Watching the fireworks over Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom is perhaps one of the most popular experiences at Walt Disney World. What's not so magical? The hoard of crowds during the show and the mad crush to exit the theme park after. If you're done with all the rides, we suggest saving your sanity by enjoying the show at these locations outside of the parks.
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Widely considered the best place to view Magic Kingdom fireworks without being in the park, this resort offers several night sky viewing options. Free for resort guests and those using the Disney monorail to get to other resorts, the fourth floor public balcony behind the gift shops offers stellar views. For those same folks, the Sky Way Bridge at the Contemporary's sister resort, Bay Lake Tower, offers an unobstructed viewing area. For everyone else, dinner at California Grill also delivers a colorful show, with lights dimmed and accompanying music playing in the dining room, lounge, and outdoor viewing platform.
Ferry Boat at The Transportation and Ticket Center
If you drove to Magic Kingdom, this may be the best way to catch a glimpse of those magical fireworks. When the ferry arrives, go up to the top deck for optimal views. Once you arrive back at the Transportation and Ticket Center, you'll be first at your car to beat those big crowds.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Fancy the ultimate tropical viewing? Enjoy sand between your toes -- and a cocktail from the pool bar -- while bursts of color fill the sky at Polynesian Village Resort's beach. As with Contemporary Resort, the location is free if you're a Polynesian resort guest or use the monorail. Otherwise, you'll need a dinner reservation to score entry to the property. Try the property's flagship restaurant, 'Ohana, where the music accompanies your view of Happily Ever After fireworks with a backdrop of Cinderella Castle.
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Cozy up on the dock at the edge of Bay Lake for a great view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. If you're not a resort guest or arriving via Disney transportation, you'll need a dining reservation to get in. Narcoossee's allows diners to step out on the verandah on the lake for great views with accompanying music. The Grand Floridian Cafe is a more affordable option, but you'll need to walk to a viewing location after your meal.
Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts
Disney's Yacht Club and Beach Club Resorts offer views of Epcot Forever's fireworks, as well as most of Disney Hollywood Studios' highest fireworks in Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. Make this two-for-one viewing spot extra sweet with Beach Club's famous ice cream shop, Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.
Disney's BoardWalk
The old-fashioned wooden walkway near but not in the theme parks is a good spot to see the fireworks of Epcot Forever. While you'll miss the low-level lasers of the performance, this viewing area won't cost you anything -- and is lined with a quarter-mile of shops, dining, and fun.
Capa
The 17th floor Spanish steakhouse at the Four Seasons Orlando is a splurge, but it's a double whammy. The aerial views of fireworks from two theme parks --- both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot -- are worth it.
Eleven
The eleventh floor restaurant and rooftop lounge (Eleven) at the Reunion Resort isn't on Disney property, but the views definitely won't disappoint. If you don't want to commit to a full meal, simply grab a drink at the bar to watch the show from the patio. Otherwise, entrees at the steakhouse are comparable with if not a bit more affordable than area restaurants.