There’s just something about fireworks that adds that extra touch of magic at the end of your Disney day, right? No matter how many times you see them they’re still amazing!

Magic Kingdom and EPCOT both put on amazing firework shows nightly synced with music and filled with special effects. And, while the very best view of these you’ll have is in the parks, there are also some GREAT viewing spots outside of the theme parks for those days on your trip when you didn’t buy a ticket (or even if the kids couldn’t hang on late enough for the show — hey, it happens!). So, here are our top picks for places to watch Walt Disney World fireworks shows outside of the parks.

Magic Kingdom’s Disney Enchantment Fireworks

The fireworks alone in Disney Enchantment are incredible, but when viewed along with the music they’re truly goose bump-worthy!

That’s why our top outside-the-park viewing areas for this show give you the chance to hear the music, too.

1. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

While all of the Magic Kingdom resorts are a great choice for the fireworks show, we love watching from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort because of the straight-on view you’ll get of the castle and all the surrounding fireworks. And of course, the ambiance is great, too!

There’s plenty of room on the beach to watch, but also ample sidewalk space and even grass for those who don’t love sand. As an added bonus, you can even grab a Dole Whip at the Pineapple Lanai to enjoy before, during, or after the show.

2. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

With a spectacular view of Cinderella Castle, the Grand Floridian offers a slightly offset view of the fireworks along with an atmosphere you’ll love.

For the best viewing spot, we recommend the Marina area, stretching from Gasparilla Grill to the boat launch dock.

3. Disney’s Contemporary Resort

For a sky-high view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, head to the observation deck at the Contemporary Resort‘s California Grill. Due to fire code restrictions, those who want to access the observation deck either need to have a dining reservation or be a customer of the bar and lounge (which is first-come-first serve and can get crowded during the time of the fireworks show).

HOWEVER you can also visit the California Grill Lounge anytime during the evening and if you keep your receipt, you’ll be allowed back up the elevator before the fireworks show starts. You can also attend the special fireworks party hosted at the restaurant (Celebration at the Top: 50th Flavors and Fireworks) to guarantee a spot to watch the show.

If buying food or drinks to see the fireworks show isn’t in your plans, you can also access the fourth-floor observation area that’s open to the public and still offers great up-close views.

EPCOT’s Harmonious

Harmonious is the newest show in EPCOT and takes place in the center of World Showcase Lagoon. The large barges in the middle of the water display scenes from different Disney movies to match the music!

Our recommended place for catching a view of the Harmonious fireworks is the walkway bridge that connects the BoardWalk and Beach Club resorts — it’s about as close as you can get without entering the park!

For a treat and a show, grab some ice cream at Beaches and Cream before it starts.

Transportation Options

Now you know the best spots to watch the fireworks from outside the parks, here are our best suggestions for getting there!

Option 1: Park at the Resorts

If you want to visit a Disney resort you’re not staying at to watch the fireworks, you’re able to drive your own car there and park, but typically only if you have reservations at a restaurant located at that particular resort. If you’re not up for eating a full dinner just to watch the fireworks with a good view, consider making a reservation just for dessert! Plus, reservations after the dinner rush are usually easier to come by (and easy to make with the My Disney Experience app).

Resorts usually will allow you to park a couple of hours before your reservation as well, so if you make a reservation for dessert at 8:45, you can easily park, stroll around the resort to find a great view of the fireworks show at 8, then enjoy a sweet ending to the night afterward with dessert.

Option 2: Disney Resort Transportation

If you’re staying at a Disney resort but want to visit a different resort for a good fireworks view you’ll have at least one (possibly more!) free transportation option depending on where your resort is located.

Disney buses are free and easy to use, but with some resorts you can also take advantage of the Monorail as well as the boats. Or, you can take Disney’s Skyliner to select resorts!

Option 3: Uber and Lyft

For a hassle-free, direct option, Uber and Lyft are a great choice. No messing with reservations, parking, or mass transportation.

Ubers and Lyfts will pick you up wherever you are and drop you at the entry of whichever resort you’re hoping to visit.

Option 4: Free Parking at Disney Springs

While this option has a few more steps involved, it’s completely free (and everyone loves free, right?!). If you are staying off Disney property but still want the free option of a great fireworks view (without a dining reservation), you can take advantage of the free parking at Disney Springs and then use the free Disney bus transportation to get to the resort you want to go to.

It’s a great excuse to make a night of it with some shopping at Disney Springs, a fireworks show, and then maybe a treat after. After parking at Disney Springs just make your way over to the Disney bus terminals.

Those are the BEST places to watch the fireworks in Disney World from if you’re not inside the parks! Also remember that you can sometimes see fireworks right from your hotel room, depending on where you’re staying and where your room is located. You can try to request that you have a room with a view of the fireworks at your Disney resort if there is one available!

But what about if you’re inside the parks — where are the best viewing locations then? Don’t worry, we got you! We’ve figured out all of the best places to watch Harmonious from in EPCOT, as well as Enchantment in Magic Kingdom!

If you want to guarantee you’ll have a great spot for the show, you can also check out some fireworks dessert parties! Stay tuned to All Ears for more Disney World tips, tricks, and info.

Click here to see the secret to watching an exclusive fireworks show in EPCOT!

Where do you like to watch the fireworks from? Tell us in the comments below!

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