Disney World Fireworks and Nighttime Spectaculars: Your Complete Guide (2024)

A comprehensive guide to Disney World fireworks and all of the nighttime spectaculars available at Walt Disney World Resort.

Can you name a better way to end your day at Disney World other than fireworks? …we’ll wait.

Disney World fireworks and nighttime entertainment have become some of the most popular shows in all four parks. And, soon there will even be a spectacular way to cap off the night at Disney Springs! But, with so many shows, knowing when they occur and finding the best spots can be difficult. Luckily, we’ve got all those details in one easy place! Keep reading for our complete guide to Disney World fireworks, projections, drone shows, and more. Jump ahead to a specific section below!

Magic Kingdom Nighttime Entertainment
EPCOT Nighttime Entertainment
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Nighttime Entertainment
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Nighttime Entertainment
Disney World Resort Hotels Nighttime Entertainment

Magic Kingdom Nighttime Entertainment

Happily Ever After Fireworks

Happily Ever After fireworks is perhaps one of the most popular fireworks shows in Walt Disney World. The show takes place every night at 9:20 PM in Magic Kingdom at Cinderella Castle and is about 18 minutes long. It features colorful projections on Cinderella Castle that are synchronized with fireworks and music that includes both classic and contemporary Disney songs. Plus, there’s even an original song by Jordan Fisher and Angie Keilhauer.

Best Viewing Locations

As one of the most anticipated events in the park every night, it attracts large crowds, with guests often securing viewing spots hours in advance to ensure they have the best view. We recommend watching from the Central Hub Grass in front of Cinderella Castle, near the Partners Statue, in the Middle of Main Street, U.S.A. (if you want to see the projections down the street as well), or the Main Street Train Station.

Be mindful of trees, lamp posts, and other potential obstructions that could block your view when choosing your spot! You don’t want to wait in what you think is a perfect spot for 30-60 minutes before the show just to find out that you don’t actually have the perfect view.

And, if you really want to avoid the crowds and not have to worry about finding a spot well before the show starts, consider watching from Fantasyland, Frontierland, or Liberty Square. All of these locations offer a unique perspective of the fireworks and are often much less crowded. Just note that you won’t be able to see the castle projections that are part of the show from these locations. Learn more about alternative viewing areas here.

Dining Packages

Prefer not to worry about finding the best viewing location for the show? Consider adding on a Happily Ever After dessert party to your vacation! Three dessert parties are currently offered in Magic Kingdom that include a variety of eats and drinks, plus a guaranteed viewing area. Here are your options:

Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party – Pre-Party
- Includes: A variety of desserts, fruits, cheeses, and beverages (including sparkling cider, coffee, tea, and lemonade) at Tomorrowland Terrace.
- Viewing Location: After enjoying the desserts, guests are escorted to a reserved viewing area in the Plaza Garden.
- Price: Approximately $99-$109 per adult and $59 per child (ages 3-9).
Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party – Post-Party
- Includes: A variety of desserts, fruits, cheeses, and beverages served after the fireworks show.
- Viewing Location: Guests watch the fireworks from a reserved area in the Plaza Garden, then head to Tomorrowland Terrace for the dessert party.
- Price: Approximately $99-$109 per adult and $59 per child (ages 3-9).
Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party – Seats & Sweets
- Includes: A variety of desserts, fruits, cheeses, and beverages at Tomorrowland Terrace.
- Viewing Location: Guests remain at Tomorrowland Terrace to watch the fireworks from their seats.
- Price: Approximately $119-$129 per adult and $75 per child (ages 3-9).

EPCOT Nighttime Entertainment

Luminous The Symphony of Us

Luminous The Symphony of Us is the newest addition to Disney World’s EPCOT, offering a breathtaking nightly fireworks show that begins at 9 PM and lasts for 17 minutes. This unique show takes place on World Showcase Lagoon and combines fireworks, fountains, lighting effects, and a unique musical score filled with Disney classics to create an immersive experience that celebrates the unity and diversity of humanity.

Best Viewing Locations

As a brand new show, Luminous The Symphony of Us has quickly become a must-see attraction, drawing large crowds that gather around the World Showcase each night. Because the show takes place in the center of the lagoon, there can be quite a few things that obscure your view if you don’t find the right place to watch. So, be sure to secure your spot early if you want to have the best view of these Disney World fireworks, and consider watching from World Showcase Plaza, the elevated area near the pagoda and the gardens in the Japan Pavilion, the Italy Pavilion, the United Kingdom Pavilion near the Rose & Crown Pub, or the bridge between the France and United Kingdom Pavilions.

