Hi Deborah,
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! I love your planning strategy. Clearly, you are searching for perfect fireworks viewing locations!
The Crystal Palace is one of our favorite character dining experiences but would not be an ideal location from which to view the
Happily Ever After show while dining. Though there are windows at the front of the restaurant with a lovely view of Cinderella Castle, during the fireworks time, that view could be blocked by people on the front porch. Happily Ever After is an AMAZING experience. If you definitely want to view it while dining, I recommend the
California Grill or
'Ohana. Both restaurants played the narration and music when we last dined there during the show.
As wonderful as those dining experiences are, our most magical viewing location was right in front of Cinderella Castle. On our visit last summer, I staked out a spot slightly to the left, just before one of the pathways through the castle. A cast member had the pathway roped off so there was no one in front of us. The entire experience was unbelievable. Just be advised that it gets CROWDED behind that area so when the show is over, it will take you longer to make your way out of the park. My daughter who is shorter, however, was so happy that there was no one in front of us and she could see the entire show!
Deborah, if you keep that reservation for The Crystal Palace, be sure to do a dance move in the Pooh-rade in honor of Friendship Day!
Magic, memories and Minnie Mouse hugs,
Donyell