There’s no better way to end a day at a Walt Disney World theme park than with fireworks. The music swells, the sky lights up, and the core memories are made. But did you know that Magic Kingdom isn’t the only place to watch fireworks at Walt Disney World? That’s right, three of the four theme parks have incredible nighttime spectaculars that often bring tears to the eyes of guests, including my own.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the iconic Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom, Luminous The Symphony of Us at EPCOT, or Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we’ve got all of the details of each show, tips for viewing, and secrets for getting some of the best seats for the fireworks at Walt Disney World.
Fireworks at Magic Kingdom
When most people think of fireworks at Walt Disney World, they think of Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After nighttime spectacular. The nearly 20-minute show features a dazzling display of pyrotechnics, projections on Cinderella Castle, lasers, and more.
Where to watch Happily Ever After
You can see the show from all around the park, and the rousing score is played throughout the park’s speakers, so there’s really no bad spot to catch the show. While the most popular location is right in front of the castle for prime views of the projections and fireworks, I also love watching from Fantasyland behind the castle.
MAKE MEMORIES: 25 best family vacation spots in the U.S. for all ages
If you want to watch from in front of the castle or down Main Street, U.S.A., try finding a spot about 45 minutes before showtime. For those who want to watch from nearly anywhere else in the park, seeking out a spot just a few minutes before the fireworks begin should be fine.
Does Magic Kingdom have special fireworks parties?
If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy Happily Ever After, consider booking one of Magic Kingdom’s dessert parties. During the extra-cost party, you’ll be able to indulge in sweets like chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate silk tarts, plus a variety of cheeses and beverages at Tomorrowland Terrace. Then, find a seat at the restaurant’s castle-facing patio for the show.
BEST TRIP EVER: 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget
The price for dessert parties ranges from $119 to $129 for adults ages 10 and over, and $75 for children ages three to nine. Advanced reservations are suggested for all dessert parties, and check-in begins one hour before the fireworks. If you ask us, dessert parties are worth the cost if you want a guaranteed seat for the show, and love sweets. Otherwise, just enjoy Happily Ever After from anywhere around the park, included with your park admission.
Fireworks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Another great option for fireworks at Walt Disney World is Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The nearly 30-minute show tells the story of Mickey Mouse’s dreams, which turn into a nightmare thanks to the appearance of Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. During the show, plenty of Disney characters from Moana, Frozen, Mulan, Aladdin, and more are featured. This, paired with incredible water screens, stunts, music, and pyrotechnics, makes this a unique offering that only Disney can pull off.
Fantasmic! is my favorite nighttime spectacular at Disney, and has been for years. The epic storytelling, paired with a moving score and plenty of characters, makes this a must-see every time I’m at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The doors to the amphitheater do open 90 minutes in advance of the show, but I typically arrive about 30 to 45 minutes before showtime. During busier times of the year like summer and holidays, there are usually two showings of Fantasmic!, and oftentimes the later performance is less crowded.
Does Disney’s Hollywood Studios offer fireworks parties?
If you want your night at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to end with dinner and a show, you can reserve one of the Fantasmic! Dining Packages. For a set cost, you get an entree and dessert at a table-service restaurant, or a buffet meal, plus a drink, and a guaranteed seat in a reserved area for the show. If you have the Disney Dining Plan, you can use credits for the dining package.
KID-FRIENDLY: 25 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S.
Currently, there are four restaurants that offer a dining package for the show. The cheapest option is Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, at $57 for adults ages 10 and over, and $23 for kids ages nine and under. Additionally, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, where adults are $60 and kids are $23, and The Hollywood Brown Derby, where adults are $83 and kids are $31, are the other table-service options. If you’re looking for a buffet, Hollywood & Vine is dishing out breakfast for $67 for adults and $42 for kids, while lunch and dinner are $81 and $51, respectively.
Fireworks at EPCOT
At EPCOT, you can catch Luminous The Symphony of Us. The show takes place around the World Showcase lagoon, so if you line up anywhere around the edge of the water, you’ll have a great spot. The show features beloved Disney music to showcase the shared experiences that all of us have as one global family.
SET SAIL: 12 best family cruises and ships in the world
Two of the best viewing spots for the show are anywhere between the Mexico and Canada pavilions near the front of the park, or on either side of the American Gardens Theater. I love the latter the best since I can see the entire show, plus Spaceship Earth lighting up in sequence with the show.
Does EPCOT offer fireworks parties?
Just like Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, EPCOT offers extra-charge dining experiences to enjoy the fireworks. The first are dining packages at either Spice Road Table or Rose & Crown. At Spice Road Table, you’ll be able to enjoy a prix fixe menu of two small plates, a shared tagine, a dessert platter, and unlimited drinks. The cost is $81 for adults and $31 for kids. Over at Rose & Crown, the prix fixe menu includes one appetizer, entree, and dessert, plus unlimited drinks. Adults are $92 and kids are $41.
For a more upscale evening, consider booking the GEO-82 Fireworks Experience. The new adult-exclusive (read 21 and older) lounge inside Spaceship Earth hosts an incredible fireworks party. The elevated fireworks experience includes a glass of champagne that’s been specially selected by Disney World sommeliers, a tower of savory light bites before the show, and a selection of sweet treats to enjoy during the show. You’ll also get guaranteed window seats for the best view of the fireworks at Walt Disney World. Even though this is more expensive at $179 per person, it could be worth it for a fancy date night or big milestone celebration.
How to see fireworks at Walt Disney World outside of the parks
Even if you don’t have a park ticket or don’t want to deal with the throngs of people inside each park for the nighttime fireworks at Walt Disney World, you can still catch some of the shows. For a real treat, consider booking a fireworks cruise, which takes up to 10 people per booking on a cruise to see either Happily Ever After or Luminous The Symphony of Us. Cruises start at $449 plus tax. That price can be split among the friends or family you’re traveling with, making it more affordable.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY: 11 cheap family vacations that are super fun
If you’re staying at certain Walt Disney World resorts, you may also have some great viewing spots for fireworks. Any of the monorail resorts around Magic Kingdom (Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa), plus Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort, have great views of Happily Ever After from the lagoon side beaches or viewing platforms.
From the resorts around Crescent Lake (Disney’s Boardwalk Resort Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Resort), you can see Luminous The Symphony of Us. Additionally, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has views of EPCOT from its rooftop bar, Dahlia Lounge, or Happily Ever After from the Michelin-starred Capa at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
