• On Apr 17, 2017
    Ellen from MA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We have a 8:55 reservation at the California Grill on July 3rd. We know it is the run through for the 4th of July fireworks. Since they usually start the fireworks at 8:00, would we be able to go up early to watch the fireworks before our reservation?

    Hi Ellen,

    Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Thank you for bringing this question to us! How did you know? The California Grill is one of my favorite restaurants!

    Your 8:55 p.m. reservation might be perfect. When I checked, the times for the new Magic Kingdom fireworks show, Happily Ever After, were not available for July 3rd. A few days prior, the show is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. When we dined at the California Grill last July, we had an 8:50 p.m. dinner reservation and were able to enjoy the fireworks from the balcony of the restaurant during our meal. Although we had a table by the window, the balcony provided a lovely view as well.

    If your dining reservation is before or after the fireworks, you can still enjoy the fireworks from the restaurant's lounge or observation deck. Just take your receipt to the California Grill check-in stand on the second floor of Disney's Contemporary Resort. 

    I also suggest that you consider the Celebration at the Top - Savor, Sip and Sparkle event at the California Grill. It might provide you with a nice alternative if your dining reservation time is not quite what you would prefer once the fireworks times for that date are posted!

    Enjoy that stunning view while dining atop the resort. I will never forget the look on our girls' faces last summer when we dined there. They were so excited that we got a seat by the window. It was Disney magic!

    Remember to arrive a few minutes early to your reservation. Doing so might help you secure a window seat.

    Happy Planning!

    -Donyell
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Meet the Panelist: Donyell, North Carolina

Hello from North Carolina! I am a mom of twin girls, wife, and university professor who has been inspired by the creativity of Disney for a lifetime. Since my first Disney visit when I was 12-years-old, I have been drawn to the adventures crafted by Disney Imagineers. Planning Disney vacations helps connect me to families who will find in Disney the kind of joy my family has experienced over the years. Allow me to help you map your own Disney journey so that you, too can create the memories of a lifetime! Learn More About Donyell

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