Display of Happily Ever After Fireworks outside of Cinderella castle

Magic Kingdom Fireworks – Best Viewing Places

Best Places to View Magic Kingdom Fireworks

It’s one of the highlights of any Walt Disney World vacations. Being able to watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks at the end of a fun day makes things so much more magical. A big part of that though is planning out the right place to watch them from and being able to secure that spot early enough before it’s taken.

I’ve spent a lot of time at Magic Kingdom and have viewed the firework shows dozens of times. Over the years the shows have changed to include more parts of the parks, particularly Main Street U.S.A. with projections. Before this started it was always about being right in front of the castle of the best viewing.

Now with better technology guests can see the Magic Kingdom Firework shows from several different areas and have a totally different experience. That being said, I’ve created a map below that you’ll want to view for the best spots to view the fireworks from. It’s more than just showing up in order to enjoy the show. Plan carefully using my tips and tricks and you’ll find your experience much better!

Best Places to view the Fireworks

Magic Kingdom Fireworks

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Main Street

  1. The HUB as it’s called is the best place to watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks in my opinion, though not all spots are equal and there’s definitely some places you want to avoid. Per the map above you can see that there’s quite a bit of yellow which is decent viewing areas. Green areas are the best in my opinion. You’ll see that I’m not a huge fan of being right in front of the castle mostly because your head is tilted back the whole time and the castle can block some of the fireworks.
  2. Just behind this area though is where I find the best places to watch are. You’ll notice that right along the Partners statue in the HUB is where the line is drawn from between yellow and green. From here you can see the castle, you can see all the Magic Kingdom Fireworks and there isn’t much obstruction if any.
  3. Off to the sides of the HUB as you head into the different lands you’ll see that I find most of those areas yellow. A lot of that has to do with minimal viewing space to due walking paths and obstructed views including trees. Not all of them are horrible but you’ll definitely be squeezing in and having people also trying to squeeze in during the show as they walk by. You’ll have to listen to Cast Members telling people to keep moving and keeping the path clear.
  4. Down Main Street U.S.A. you’ll notice that I also have this area marked as yellow. It’s a fair distance away from the castle and Main Street is the ultimate walking places for guests who are shopping or existing the park. However, it can be a really cool place to watch certain Magic Kingdom Firework shows including ones during the Holidays. That’s because they make it snow which looks really cool. Also certain shows do projections onto the buildings and you can get a great view of them.
  5. At the end of Main Street in Town Square there are still some decent spots to watch from that will give you the full perspective of the show including any projections and fireworks. Of course behind the buildings are an awful place to watch. You’ll want to scoot back a bit so you can see over them.
  6. The Main Street Station is also a yellow spot from me. Again, it all comes down to distance. If you’re not in the front row here it can be really hard to see.
  7. A lot of guests have opted into paying for the Tomorrowland Terrace viewing for Magic Kingdom Firework shows. My personal opinion is that this is not worth it at all. Basically there’s a few non-obstructed views but most are obstructed and if you don’t get a front row table then you’re toast. I highly recommend not paying for this “service” and using the maps above to stake out a free spot.
  8. Behind the castle there are a few spots that you can watch the fireworks but it’s just that; fireworks and nothing else. No castle in view or projections. Your head will be propped up the whole time but you’ll get an interesting view of the show.
  9. Some guests like to watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from their hotel or the Ticket and Transportation Station. This is…very far away but you’ll be able to see the fireworks for sure though they will look small from this distance. Because of this I wouldn’t call anything from here an amazing spot but from your hotel balcony at least your not surrounded by other guests and you can pop out as soon as they start vs. saving a spot a few hours ahead.
  10. DVC members can watch from Top of the World Lounge at Contemporary Resort but his also falls into the distance category though it’s closer than some of the other hotels and there are no obstructions. If you can make it in here I say go for it.

