Hiya Janean!
Welcome back again to planDisney! I'm excited about what the new year is going to offer guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort!
You are correct in that starting on January 9, 2024, theme park reservations are not needed for date-based tickets. Date-based tickets are single-day tickets, multi-day tickets where dates were chosen, or vacation packages that include date-based tickets. I'm excited though to see Walt Disney World move away from Theme Park Reservations and back to a way that allows for freedom and last-minute fun.
As for making
dining reservations in the Parks for character dining or regular, you do not need a ticket in place to make the reservation but you will need a valid ticket to enter the Park to enjoy this dining. As you may know, you can begin to make dining reservations 60 days before the day you are looking to eat. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel then you can start making your reservations 60 days before your check-in date and then for your entire trip up to 10 days of your trip. Once your dining reservations are made you can figure out your park tickets if you wish. I know that sometimes when making dining reservations it helps to be flexible as bookings are hard to get.
Viewing fireworks in comfort is a great plan. For
Magic Kingdom Park, no restaurant has a perfect location as the best views are seen when standing in the main hub in front of the castle or ideally right on Main Street, U.S.A. What I may suggest is to book a spot at the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties which are either before or after the fireworks show. You will enjoy yummy treats and drinks at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and then be escorted to a great viewing area that is standing room only in the Plaza Garden. The other option is to check in to the restaurant and then be directed to view the show first from a reserved area and then head back for some delicious goodies. If you are looking to be seated, then there is the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Seats & Sweets which lets you sit at the patio of Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and view Happily Ever After in style! On my last trip, my friends and I rented a pontoon that embarked from Disney's Polynesian Resort and let us watch the fireworks from the Seven Seas Lagoon. It was an amazing experience that included snacks and music piped in for an immersive experience.
EPCOT fireworks viewing areas in restaurants are a little easier to find.
Luminous The Symphony of Us has just premiered and looks to be a beautiful and moving show. Two restaurants are available at this moment offering a Fireworks Dining Package including Spice Road Table in the Morocco Pavilion and Rose & Crown Dining Room in the UK Pavilion. Reservations at these restaurants include prime viewing of this nighttime spectacular. There is a chance more restaurants will join in on the fun by the time you arrive so keep checking out the Disney Parks Blog. Another option is to check out La Hacienda de San Angel which is a table service restaurant with decent views of the show as well as the quick service location next door called La Cantina de San Angel. Since La Cantina de San Angel is a quick service location seats are first come first go so make sure to be early!
I hope this helps and you have a fabulous time!
Let me know if you have any more questions!
Happy Planning!
-Nimmy