical way possible. First, always check the Fireworks schedule before planning your Magic Kingdom evening.

It’s quite likely that you may be towing some tired kids or grandparents…or…maybe your own feet are worn out. Also, if you are shorter (like myself) or have small children, your ideal vantage point may not be from a congested, more popular area. Whether your goal is a castle-front view, a relaxing spot to unwind, or a quick glimpse as you head back to your Walt Disney World resort, we’ve got these favorite Magic Kingdom fireworks spots in mind.

In front of Cinderella Castle

Many Magic Kingdom guests find this location to be the most captivating. You’ll want to arrive (and stay in place) 60 to 90 minutes in advance and that means scheduling a restroom and/or snack break before staking your claim to the prime viewing locations in front of Cinderella’s Castle.

Disney Enchantment

While you’ll have a wonderful view of the castle’s projections, note that some of the pyrotechnics are better from a distance. Keeping that in mind, we offer the next recommendation.

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Near the Partners Statue

From here, the pyro above the castle will look stunning! You’ll have a great view of the entire sky above and behind Cinderella’s Castle. This is another spot that may require a significant time investment (1-2 hours of saving your spot).

If you’re near the Partners Statue (it’s the copper statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse), your view should be very clear. While you’ll be bumping shoulders with other guests, you should be able to see most of the fireworks, projections, and Tinkerbell’s flight. Remember to avoid standing in the taped off walking paths as Cast Members keep these clear for pedestrian traffic. Choose your space wisely as sometimes Cast Members allow guests to fill these spots just before the show begins.

While waiting for the fireworks, grab some popcorn!

Plaza Gardens/Hub Grass

Plaza Gardens and the Hub Grass areas are also great locations to take in a castle-front view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. We like that you can sit on the grass while waiting.

Please note that sometimes these areas are roped off for dessert parties and private events, so always have a back-up plan!

Are you looking for a special way to see the fireworks? Check out a Magic Kingdom dessert party!

Middle of Main Street

Stake out a spot in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A. where you’ll be able to enjoy ALL the projections as well as the fireworks above the castle. We suggest getting here at least 45 minutes to one hour ahead of time. The further away from Cinderella’s Castle, the less time you’ll need to spend waiting for the start of the show.

Now, if you prefer not to be sharing shoulder-hugs with your fellow guests, we suggest heading to the flagpole area. While you’ll miss Tinkerbell, you should have a less chaotic, although distanced view of the show. Not only will you escape some of the bottleneck crowd issues occurring closer to the castle, but you’ll also have a head start when it comes time to exit the park. Those crowds at the ferry boat and monorail can be intense, especially when you’re tired.

For refreshments, Casey’s Corner is found at the end of Main Street, U.S.A!

Behind Cinderella Castle

If you prefer to avoid gridlock situations, you might find alternate locations like this one more to your liking. Out of the way locations are a great option for kids as well as guests with mobility challenges. From Fantasyland, you’ll see the fireworks that are shot off from behind Be Our Guest Restaurant. We really enjoy hitting up a few attractions (The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh!) while the crowds are all in front of the castle. Then, we find a spot to grab a last-minute snack and watch the show.

If you don’t mind a more congested area, our suggestion is to try to be near Prince Charming Regal Carousel as you’ll still have some photos with the castle as a backdrop. There are a few nearby benches to sit on. Note that this location is especially crowded on holidays such as New Year’s Eve. After the show, you’ll have time to linger while the masses head to the exit.

Use our helpful tips to get a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

On the PeopleMover

There are some attractions that afford unique vantage points of the fireworks — one of our favorites is from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. End your day in a less chaotic way with some relaxing time off your feet on this “highway in the sky”.

We think this is a perfect ending to a family day or a romantic date night. Plus, you might be able to sneak in a few other rides as the crowds lessen in the hour before the fireworks.

Looking for a snack before your ride on the PeopleMover? Find out what The Lunching Pad is offering HERE!

Ticket and Transportation Center Dock

To the left of the monorail, you’ll find the Transporation and Ticket Center (TTC) Ferry Dock. Cast Members will ask you to stand along the walkway rather than directly on the dock. Due to the positioning of the sidewalk, you’ll have stellar views of the skies over the Magic Kingdom.

And you’ll be back to your Disney resort before other guests have even made it aboard the ferry or monorail. If you are hungry, you’ll beat the crowds back to your resort and can easily grab a much-needed meal or snack.

Another great option for fireworks-watching? From a BOAT! Read more about fireworks cruises HERE!

California Grill Terrace

If you don’t mind missing the projection part of the show, you can view the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. A signature dining restaurant, California Grill, offers an outdoor observation deck with stunning views.

First, you’ll need to plan ahead by making an Advance Dining Reservation. Next, we recommend arriving early and requesting a window table. Remember, this is only a request. And if a table by the window is not available, plan to watch the fireworks from the outdoor deck. Any dinner at this special restaurant is a win-win!

California Grill dims their lights and pipes in the show’s music so that your view from your table or the balcony are memorable. Here’s the catch: only same-day guests who have dined at the restaurant can use the Observation Deck. What if you dined earlier in the evening? You can still watch the fireworks! Show your dinner receipt to the Cast Member at the elevator entrance and they’ll allow you to head up to the Observation Deck.

Major Menu CHANGES Announced for California Grill in Disney World!

Polynesian Beach

Don’t want to spend money on a signature meal but looking for a place to watch the fireworks without the in-park crowds? Make your way to the Polynesian Village Resort’s beach. We especially like this location because you can also see the Electrical Water Pageant pre-show happen on the Seven Seas Lagoon!

The music is piped in, and, of course, there’s Pineapple Lanai serving up Dole Whip nearby. Tip: Find a spot near a speaker as the audio is played very low.

Pineapple Lanai typically remains open until one hour after the evening’s fireworks spectacular in the Magic Kingdom!

Plan your Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing carefully using our above suggestions for the best locations to watch the show! By doing so, you’ll have a great view of the fireworks while you’re at WDW and fantastic memories to take home with you. Whether you choose one of our favorite spots or discover one of your own, watching the fireworks show in the Magic Kingdom is a favorite activity for many Walt Disney World guests.

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Where’s your favorite place to view Disney World fireworks? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Best Places to Watch Fireworks in Magic Kingdom first appeared on the disney food blog.