Hi there, Janette!
Welcome to planDisney! Cocktails, and fireworks, and pixie dust, OH MY! What a fabulous way to kick off your magical getaway! As someone who never skips a chance to stop and watch the skies light up over Cinderella Castle, I absolutely love your idea to wrap up your arrival day with a sprinkle of nighttime enchantment.
Now, here’s the scoop: if your early dinner reservation is at a location outside of Magic Kingdom Park (say, one of the fabulous Disney Resort hotels like
Disney’s Contemporary Resort,
Disney’s Grand Floridian, or
Disney’s Polynesian Resort), you’re welcome to enjoy a lovely meal, then head to a nearby viewing spot to catch the fireworks; no theme park admission needed! Popular (and personal) favorites include the beach at the Polynesian, and the marina area at the Grand Floridian. Just be aware that access to some resort parking and areas may be limited to Guests with confirmed dining or resort reservations.
Since your travel day sounds full of fun and flexibility, I’d recommend making your dinner plans at a Magic Kingdom-area resort for the best of both worlds: a relaxing, delicious meal and an incredible view of the nighttime spectacular without needing park admission! My top pick is
California Grill, with ‘
Ohana as a close second! And if you're feeling a little extra fancy, check out the
Celebration at the Top - Sip, Savor, Sparkle for hors d’oeuvres, libations, and those unbeatable fireworks views!
I was just at the Polynesian with a fellow planDisney panelist not long ago, and we caught
Happily Ever After from the beach while sipping on a tropical drink from
Trader Sam’s. I’d put this on my top 5-things to do at Disney, and that is saying something!
Wishing you and your group a most magical welcome to Walt Disney World Resort, full of sparkle, sips, and spectacular skies.
ChEARs,
Emille