Hey there, Richard! Welcome back to planDisney and Welcome Home! I'm so happy that you've stopped by with another great vacation planning question. I just love chatting Disney with a fellow
Disney Vacation Club Member!
Eek! In just a couple of weeks, you'll be arriving at The Most Magical Place on Earth, ready to begin your next magical adventure. How exciting! And with a reservation at
California Grill and your interest in
Top of the World Lounge - A Villains Lair, it sounds as if your vacation planning is on the perfect pixie-dusted path! Those are two of my very favorite spots in all of Walt Disney World Resort. California Grill is an incredible dining experience, and Top of the World Lounge has always been my favorite spot to grab a cocktail and watch the fireworks spectacular. You really can't lose here, Richard, but let's chat about your magical options.
I think you will be happy to hear that you can absolutely head up to California Grill before your reservation to view the fireworks. Just go to the California Grill check-in desk and let the Cast Member know that you have a 9:40 reservation but would like to view the fireworks from the observation deck. It looks like
Disney Enchantment begins at 9:20 p.m. during your vacation, but I recommend double-checking the showtime on the day of your reservation. Then, I suggest arriving at the check-in desk by at least 9:00 p.m. to give you time to check in, be escorted up to the observation deck and get settled in your fabulous viewing spot.
To get similar unbeatable views of Disney Enchantment with a slightly more exclusive and intimate feel, head to the DVC Member-exclusive Top of the World Lounge - A Villains Lair atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. With a 9:20 p.m. fireworks showtime, a 15-minute show and a dining reservation at 9:40, this would give you just enough time to watch the fireworks and head over the Sky Way Bridge to Disney's Contemporary Resort for dinner at California Grill. Since Top of the World Lounge is available to eligible Members on a first-come, first-served basis, I recommend getting to the Lounge check-in desk on the first-floor lobby (with your digital DVC Membership Card) pretty early (even as early as 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.) to reserve your table and enjoy some cocktails, appetizers and a gorgeous view of the sunset before fireworks and dinner. That sounds like the perfect ending to a practically perfect Disney day!
One more thing to consider, Richard! I'm not sure when your California Grill reservation is, but did you know that from July 14-24, there will be a second Disney Enchantment showtime at 11:00 p.m.?! You might just be able to catch it twice!
I hope this was helpful, Richard! No matter where you choose to view the fireworks, you are sure to have the most enchanting evening. Enjoy! Please stop by with any planning or DVC questions you may have along the way! You've got a friend in me!
See ya real soon,
Mandy