INFO: How to Get the Best Firework Views, Part II

Photo by David Roark

Unlike at Magic Kingdom, where everyone is packed tight like a school of fish, facing Cinderella’s Castle, EPCOT’s fireworks can be admired 360 degrees around the World Showcase lagoon. This means that, regardless of where you decide to park yourself, you will get a view of the fireworks.

Of course, some areas may be disputed as better than others, yet the HarmoniUS barges appear to be capable of putting on a show visible even in outer space- so I wouldn’t fret much over where to get the best view of this new nighttime spectacular coming in October.

As mentioned in the previous blog post, viewing fireworks from a seated location at a restaurant may not always go as planned. Requests for specific seating may or may not be possible, and this will require a very early arrival and much patience on your end. Keep that in mind for the restaurant recommendations that follow.

Now, for the list of locations throughout the World Showcase, as well as an ideal area outside the park, with better views of EPCOT’s upcoming reappearance of EPCOT Forever and HarmoniUS debut:

Rose & Crown Dining Room. This may present a challenge, as the United Kingdom Pavilion is one of the most crowded pavilions thanks to this popular dining location (and waterholes). However, if you are willing to wait for your table, it is worth all your patience. Kindly request outdoor seating at the back patio for the best views.

La Hacienda de San Angel. Most tables will have a view, as the floor-to-ceiling windows face the lagoon. Extra points if your table is, indeed, a window table.

Spice Road Table. Though there may be a slight chance of snagging a window table indoors, there’s a better chance to get a full view if dining outdoors with a table beside the gates. Arrive early – reservations are no longer offered at this location.

If you don’t want to fight for a table (I do not condone fighting for any reason whatsoever at Walt Disney World), then I do not recommend locations like Cantina de San Angel or seating areas like that alongside the Yorkshire County Fish Shop. The race to claim a table and share space with others who are also squeezing in for a comfortable view just isn’t worth it.

Photo by Jing Xi Lau on Unsplash

Don’t have a dining reservation nor care to eat? Head over to the Japan Pavilion. Just above the Mitsukoshi Department Store is a large balcony offering elevated and unobstructed views of the lagoon. Note, if you are standing in front of a window, though, chances are you are the obstruction for someone dining at Tokyo Dining.

Another place with great views is right on the bridge between the United Kingdom and France Pavilions. This is usually where I stop and stand for the show, especially when I am staying at the Beach Club –  I can walk to the resort without having to deal with the crowds exiting the park. Disney’s EPCOT area resorts are Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and BoardWalk Inn. Even without a park ticket, a visit to this area will bring you close enough to enjoy the illuminated night sky. Get an ice cream at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop or the new Boardwalk Ice Cream Shop, or warm up with a cup of coffee from the Boardwalk Bakery, and watch the fireworks from the walkway bridge that connects the Boardwalk Inn and Beach Club Resort. The Disney Skyliner is a convenient mode of transportation to access this location – the skyliner stops at the International Gateway at EPCOT and is just a stroll away.

Where do you go to view the EPCOT fireworks?

Are you disappointed still that Illuminations has ended?

How do you feel about the anticipated debut of HarmoniUS?