Hi Kendra,
We are delighted to hear that you are planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort and have plans on dining at
Chef Mickey's!
I would definitely recommend dining for dinner before the show. For your arrival date, showtime is currently scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Just click on the
Happily Ever After link to see showtimes for the date you plan to do dinner at Chef Mickey's. I would suggest a 6:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. dinner time at the latest. Afterwards, you can visit the shops near the restaurant or just go outside to enjoy the beautiful view before the show starts. There is a balcony location on the same floor as the restaurant, just past the shops. I would find a viewing spot from that balcony. Get there at least 15 minutes early to be sure you get a spot.
If you cannot secure a dining reservation for a time prior to the show, you can certainly try to find a time after the show, an 8:30 p.m. dining time would work. If you have little ones, it's just late to eat and I have seen many the small child fall asleep during the fireworks! Like my
fellow panelists who have answered similar questions in the past, I do not recommend leaving your car for more than three hours in the resort hotel parking lot since
parking at the resort hotels needs to be available for guests staying at the resort hotel. So, plan your dining time accordingly!
My family just visited about a week ago and stayed at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort where Chef Mickey's is located, and I watched the fireworks from the balcony one night. The atmosphere was so relaxed! The music was piped in as well so we could hear the show. If you have not already made a reservation for Chef Mickey's and there is no availability, consider California Grill or
Steakhouse 71 as well. I know these are not character dining experiences, but the food is yummy, and you could still catch the fireworks show. My family actually prefers to dine during the fireworks show at
California Grill.
Kendra, one last tip - be sure to check the weather for the dates of your visit and, if needed, pack some warm clothes for the fireworks viewing! If you change your mind and decide to visit Magic Kingdom to see the show, I recommend looking for a viewing spot at least an hour prior to the show. Sending some pixie dust your way as you make a decision!
Happy planning!
Magic and memories,
Donyell