Nothing beats a fireworks finale, especially at Walt Disney World. Between the twinkling lights, a kaleidoscope of colors and a perfectly timed soundtrack, it’s an enchanting end to a fun-filled time in the theme parks. Unfortunately, these must-see nighttime spectaculars can also draw quite the crowds, turning a dazzling display into a borderline-annoying bookend to the day.Â
The solution? Why not take your fireworks viewing party back to your hotel instead? Whether Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom or Epcot’s Harmonious, there are several Walt Disney World hotels with fireworks views. Read on to learn how to end your night with a bang – minus the crowds – from the comfort of your Disney World resort.Â
How to Watch the Disney Fireworks from Your Hotel
After a long day of theme park adventures, there’s no denying that seeing fireworks glitter above Cinderella Castle or sparkle over Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon can be downright magical. Sometimes, however, between the long wait for a good spot and thick-as-molasses crowds, watching the show from inside the park can often feel like anything but a fairytale ending.Â
Luckily, there’s another place to catch the Disney fireworks that can be just as enchanting without all the stress: your Walt Disney World hotel! While not all resorts at Walt Disney World boast fireworks views (or, at least, not very good ones), there are several hotels that do offer stunning vistas of the dazzling nightly displays – including some from your guestroom. Talk about the best seats in the house!
Best of all, you don’t need to be a resort guest to take in the views. Whether you’re trying to avoid the crowds or a pricey park ticket, or simply doing a little resort hopping, the Walt Disney World hotels can be a great place to take in the show. Â
If you’d like to skip the crowds (well, most of them) and enjoy the show from the comfort of your Disney hotel, here are our top tips for making it happen:Â
Remember to Check the Schedule on the My Disney Experience App
Most importantly, you’ll want to refer to the My Disney Experience app to find out when the fireworks are happening during your visit. This is especially crucial if you plan on taking in the show over dinner from one of the hotel’s onsite eateries. Around showtime, restaurants with fireworks views are a hot commodity. So, plan to make your advance dining reservations far in advance, as close to the opening of the 60-day booking window as possible.Â
Even if you’re not trying to snag one of those in-demand seats, you’ll need to plan your travel time back to the hotel and your chosen viewing location accordingly. Unless you’re watching the fireworks from your balcony or bed, chances are that you’ll still have some crowds to contend with. Err on the side of caution and allow plenty of time to post up and grab a snack or boozy beverage.Â
Requesting a Disney Hotel Room with Fireworks Views
While you might think that the best place to watch the Disney fireworks is smackdab in front of Cinderella Castle or on the railing overlooking World Showcase Lagoon, if you are looking for a relaxing ending to your evening, you can’t beat the view from your theme park-view hotel room. Comfortable? Absolutely. Free from crowds? Blissfully. Memorable? No question.Â
Naturally, fireworks-view rooms at Disney World aren’t only relatively few and far between. They’re also in high demand. So, you’ll need to reserve your room plenty of time in advance. For guaranteed VIP viewing, be sure to book a fireworks or theme park-view room type if one is available.Â
Otherwise, you’ll need to specify your request during online check-in or once you get to the resort, and Disney Cast Members will do their best to make it happen. Once you’re finally in the room, just turn on your TV to the appropriate channel, turn up the music and enjoy the show.Â
Other Ways to Watch the Fireworks from Your Disney World Resort
Park-view rooms all booked up? No worries! Most of the Walt Disney World hotels on our list have a few different options for catching the fireworks, from rooftop restaurants to club-level lounges to sandy beaches.Â
Make an Advance Dining Reservation at an Onsite Restaurant
Much like booking a room with theme park and firework views, scoring a dining reservation and a seat overlooking the show takes a considerable amount of pre-planning – especially since tables can fill up fast. How fast exactly? Sometimes months in advance.Â
In other words, if possible, we suggest you make your reservation as soon as the 60-day booking window opens. This will help you secure those coveted fireworks views and leave you plenty of time to cancel without penalty should your plans change. Then, once it’s time for dinner, arrive early and ask the Cast Member for a table near the window.Â
Book a Club-Level Room
Although it will cost a pretty penny, one of the easiest ways to secure a view of the Disney World fireworks from the comfort of your hotel is by staying on club level. Located at all of the deluxe resorts, as well as one of the moderates, Disney World’s club-level lounges and rooms often (but not always) tout fireworks vistas in addition to complimentary snacks and sips.Â
Head Outside & Look to the Skies
As magical as it might be to take in the sparkling sights from a cozy bed, private balcony or restaurant table, sadly, this exclusive viewing experience isn’t available to everyone. Fortunately, some of the best places to watch the Disney World fireworks from outside the parks – like the Polynesian Village beach or along Disney’s BoardWalk – don’t even require a reservation, let alone an expensive park ticket. In fact, many locations will even pipe in the music from the show for everyone to enjoy.
