For many visitors, the “goodnight kiss” that culminates after a long day of Walt Disney Resort theme park touring is the nightly fireworks extravaganza held in the parks on most evenings. For most guests who will be watching Wishes in the Magic Kingdom this means securing a spot curbside in the hub or along Main Street well in advance. Similarly at Epcot, you’ll find guests searching out spots for their families all around World Showcase up to one hour in advance. While lining up early has it’s benefits, many guests may not realize there are several other prime vantage points for viewing Wishes and Illuminations.
Disney Resorts: While Magic Kingdom view rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Contemporary provide some amazing vistas of Wishes, the beach at the Polynesian Resort has many romantic places for couples to watch Wishes. The reflection off of the Seven Seas Lagoon is especially exquisite, and the fireworks may not be the only goodnight kiss! A special treat for guests dining at the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the nightly vantage point 15 stories up with the Wishes music piped in. Equally nice is dining at ‘Ohana at the Polynesian Resort during the nightly viewing of Wishes where the music is also played. And at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa you’ll find guests enjoying a prime vantage point of the show at the Marina.
Over at Epcot, many Yacht and Beach Club rooms face Epcot and guests can enjoy Illuminations directly from their balconies. However, a more festive place for Yacht and Beach Club guests to watch the show is smack dab in the middle of the resort’s mini water park, Stormalong Bay – just watch out for falling ash if the wind is blowing to the west!
Specialty Cruises: For an additional cost, a very special and more intimate way to enjoy Wishes or Illuminations is by boat. Considering renting a pontoon, power boat or, if your budget allows, a yacht to enjoy the shows right from the water! With a private captain sailing the way, boats for Wishes leave from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or the Grand Floridian while boats for Illuminations leave from the Yacht and Beach Club Marina. Audio feed, and private dining can be arranged for your cruise – just be sure to have your Magic For Less Travel Counselor book your specialty cruise in advance as these cruises are extremely popular and sell out immediately.
Fireworks aren’t just for necessarily viewing in the parks anymore, but if you have seen Wishes from the Main Street vantage point, maybe next time try sneaking back to Fantasyland for a unique perspective or time it right and a flight on Astro Oribitor is definitely enhanced with Wishes playing in the background! And for a special treat, try the Wishes Dessert Party or if you are with a Grand Gathering the Illuminations Dessert Party – the ultimate way to end your evening in style!
On our anniversary, we had just got on Dumbo at Disenyland and the Cast Member had checked our safety belts when the fireworks started. Instead of starting the ride up, we got to sit on dumbo and watch the fireworks. It was a great unobstructed view of the fireworks and an experience we won’t forget.
Big Thunder Mountain is a fun place to watch the fireworks from as well.