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Best restaurants at Disney World for fireworks viewing

Best restaurants at Disney World for fireworks viewing

Many people have dining with views of nighttime entertainment (such as Happily Ever After or Illuminations) on their bucket list of things to do when visiting Disney World, or just want to accomplish two things at once – great food with a fantastic view.

If this sounds like you, here are some tips and a list of the best best restaurants at Disney World for fireworks viewing.

Lets take a look…

General tips for booking restaurants at Disney World for fireworks viewing

  • Make your reservation for around an hour before the nighttime show is scheduled to start.
  • There is no way to guarantee a fireworks view. When you check in, ask kindly to be seated where you can see/view the show, but know that sometimes it just isn’t possible.
  • If you don’t mind waiting longer for a table, it doesn’t hurt to ask if you can hold out for a spot with a view.
  • While many tables may be near windows, there are not many that have a “perfect” view. Your line of sight might include trees, pillars, etc.
  • Recent reports indicate that all the restaurants listed below pipe in music for the shows; however, there have also been reports in the past in which some have not. If having the music is important to you, it might be a good idea to confirm that the music will be there before you book.

Magic Kingdom fireworks shows

While you can catch bits and pieces of the fireworks from several of the restaurants inside the Magic Kingdom, your best bet to view the fireworks while dining comes from locations outside of the park. It is important to note, however, that while the fireworks will be visible from these locations, the projections that accompany the show will not.

California Grill

Best restaurants at Disney World for fireworks viewing
Location: Contemporary Resort
Cuisine: American, seafood, sushi
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, Table Service (requires 2 credits)
Average entrée cost for an adult: $55.00
Music piped in? Yes
Link to Menu

Pros: Viewing deck available for patrons in addition to fabulous views throughout the restaurant. Can eat an earlier meal, leave, and then return with your receipt to watch fireworks from the viewing area.

Cons: The angle of view from this restaurant means that you’ll be watching the fireworks from off to the side instead of straight on, and you won’t be able to see the projections from this distance.


Narcoosee’s


Location: Grand Floridian Resort
Cuisine: American, seafood
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, Table Service (requires 2 credits)
Average entrée cost for an adult: $46.00
Music piped in? Yes
Link to Menu

Pros: The interior of the restaurant is tiered, which helps to maximize the number of tables that can see out the windows. In addition, there is a porch available for viewing the fireworks from outside.

Cons: Although the deck outside is a pro, it can also be a con since people on the deck may block the views of those dining inside the restaurant.


‘Ohana


Location: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Cuisine: American, Polynesian
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, Table Service
Average entrée cost for an adult: $41.00
Music piped in? Yes
Link to Menu

Pros: Cheapest of the options for viewing the Magic Kingdom fireworks while dining. The view of the fireworks appear straight behind the castle and not off to the side. If you aren’t able to book an Advanced Dining Reservation that will allow you to dine during the fireworks, you can try to snag one for earlier in the evening, then move to the beach at the resort and watch the fireworks from there.

Cons: Tables further back in the restaurant will require you to move/stand in order to see the fireworks.

Epcot fireworks shows

Since the World Showcase wraps around the World Showcase Lagoon, which is the stage for Illuminations, you have several choices of restaurants at Disney World for fireworks viewing from which to dine while you catch at least a partial view of the show.

If this is your first time seeing Illuminations, your best bet to view the show as intended will be to find one of the many fantastic viewing spots along the perimeter of the lagoon. However, if you are an Illuminations vet or you just want to add a little extra entertainment or romance to a meal and don’t mind having a slightly (or more) obstructed view, then dining at one of the options below might be for you.

La Hacienda de San Angel


Location: Mexico Pavilion
Cuisine: Mexican
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, Table Service
Average entrée cost for an adult: $26.00
Music piped in? Yes
Link to Menu

Pros: Some of the best views for dining while watching Illuminations.