Keep Your Expectations Realistic
Though this might be the last thing on our list of tips, it’s probably one of the most important. Without a doubt, even with the massive amounts of people and uncomfortably close quarters, the best views of the Walt Disney World fireworks will always be right there in the parks. So, to avoid the crowds, you’re probably going to have to make some sacrifices.Â
There’s so much more to Disney firework shows than pyrotechnics alone, such as immersive projections, colorful fountains or Tinker Bell’s cheer-inducing flight from Cinderella Castle to Tomorrowland. Sadly, unless you’re there in the parks to see it, chances are good that you’re going to miss it all.Â
Instead, you should expect semi-obstructed views, fireworks bursting above the tree lines and pyrotechnics twinkling in the distance. Will it still be at least a little bit magical? Almost certainly.Â
14 Best Walt Disney World Hotels with Fireworks Views
While you won’t be able to watch the fireworks from every Walt Disney World hotel, many resorts in the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios areas offer theme park-view rooms, restaurants and common areas perfect for enjoying the show. Best of all, with fireworks views available at the deluxe, moderate and value resort levels, there’s something to suit every budget.Â
Magic Kingdom Resort Area Hotels with Fireworks Views
From the sweeping views across Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon to the convenient Resort Monorail Loop, the Magic Kingdom Resort Area is an undeniably picturesque place to stay at Walt Disney World. Add in a healthy dose of pixie dust (AKA pyrotechnics) in the form of Disney Enchantment, and you’ve got the Disney World hotels with the best fireworks views.Â
Disney Enchantment is Magic Kingdom’s most immersive fireworks display ever. This 15-minute extravaganza combines thrilling fireworks, an inspiring soundtrack and both new and classic Disney favorites, making for a show the whole family will love.Â
Oh, and we can’t forget the stunning projections that, for the first time in, well, ever, extend all the way down Main Street, U.S.A. Just remember that since you’ll be watching from back at your hotel, you won’t be able to see them.Â
Typically, Disney Enchantment is offered at 8:15 PM or 9:00 PM nightly, depending on what time of year you visit. So, refer to the My Disney Experience app before booking a dining reservation or making other plans.Â
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Some of the best views of any fireworks show can be found at the front. And while no Magic Kingdom hotel can compare to being inside the park, Disney’s Contemporary Resort comes close. That being said, since you aren’t facing the Magic Kingdom head-on, the angle of the fireworks can feel a little off kilter. Oh, and don’t forget the not-so-scenic views of the resort’s parking lot.
Ideally located just across the street from the main entrance, this iconic A-frame hotel boasts a slew of theme park-view rooms, a rooftop restaurant and not one but two club levels, the Atrium Club on the 12th floor and the 14th-floor Tower Club. To top it all off, each club lounge gazes out over the Magic Kingdom and features its own long balcony, ideal for watching the fireworks as you snack on sweets and sip a glass of wine.Â
Want to take your Magic Kingdom fireworks views to the next level? Crowning the hotel from the 15th floor, the California Grill cooks up fresh west-coast cuisine and bird’s-eye views from the private observation deck.
