Filed under: dining, entertainment, fireworks, top-feature, Walt Disney World Resort
Disney Fireworks Thrilling for Everyone
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth
When most of us think of fireworks, we think of the celebrations surrounding July 4th or other very special occasions. The Imagineers at Walt Disney World Resort think of fireworks nightly and not just one show, but several, with two main displays taking place at Magic Kingdom theme park and Epcot.
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is the nightly fireworks feature and can be seen from several vantage points around the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot (map). This show is a mix of special effects including not only fireworks, but lights, lasers and a symphonic score. The 12-minute show is quite dramatic and a definite must-see during a Disney World vacation.
Still, I think my favorite fireworks shows are the ones at Magic Kingdom (map). The more traditional fireworks displays here, often set to music, seem so much more amazing as they light up the sky over Cinderella’s Castle. Guests line the sidewalks and fill the area known as Main Street U.S.A. to catch the nightly show. The throngs of crowds looking skyward and enjoying this spectacle all at the same time can be thrilling.
However, personally, I do not like the crush of a large crowd, and it is the moment that the show is over and the heavy crowds turn to head in the same direction at the same time that the thrill for me turns to anxiety. A feeling I am sure shared by other anxiety prone guests.
Yet, the fireworks displays are so exciting, and a feature of the Disney parks everyone must experience, so I have discovered ways to make the pyrotechnic events more enjoyable without the fear of the crowds. Here’s my advice:
- Know what time the fireworks are scheduled to take place. Because the time of the show or shows changes with the season, you will need to check the Times Guide for exact start times. A Times Guide is a large board with information regarding the times of special events and they are generally located at the theme park entrance and guest relations. Some merchants will also have this information available. Knowing what time the fireworks are scheduled to start will help you be where you want to be at the right time. If you care to brave the crowds, head toward Main Street. If you think you would rather sit this one out, then head toward one of your favorite attractions and beat the crowds all the way around. The Times Guide will also alert you to the time the park will be closing so you can plan accordingly.
- On special holidays and celebrations, the crowds, understandably, grow even greater. Plan to arrive early, approximately 30-45 minutes, to find your viewing spot and plan to stay there for awhile after the performance to allow the crowd to thin. This would be especially true if you have young ones in strollers, which are very difficult to maneuver in a crowd.
- Having said that, if you have a stroller use it to help secure your spaces, as long as the majority of your party remains with it. This can allow junior to stretch his legs while holding those cherished places. DO NOT place your stroller there and leave. At the very least it will be moved by a cast member, but security might also be called.
- Take this time indulge in a treat from Main Street Bakery. Talk to your family and friends about their favorite part of not only the fireworks show, but of their Disney day.
- If you start to leave with the crowd heading down Main Street and it gets to be too much, slip off to the side and do a little window shopping or duck into one of the stores that line the way. By visiting the Emporium, a gift shop so large it covers a city block, you just might get a few of those souvenirs scratched off your list.
- Find a location away from Main Street and the bulk of the crowds. My favorite area is Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, also the site of a featured Fireworks Dessert Party held on select nights. This extra ticket, reservation required, event allows guests to eat their fill of delicious desserts, coffee and soft drinks while feasting their eyes on the fireworks displays.
- Guests staying at a Disney Resort Hotel surrounding the Seven Seas Lagoon can watch the fireworks from the hotel. The beach at the Polynesian Resort is a relaxing location to view the fireworks while sipping a tropical beverage.
- The view of the fireworks from California Grill at the Contemporary Resort is amazing and romantic, and with a little planning and advanced reservations you could have a front row seat.
- Seats at select restaurants surrounding the World Showcase can afford an excellent view of Illuminations. Generally speaking, if you can see the Lagoon from your table, you will be able to see the show. A few choice locations include Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom Pavilion and the terrace of the newly opened La Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico Pavilion.
- While the crowds are still large for Illuminations, because of the greater viewing area from numerous vantage points around the Showcase, the crush doesn’t feel as congested. Perhaps my favorite viewing location is in the France Pavilion. The fireworks are all the more enjoyable when you pick up a crepe and specialty beverage from one of the kiosks or share a glass of wine and a cheese plate from Boulangerie Patisserie with someone you love.
- Guests staying in the Boardwalk area Resort hotels, Disney’s Swan and Dolphin, Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club and Beach Club, can watch Illuminations at Epcot, and then leisurely walk back to their resort. Some guests might even be lucky enough to see the fireworks from their room.
Despite the crowds, the fireworks are spectacular, so just take a deep breath, and trust me, you will not want to miss them.
Photo Selection: WDW News
1 Comment