Cons: Some areas of the restaurant have no lagoon view at all, meaning you would have to watch Illuminations from the back of one of the dining areas that has a view.


Tokyo Dining


Location: Japan Pavilion
Cuisine: Asian, Sushi
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, Table Service
Average entrée cost for an adult: $26.00
Music piped in? Yes
Link to Menu

Pros: There is an available public walkway outside if your seat doesn’t have good views.

Cons: Since there are several large pillars that can block your view, the best views are those along the windows. In addition, even though the outdoor walkway is slightly below the restaurant, you may still have people outside blocking your view from inside.


Spice Road Table


Location: Morocco Pavilion
Cuisine: Mediterranean
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, Table Service
Average entrée cost for an adult: $27.00
Music piped in? Yes
Link to Menu

Pros: A large portion of this restaurant is outdoors, which means there are slightly more tables available with water views.

Cons: Even if your table is outside, the low-hanging ceiling might obstruct your view of the higher fireworks. Additionally, the islands in the lagoon can obstruct some aspects of the show.


Monsieur Paul


Location: France Pavilion
Cuisine: French
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, Table Service (requires 2 credits)
Average entrée cost for an adult: $42.00
Music piped in? Yes
Link to Menu

Pros: Since this restaurant is on the 2nd floor, there are fabulous lagoon views out the windows.

Cons: There are very few tables that are positioned in front of windows and since the windows are small compared to other restaurants, people sitting further back will have a very limited view.


Rose and Crown


Location: United Kingdom Pavilion
Cuisine: British
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, Table Service
Average entrée cost for an adult: $24.00
Music piped in? Yes
Link to Menu

Pros: Probably the best view of Illuminations while dining.

Cons: Since this is such a popular place for dining and watching Illuminations, it can be very difficult to snag a table on the patio.

Additional firework viewing options

Throughout the year, Disney offers premium (read: expensive) experiences that provide guests with reserved viewing locations for Happily Ever After, Illuminations, and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. While not a full meal, you can expect to have an assortment of desserts and beverages available while you wait for shows to start. But, understand that for many of these options, you are paying higher prices for the prime viewing location, with food and/or beverage being secondary benefits.

Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace


When: Select nights throughout the year
Location: Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant in Magic Kingdom
Cuisine: Beverages (non alcoholic), desserts, seasonal fruits and cheeses
Cost: $84 for adults, $50 for children

Pros: Generally much less crowded than viewing Happily Ever After from Main Street

Cons: Pricey for what you get and even though you can sit while you dine on your desserts, most guests end up standing by the railing when it is time for the fireworks

Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing

When: Select nights throughout the year – desserts in Tomorrowland Terrace and
Location: Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant in Magic Kingdom for desserts followed by Plaza Garden for fireworks viewing
Cuisine: Beverages (non alcoholic), desserts, seasonal fruits and cheeses
Cost: $69 for adults, $41 for children

Pros: Generally much less crowded than viewing Happily Ever After from Main Street

Cons: Pricey for what you get and this version of the dessert party doesn’t offer chairs

Want to know more? Check out this detailed review for additional pictures and thoughts on this dessert party.

After Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing

When: Select nights throughout the year
Location: Plaza Garden for fireworks viewing followed by Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant in Magic Kingdom for desserts
Cuisine: Beverages (non alcoholic), desserts, seasonal fruits and cheeses
Cost: $69 for adults, $41 for children

Pros: Generally much less crowded than viewing Happily Ever After from Main Street

Cons: Pricey for what you get and this version of the dessert party doesn’t offer chairs


Premium Dessert Packages during Magic Kingdom parties


When: Select party nights (such as during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party) throughout the year
Location: Parade location is generally near the flagpole in Town Square, but the fireworks viewing and dessert party are usually at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
Cuisine: Beverages (non alcoholic) and party themed sweets
Cost: Prices for adults generally start at $69 and at $41 for ages 3-9