Planning Ahead and Things to Avoid

I can talk about these spots all day long but if you don’t plan ahead it doesn’t even matter. The last thing you want to do is show up 5 minutes before the Magic Kingdom Fireworks start and try and find a spot. It’s hard and you probably won’t have a good view or you’ll be told to keep moving.

First and foremost, show up early. I typically show up about 1 to 1 1/2 hours before the show starts if I really want a decent place to view (somewhere in the green areas). If I do less than 1 hour before the show I’m typically in a yellow area.

Once Upon A Time Fireworks

Some people show up 2 hours before the shows start and lay down a blanket and eat their dinner before to help kill time. If you’re into this I say go for it. I have a parade blanket that I recommend in my What To Pack Guide that’s perfect to use. And with Mobile order it can actually be a lot of fun. People might think you’re a bit crazy for showing up so early but when you have the best spot it doesn’t matter.

So once you find your spot and show up early then you’ll need to stay there. There have been plenty of times where I showed up early, nobody was there so I left to do something real quick and then when I came back my spot was gone and others were piling in. It happens quick and the crowds will build.

Of course when you choose your spot you’ll want to make sure that there are no trees in the way. A clear open view of the castle is best. Most yellow spots on the map above have some sort of obstruction in the way or prevents you from seeing everything. Once you get there look around and make sure you’re happy.

It’s hard to know when parents are going to put kids on their shoulders so they can see better. Usually this is poor planning on their part but it happens. Disney doesn’t like it (for safety reasons) and neither will you. I always try and pick a spot where this couldn’t happen. Typically at the front row of an an area where guests aren’t allowed any further up.

Let the Magic Begin

What can you do if a child gets put up in front of you? There’s a few things you can try but I recommend going about it in the nicest way possible. Be polite and let them know that others can’t see behind them. If that doesn’t work seek out a Cast Member and let them know. Some may or may not do anything about it.

If all else fails try and move your viewing angle the best you can. There’s no point in getting into an argument over a fireworks spot, especially with kids. It’s really unfortunate but it happens. Most people are understanding about it.

Along these lines, if you can’t find a place to view them because you showed up late, please don’t stop in the middle of a walking path. Cast Members are already asking you to keep walking so don’t stop. It really is a safety hazard not to mention you could be blocking the view of someone. Do your best to find a spot and if you don’t, head back towards Town Square to watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks.

Lastly, when the firework show ends, a lot of people exit the park and head home. If this is you I would plan on longer bus lines and some decent crowds to push through Main Street and the exit. If you can, stay in the park for another hour or some and let that die down before heading out. If not, try walking over to Disney’s Contemporary Resort and grabbing an Uber or LYFT. It could save you a lot of time especially if you’re staying at an All-Star Resort.

Current Magic Kingdom Firework Shows

There are 2 main Firework shows going on at Magic Kingdom. First is Happily Ever After which is played basically every night except when it’s cancelled due to bad weather or there’s a Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party going on.

Happily Ever After includes some of your favorite Disney films, capturing them through music, projections and of course fireworks. The show is about 18 minutes long and is age appropriate for all. Very little ones may want to have some sort of ear protection from the noise.

minnie christmastime fireworks

Also playing is Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. This fireworks show is only played during the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and features some of the most classic holiday songs including Deck the Halls and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. A separate part ticket is required to participate. The show plays through Dec. 22nd, 2019.

There is a smaller projection show that takes place at 9:45pm called Once Upon A Time and involves lights, music, projections and small local fireworks that you can also view. It’s actually a pretty cool show and typically draws less crowds.

Be sure to check a times guide on your mobile app or with a Cast Member to make sure a show is playing. Cancellations typically happen with bad weather like rain and high wind.

Conclusion

Get to your spot early, about 1 hour to 1 and a half hours. Don’t leave. Grab a front row where nobody can stand in front of you. Don’t put kids on your shoulders as a courtesy to others. Plan on some crowds once the show is over and longer wait times for busses. Most of all have tons of fun because the Magic Kingdom Fireworks are the best and make a magical ending to a fantastic day!

As to images © Disney