But, you don’t need to pay for club-level access or a fancy dinner to take in the display. While not as high up as the Atrium Club, Tower Club or California Grill, the Contemporary’s fourth-floor observation deck is also a great place to watch the Disney Enchantment.Â
You can even use the connected exterior stairwells to get a slightly higher view. Although the observation deck has been open to non-resort guests in the past, it has recently been restricted largely to those staying at the hotel.Â
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Moving along the Magic Kingdom Resort Monorail Loop, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is arguably the dreamiest Disney World hotel. Honestly, what could be more magical than watching fireworks glisten over the water with a DOLE Whip in your hand and your feet in the sand? *crickets* Exactly.Â
Perfectly situated opposite Cinderella Castle and the rest of the Magic Kingdom, this tropical retreat is home to some of the best beachfront property on the Seven Seas Lagoon. And, much of it features fireworks views, such as the King Kamehameha Club, a popular family-style restaurant and, yes, even its own beach.Â
A few different room types look out over the theme park, including some at club level. Or, just head to the King Kamehameha Club lounge to take in the display. Looking for dinner and a show? Reserve a table at the in-demand ‘Ohana and watch the fireworks through the restaurant’s wall of windows. Of course, for the most relaxing fireworks-watching experience, sidle up to Pineapple Lanai or Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace before staking out a spot on the beach.Â
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
The only thing grander than watching the Disney World fireworks at the end of your night is doing it from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Boasting an askew view of Cinderella Castle and charming Victorian style, this deluxe resort is a delightful place to enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks from outside the parks.Â
Guests can choose from a variety of room types with fireworks views, with the option to upgrade to club level. Although two different club levels are available, the Royal Palm Club and the Sugarloaf Club, unlike the pair of lounges at the Contemporary Resort, only the Royal Palm Club lounge in the Grand Floridian’s main building overlooks the theme park.Â
Similar to the Polynesian, one of the best spots to catch the fireworks from the Grand Floridian is along the marina in between Gasparilla Grill and the boat launch. Alternatively, for the closest views available from the resort, make a reservation for Narcoossee’s, the Grand Floridian’s waterfront signature restaurant. They even play the music to go with the show.Â
Disney’s Wilderness LodgeÂ
Though Disney’s Wilderness Lodge isn’t right on Seven Seas Lagoon, this rustic retreat overlooking Bay Lake still offers some great fireworks views – for a price, that is. If you want to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the Wilderness Lodge, you’ll need to book a specific room type to make it happen.Â
Nature Fireworks View Rooms gaze out over the idyllic woodlands surrounding the hotel. And best of all, once the sun goes down, you can even watch the fireworks flicker and flame over the treetops from your private balcony.Â
Want to upgrade your stay even more? Consider booking a room at the resort’s Old Faithful Club. Then, head to the lounge come showtime to enjoy some complimentary refreshments and take in the fireworks views.Â
Epcot Resort Area Hotels with Fireworks Views
Without a doubt, one of our favorite places to stay at Walt Disney World is the Epcot Resort Area. From the charming waterfront overlooking Crescent Lake to the infectious energy of Disney’s BoardWalk to the area’s incredibly convenient location, this delightful corner of Disney World has a lot to offer guests, including partial views of the Epcot fireworks.Â
Blending thrilling pyrotechnics, beloved music, colorful fountains, dazzling lasers and a splash of culture, Harmonious celebrates the unifying power of Disney – no matter where you’re from or what language you speak. However, unlike the Magic Kingdom fireworks, much of Harmonious is centered on the World Showcase Lagoon.Â
So, should you choose to watch the show from your Epcot hotel, be aware that you will miss most of the action – except for the actual fireworks, of course. Typically, the 20-minute show takes place on the World Showcase Lagoon and is typically held nightly at 9:00 PM. Refer to My Disney Experience for the most up-to-date showtimes.Â
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
While you won’t find any room types boasting theme park or fireworks views at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. As long as you know what to ask for (a Garden View Room close to the Innkeeper’s Club Lounge – you’re welcome), you and your crew can drink in the magic from the comfort of your hotel room balcony.Â
