Hi Deborah,
Thanks for bringing another question to planDisney today! I love that you're planning ahead for next summer's visit and I'm happy to share my top recommendations.
I'm a big fan of the nighttime spectaculars at Walt Disney World Resort and always plan my park itineraries around grabbing a perfect viewing location at day's end. But there are plenty of fantastic places to watch the fireworks without a park ticket too! My pal
Elaine P. visited during the July 4th festivities and was on the hunt for a place to watch the patriotic bursts over Cinderella Castle outside of
Magic Kingdom Park. She initially planned to watch them from the beach area at
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort but quickly discovered that viewing was restricted to resort guests for the July 3rd and July 4th holiday fireworks. I believe resort guests had to pick up wristbands in order to access the viewing area, so keep that in mind as you make your plans.
If you are still considering where to stay Disney's Polynesian Village Resort would be my top resort recommendation. You'll be able to watch the display across Seven Seas Lagoon and the accompanying soundtrack is usually piped in as well. Be sure to pick up a DOLE Whip from
Pineapple Lanai to enjoy during the show. I don't know about you but a cool, creamy pineapple dessert coupled with an inspiring fireworks display sounds like the perfect end to a summer day. Another option would be
Disney's Contemporary Resort, which will likely have the same viewing restrictions in place on those dates. You could opt for a theme park view to watch from the comfort of your room's patio or balcony or even plan to dine at
California Grill around showtime to catch the display.
This year,
EPCOT also featured a festive fireworks finale in honor of Independence Day at the conclusion of the performance of EPCOT Forever. EPCOT is set to debut a brand new nighttime spectacular later this year, but I'm not certain whether it will be updated or replaced on July 4th, so keep an eye on the entertainment schedule as your travel dates approach. Though you likely won't be able to hear the accompanying music we always find a great view of EPCOT fireworks on Disney's BoardWalk down near Atlantic Dance Hall. You'll likely be able to access this area without any additional wristbands, but I'd keep an eye on
Disney Parks Blog for more details on holiday entertainment as it becomes available.
One last option you may not have considered is booking a
Fireworks Cruise if available during your travel dates. A group of my fellow panelists and I reserved a pontoon boat to watch Happily Ever After together next month and we are so excited about it! This would be a great group option, but you can also look into the
Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise as well for a smaller travel party. These options are both part of the Enchanting Extras collection which can be reserved 60 days in advance.
Deborah, I hope this was helpful. If we can answer any additional questions please don't hesitate to come back and let us know.
Magic and memories,
Amy