Pros: If you’ve attended the party before, this might be a nice way to do something a little different

Cons: Pricey for what you get (the cost is in addition to the cost of the party ticket) and it occupies several hours of the party


Frozen Ever After Sparkling Dessert Party


When: Select nights throughout the year
Location: World Showcase Plaza
Cuisine: Beverages (both select alcoholic and nonalcoholic options) and international themed desserts inspired by Norway and Frozen
Cost: $79 for adults, $47 for children

Pros: The location of the party offers a great view of Illuminations with seats and after the show concludes, guests of the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party are escorted to Frozen Ever After for a ride with little to no wait.

Cons: The party ticket is pricey for what you get.


Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party

When: Select nights throughout the year
Location: Desserts inside of Star Wars Launch Bay and reserved viewing in front of the Chinese Theater
Cuisine: Beverages (both alcoholic and non alcoholic), desserts, seasonal fruits, and cheeses
Cost: $79 for adults, $45 for children

Pros: Good food, cocktails, and a prime viewing location makes this party a good value

Cons: No chairs while eating (which can be tough to do with little kids) and part of the value comes from the alcoholic cocktails so if you have a large portion of your party that won’t be consuming any you wont get as much bang for your buck.

Want to know more? Check out this detailed review for additional pictures and thoughts on this dessert party.


Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood


Location: Gran Destino Tower – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Cuisine: Tapas
On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, Table Service
Average entrée cost for an adult: $30.00
Music piped in? No
Link to Menu

Pros: Views of several fireworks shows from a distance, including fireworks at Epcot and Hollywood Studios

Cons: Music is not piped in and view is too far away to see the entire show

 

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What about Rivers of Light and Fantasmic? There aren’t restaurants or dessert parties with views of those shows so they weren’t included on this list.

Have you ever tried one of these restaurants at Disney World for fireworks viewing? Comment below and let us know what you thought!

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Sean Dardis

Thursday 11th of February 2021

When my girlfriend and I were recently at Disneyworld, we snagged a window table at Ohana and the fireworks view was amazing! The food was great too....especially the steak. We’ll definitely do that again the next time we go back.

Niels from Capturing Disney Parks

Monday 14th of October 2019

Hi! There actually are Rivers of Light (We Are One) dessert parties.

Some pics I took August 2019:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3goB-SgFVf/?igshid=din4jwq71xv4

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3jLul-gvjr/?igshid=110j4dj9y6ptb

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3kpLhVAoLN/?igshid=1axzmzrzzli8w

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3mBm1ygIqy/?igshid=1gw3111ry95t

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3m--pWA31q/?igshid=yxkhov83li0k

Julie

Tuesday 6th of November 2018

We are hoping to have a date night at Cali Grill while the grandparents take our boys to Chef Mickeys. Can they come watch the fireworks with us after their dinner?

Brittany

Wednesday 1st of February 2017

Hi Shannon, the Fireworks Dessert party at Tomorrowland Terrace is now $79 per adult and $47 per child! You get to sit down at this one though... They now also offer a Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing for $59 per adult and $35 per child, but it is standing view only, no seating. We are going for the first time in April and I sprung for the party at Tomorrowland Terrace, we can't wait! :) Thanks for alllll of your advice and podcasts too! you make my commute home from work a little more bearable.

Amanda

Tuesday 6th of December 2016

I traveled with my husband this past June to Orlando for a business trip. His company would not pay for a WDW resort so we stayed at the Wyndham next to Disney Springs. We were able to get a reservation for Narcoosees about an hour ahead of time. The food was excellent. A little over priced but it's Disney and we had no kids so we didn't care. We had a table in the middle and had a direct view of the castle. We watched the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, watched the electrical water pagent and then were also able to watch the fireworks from Hollywood Studios. To top it off there was a huge full moon that night. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Joe

Wednesday 3rd of May 2017

What time did you make your reservation for?