Or, if you have some room in your budget, opt to stay in a club-level room and enjoy the display with a drink in your hand from the Innkeeper’s Club Lounge. Alternatively, if you’d rather save some cash without missing the show, stroll over to Jellyrolls and take in the display from one of the benches.Â
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club
Facing Epcot from the other side of Crescent Lake, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts offer stunning views of the Epcot fireworks, whether from your room or Stormalong Bay, the hotels’ incredible shared pool. Like the BoardWalk Inn, no specific room type will secure you those fireworks vistas.Â
That said, you can do a few things to sway the odds in your favor. Over at Disney’s Beach Club, a Garden or Woods View Room and a high floor request (facing Epcot, of course) will give you the greatest possibility of enjoying the show from your balcony. Meanwhile, over at Disney’s Yacht Club, your best bet for fireworks views is a Water View Room gazing out over Crescent Lake in the wing of the resort nearest the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel.Â
Of course, you can always head outside to see the show. Along with Stormalong Bay, other popular spots to watch the Harmonious pyro – for free – are the Beach Club’s beach and the Yacht Club’s lighthouse.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Â
While not official Disney World hotels, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offer some pretty spectacular views of the Epcot fireworks. For a shot at seeing them from your room at the Swan, book a Traditional Resort View or Deluxe Resort View with a balcony. Over at the Dolphin, reserve a Resort View, Deluxe View or Fireworks View. Then, upon check-in (unless you booked a Fireworks View Room), request a room overlooking Harmonious.Â
Walt Disney World Swan ReserveÂ
Though the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve is technically farther from Epcot than the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, the newest of the hotel trio actually serves up the best fireworks views, especially at the property’s sky-high events venue.Â
To score those sparkly sights, reserve a room with the theme park view of your choosing. Yes, you can even see the Hollywood Studios pyro from the Swan Reserve. Just remember that these aren’t so much a dazzling fireworks show as they are a splash of pyrotechnics.Â
Other Disney World Hotels with Great Views of the Fireworks
But wait, there’s more! Whether a little bit further away or overlooking Wonderful World of Animation, the projections-focused but still sparkly Hollywood Studios fireworks, these other Disney World resorts offer up some pretty – or pretty spectacular – views of the show.Â
Disney’s Riviera Resort
Nestled along the Disney Skyliner between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Riviera Resort boasts some stunning views of Harmonious. To (hopefully) get a room with a view, book a Standard View Room and request a high floor.Â
Or, for a bird’s-eye overlook of not one, not two, but three different Disney fireworks shows – Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom – make your way to Topolino’s Terrace, the Riviera’s rooftop restaurant. This European-inspired eatery dishes up French and Italian cuisine with a side of fireworks views on the viewing terrace.Â
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Although considered an Animal Kingdom Resort Area hotel, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort surprisingly offers some pretty impressive fireworks views. If you request a high-floor Standard View in the Gran Destino Tower, you should be able to see the Epcot or Hollywood Studios fireworks from your room. Or, upgrade to club-level access and see the show(s) from the Chronos Club Lounge.Â
Just want to take in the display over a delicious dinner or drink? Reserve a table at Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood or stop by the Dahlia Lounge. Gazing out over Walt Disney World below from the 16th floor of the Gran Destino Tower, this Spanish-inspired steakhouse and bar feature sweeping views of the Epcot and Hollywood Studios fireworks, with the Magic Kingdom pyro shimmering in the distance.Â
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Believe it or not, you don’t need to pay the big bucks to score a fireworks view room at Disney World. Guests staying on a high floor in the Little Mermaid rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (facing the parking lot) can also catch a glimpse of the fireworks glistening in the distance. Make a special request at the time of booking for the best chance of making it happen.Â
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
For even cheaper pyrotechnics views, reserve a stay at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. To snag a fireworks view room at this value resort, book a Preferred Room and request a view of Hourglass Lake.Â
Well, fireworks fans, that brings our roun- up of the best fireworks views at the Disney World hotels to an end. Which is your favorite? Was there anywhere we missed? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how to save on those pyrotechnics vistas with discount Disney World tickets.