Dining Packages

While there are a lot of places to watch Luminous The Symphony of Us, you can make the show a bit more of an experience by purchasing a dining package. These are available at several waterfront restaurants including the Rose & Crown Dining Room (located in the United Kingdom Pavilion) and Spice Road Table (located in the Morocco Pavilion). The dining packages give you guaranteed waterfront seating so that you can enjoy your meal and a great view of the show. Here are your current options:

Rose & Crown Fireworks Dining Package
- Includes: One appetizer, one entrée, one dessert, and a selection of unlimited beverages.
- Viewing Location: Guests are seated outside on the patio at Rose & Crown Dining Room overlooking World Showcase Lagoon.
- Price: Approximately $92 per adult and $41 per child (ages 3-9).
Spice Road Table Fireworks Dining Package
- Includes: Your choice of 2 small plates, a shared tagine, a dessert platter, and unlimited beverages.
- Viewing Location: Guests are seated under a covered, outdoor dining area.
- Price: Approximately $81 per adult and $31 per child (ages 3-9).

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Nighttime Entertainment

Fantasmic!

Fantasmic! is one of the longest running nighttime shows in Disney World and is much more than just a fireworks show – it’s an entire performance! Taking place in its own designated amphitheater, the show takes you into the imagination of Mickey Mouse as he battles Disney villains in a “dreamlike” adventure with a blend of fireworks, water projections, live performers, and beloved Disney characters. Recent updates have introduced new scenes and characters, so the show will feel a bit newer, even if you’ve seen it before! It occurs nightly at 9 PM in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and is approximately 30 minutes long.

Photo by Ernie Carr

Best Viewing Locations

A lot of people want to see Fantasmic! during their Hollywood Studios visit, so the line to get in and find the best seating can be long. If you want the best chance at having a great seat, you can get in line as early as 90 minutes before the show. Luckily, the amphitheater curves around the lagoon and stage, so really where you’re seated is a great seat. However, if you want the very best view, we recommend sitting in the Mickey section (which is the center-most section of the theater) or the lower rows (within the first ten rows). If the center sections are full, aim for seats towards the front of the amphitheater but slightly off-center. These still offer good views and can be less crowded than the prime center sections.

Dining Packages

If you’d prefer not to wait in line early to get the best view, we recommend that you consider purchasing a Fantasmic! dining package. These are available at several popular restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and come with dinner and reserved seating in the middle section of the amphitheater. Just note that you have to arrive at least 25 minutes before showtime to be seated in the reserved section, so be sure to time your dining reservation accordingly. Here are the restaurants where dining packages are currently available:

50’s Prime Time Cafe
- Includes: One entrée and appetizer or dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage.
- Viewing Location: The reserved seating area for guests is in the middle of the amphitheater. Note that seating is first come, first served.
- Price: Approximately $54 per adult and $23 per child (ages 3-9).
Hollywood & Vine
- Includes: Full buffet and non-alcoholic beverage.
- Viewing Location: The reserved seating area for guests is in the middle of the amphitheater. Note that seating is first come, first served.
- Price: Approximately $59 per adult and $39 per child (ages 3-9) for breakfast; Approximately $75 per adult and $49 per child (ages 3-9) for lunch and dinner.
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
- Includes: One entrée and appetizer or dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage.
- Viewing Location: The reserved seating area for guests is in the middle of the amphitheater. Note that seating is first come, first served.
- Price: Approximately $56 per adult and $23 per child (ages 3-9).
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
- Includes: One entrée and appetizer or dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage.
- Viewing Location: The reserved seating area for guests is in the middle of the amphitheater. Note that seating is first come, first served.
- Price: Approximately $51 per adult and $23 per child (ages 3-9).
The Hollywood Brown Derby
- Includes: One entrée and appetizer or dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage.
- Viewing Location: The reserved seating area for guests is in the middle of the amphitheater. Note that seating is first come, first served.
- Price: Approximately $77 per adult and $31 per child (ages 3-9).

Wonderful World of Animation

Wonderful World of Animation is a nightly show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that celebrates over 90 years of Disney and Pixar animated films. Scheduled at 9PM and lasting 12 minutes, the show features state-of-the-art projection mapping on the Chinese Theatre in the center of the park. Through technology, the show brings fan-favorite characters and scenes to life in a unique display of color and light on the park icon. The show highlights the rich history of Disney animation, including scenes from classics like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Sleeping Beauty and modern favorites such as Frozen, Coco, and Moana.

Best Viewing Locations

Because Wonderful World of Animation only features projections, the closer you are to the Chinese Theater, the better. We recommend finding a spot anywhere on Hollywood Boulevard facing the Chinese Theater if you want a quick exit, or standing near the center stage in front of the Chinese Theater for the best view. You may also want to consider watching from the Echo Lake area near the entrance to Hollywood & Vine or the 50’s Prime Time Café if you want to be close to some dining options for before or after the show.

