Hi there, Jeffrey!
I'm so glad you stopped by planDisney to discuss one of my favorite Walt Disney Resort topics: nighttime entertainment! In my opinion, there's nothing quite concluding a day of magic by witnessing the sky explode in a rainbow of color, and I'm unashamed to admit that I regularly shed a tear when Tinker Bell takes flight or Mickey conquers the night with the power of his imagination.
With this in mind, I wish it were possible to catch multiple fireworks displays in a single night, Jeffrey, but since
Happily Ever After and
Luminous The Symphony of Us are both approximately 18 minutes in length and it takes between 30 and 45 minutes to travel between EPCOT and Magic Kingdom Park via Monorail, it would require at least 2 hours between showtimes to see both from inside their respective theme parks.
Now, if you have your heart set on seeing both and don't mind viewing from a distance, there is one option that just might work for you. Guests who dine at Disney Contemporary Resort's
California Grill Restaurant have access to two exterior viewing platforms as well as floor-to-ceiling interior windows that overlook Magic Kingdom Park. The soundtrack of Happily Ever After is even piped in as you are treated to a specular view of the show. Although the viewing platform is intended for Guests to enjoy views of Magic Kingdom Park, if you head to the platform on the side of the restaurant farthest from Magic Kingdom Park, you'll see EPCOT's Spaceship Earth glowing in the distance. While you won't be able to see the lower fireworks over World Showcase Lagoon, the higher fireworks from the show are typically visible from here. Since there will be about 40 minutes between the end of Happily Ever After and the beginning of Luminous, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy the
Electrical Water Pageant between shows!
If you decide you'd like to view the fireworks from California Grill, it is important to keep in mind that the restaurant is exclusively open for dinner and serves a
3-course menu available at a fixed price. Because reservations around the time of fireworks are popular, I would make one as soon as you can. Additionally, if you'd like to dine earlier in the evening you can present your receipt to the Cast Member at the restaurant's check-in to be re-admitted for fireworks viewing (pending capacity). Personally, I prefer to grab a seat at the restaurant's bar where the menu is a bit more flexible. It is important to keep in mind that bar seating is first come first serve, so this is a bit of a gamble if you're hoping to catch the fireworks. If this is your plan, I suggest arriving early and planning to linger.
While dining at California Grill is your best bet to see both fireworks displays in a single evening, if you're hoping for a complete view of either show (not missing the projections on Cinderella Castle or the colorful displays on World Showcase Lagoon), then you'll want to choose the show you're most excited to see.
As I mentioned before, Jeffrey, I'm so glad you stopped by. I hope this information was helpful as you plan your upcoming vacation. If you have any additional questions, feel free to
stop back by. I'm always happy to help!
Thinking Happy Thoughts,
Lizzie