Dining Packages

Dining packages and reserved seating are not available for Wonderful World of Animation at Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Nighttime Entertainment

Tree of Life Awakening

While traditional fireworks shows aren’t available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom because of all the animals that call the park home, you can still experience a unique show in the evening before you leave! The Tree of Life Awakening is a unique show that features projections on the trunk of the park icon that bring the carvings to life. Beginning after sunset, it occurs every 10 minutes until the park closes and features various short vignettes of animated scenes of animals and natural landscapes accompanied by music.

Best Viewing Locations

The Tree of Life Awakening is a short, ongoing nightly show. So, while you’ll likely find groups of people gathered around the park icon, it’s not necessarily hard to find a spot because people are constantly coming and going. For the most straightforward view, we recommend watching from directly in front of the Tree of Life on Discovery Island. You can also get a good view from the seating area near Flame Tree Barbeque, the Discovery Island Trails that circle the Tree of Life, and the area between the Tree of Life and the It’s Tough to Be a Bug! Entrance.

Just remember to stay flexible! If a spot seems too crowded, try moving around Discovery Island to find a less populated viewing area. The Tree of Life has projections on multiple sides, so different spots can offer unique perspectives.

Dining Packages

Dining packages and reserved seating are not available for the Tree of Life Awakening at Animal Kingdom.

Disney Springs Nighttime Entertainment

Disney Dreams That Soar

Disney Dreams That Soar is the newest nighttime entertainment coming to Disney World and the FIRST EVER drone show at Disney Springs! Taking place twice every night for a limited time between May 24th and September 2nd, 2024, this 9-minute show will showcase some of your favorite Disney stories through drones! Thousands of drones will take to the sky to create scenes and icons from Peter Pan, Dumbo, Wall-E, Big Hero 6, Star Wars, and more. And, of course, they will be coordinated with a soundtrack of Disney music and one original song that was created just for the show.

Best Viewing Locations

You can watch Disney Dreams That Soar from Disney Springs West Side. The best vantage points are along the waterfront between the Cirque du Soleil Theatre and Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight. All of the viewing areas are first-come, first-served, but there’s really not a “bad” place to watch since the show takes place high in the sky.

Dining Packages

Dining packages and reserved seating are not available for Disney Dreams That Soar at Disney Springs.

Disney World Resort Hotels Nighttime Entertainment

Electrical Water Pageant

The Electrical Water Pageant is a beloved nightly tradition that has been a part of Disney World’s nighttime entertainment since 1971. This floating parade of illuminated sea creatures and Disney characters travels along Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon, stopping at select resorts between 8:25 PM and 10:30 PM every night. At each stop, the pageant lasts for approximately 15 minutes, showcasing twinkling lights, whimsical music, and a patriotic finale.

Photo courtesy of Disney

It can be seen from the shores at the following Disney World Resort hotels:

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for the exact times and locations, as the schedule can vary based on what resort you plan to watch from.

Best Viewing Locations

The best place to watch the Electrical Water Pageant depends on what resort you’re staying at! Here’s a breakdown of where to find the best views at each:

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Beach Area: The beach provides a relaxing and unobstructed view of the pageant. Bring a towel or blanket to sit on and enjoy the show right by the water.
- Barefoot Pool Bar: This area offers a comfortable spot to watch the pageant while enjoying a refreshing drink.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Marina Area: The marina offers a great view of the pageant as it passes by. You can sit on the benches or stand along the railing.
- Boat Dock: This area is slightly elevated, giving you a clear view of the water parade.
- The parade can also be seen from Narcoossee’s if you have a dining reservation.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Marina Area: The marina provides a fantastic vantage point for watching the pageant. It’s a quieter area with fewer crowds.
- Skybridge: The bridge connecting the main tower to Bay Lake Tower offers an elevated view, though it’s slightly further away.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Geyser Point Bar & Grill: This open-air lounge offers a comfortable spot to watch the pageant while enjoying food and drinks.
- Beach Area: The beach provides a direct and unobstructed view of the water parade, making it an ideal spot for families.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Marina Area: The marina and boat launch area offer a clear and close view of the pageant as it passes by. It’s a popular spot for campers.
- Beach Area: Similar to other resorts, the beach provides a relaxed and scenic spot to watch the parade.

Dining Packages

Dining packages and reserved seating are not available for the Electrical Water Pageant at Disney Resorts.

No matter what nighttime entertainment you’re excited to see, be sure to arrive early and scope out the best spot. Disney World’s shows draw large crowds for a reason so don’t miss out! And, if you’re wondering about all the fireworks and nighttime spectaculars on the West Coast check out our complete guide to fireworks at Disneyland here!