Insider’s Guide: Best Place to See Disneyland Fireworks

Disneyland, the O.G. of Disney Parks, has plenty of magic- including magical fireworks displays!  In this insider’s guide, we will explore the best place to see the Disneyland fireworks for a truly unforgettable experience.

Planning a trip to Disneyland and wondering how you see the Disneyland Fireworks? It’s important to know that Disneyland doesn’t have a fireworks show every night.  Check out this guide to learn what fireworks show Disneyland offers, the times and seasons of the Disneyland Fireworks, and the best places to check out these nighttime displays!

By the end of this post, you will know some of the very best places to see the Disneyland Fireworks!

The History of Firework Shows at Disneyland

Disneyland has a long history of bringing spectacular fireworks shows to its guests. From Fantasy in the Sky to Wondrous Journeys, there have been numerous shows throughout the years. Here is a list of some of the most popular previous Disneyland Resort fireworks shows:

Show Name	Description
Fantasy in the Sky	A classic firework show featuring colorful bursts and dazzling effects set to beloved Disney music.
Remember… Dreams Come True	A tribute to Disneyland’s history and iconic attractions, with a spectacular fireworks display.
Disneyland Forever Fireworks	An immersive show with stunning projections, lasers, and fireworks that transform the park into a magical world.
Mickey’s Mix Magic	A high-energy show combining lasers, music, and action for an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Disneyland or a local who visits often, seeing the fireworks lighting up the night sky is a truly magical moment. So, make sure to plan your visit accordingly to catch one of these incredible fireworks shows at Disneyland Resort.

Current Disneyland Firework Show

As of July 2023, the new fireworks show at Disneyland Resort was Wondrous Journeys. Wondrous Journeys was a celebration of the wishers, dreamers, and artists at Walt Disney Animation Studios who have shared their imagination and talents with the world over the last 100 years. All of this was brought to life by awesome Disney music, stunning state-of-the-art projection technology—and on select nights, pyrotechnics!  These incredible features transformed Main Street USA, Sleeping Beauty Castle, and “it’s a small world” into unforgettable displays.

This show then changed to Halloween Screams, then Believe in Holiday Magic during the Holiday season in 2023.

It has not yet been confirmed if Wondrous Journeys will return in 2024 or if Disneyland will show Disneyland Forever or Mickey’s Mix Magic again.  Stay tuned for updates!

Make sure to check the daily schedule for showtimes and plan your day accordingly if you want to check out whichever Disneyland Fireworks show they decide on- for more info on this keep reading.

Best Place to See Disneyland Fireworks Inside the Park

When it comes to experiencing the Disneyland fireworks from inside Disneyland Park, there are several prime locations that offer good views. One great spot is Main Street, USA, where you can get perhaps the best view of the fireworks bursting over Sleeping Beauty Castle. This is by far the most iconic of the Disneyland fireworks viewing locations and offers a great view of the projections.  Disneyland Park has both projections in front of the castle and on the buildings on Main Street.

Another good spot is near “it’s a small world.”  At this vantage point you can see the fireworks in the sky AND the projections displayed on the It’s a Small World building.  There’s no guarantee that Disneyland will continue this if this show doesn’t come back but it’s likely they will.

The Rivers of America area is also a popular choice, providing a unique perspective as you watch the fireworks soar above the water.  Disneyland also has projection water screens along the river.  Both Rivers of America and It’s a Small World are a great choice if you crowd averse as it’s MUCH less crowded.

For those who like a more intimate viewing experience, consider dining at one of the restaurants with outdoor seating. The Plaza Inn and Carnation Café offer great views of the fireworks while enjoying a nice meal. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance to secure your spot.  You can do this on the Disneyland app, or you can use one of the 3 Best Disney Dining Reservation Finder tools.  If you want to try and get a last-minute reservation you can always check in with a cast member at Plaza restaurant to see if they have any walk-up waitlist options.

Key Takeaway

Best Places to View Disneyland Fireworks Inside the Park:

With these options, you’ll be able to choose the best location for you and your group to see the Disneyland fireworks up close and personal!

Location	View Description
Main Street USA., in front of the castle	Unobstructed view of fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle
“it’s a small world”	Lights and colors reflecting on the water, projections on the facade
Rivers of America	Fireworks soaring above the water, projection water screens
Plaza Inn and Carnation Café (with outdoor seating)	Enjoy a meal with a view of the fireworks but there will be obstructions

Best Place to See Disneyland Fireworks Outside the Park

If you find yourself outside the park and still want to catch a glimpse of the Disneyland fireworks, Downtown Disney is a favorite spot for a great view (but a bit obstructed) of the fireworks.

Guests often camp out in the Disneyland Esplanade or along Harbor Blvd. to get a free view of the fireworks. These locations provide a unique perspective and a great place to enjoy the show without purchasing theme park tickets.

Alternatively, you can consider dining at one of the restaurants with outdoor seating in Downtown Disney. Some of these establishments offer good vantage points for watching the fireworks while enjoying a delicious meal.

Recommended Viewing Spots in Downtown Disney

These locations provide a comfortable and (sometimes) elevated view of the fireworks, allowing you to relax, eat, and soak in the magic of the show.  Keep in mind any spot that is not in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle or on Main Street will be a bit obstructed though.

Spot	Features
Naples Ristorante E Bar	Upper-level patio
Tortilla Joe’s	Outdoor seating area- no upper level so more obstructed than the others
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen	Second-floor balcony

Traveling to Disneyland Resort

If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland Resort, it’s important to know how to get there. Whether you’re driving or flying, there are convenient options to get to the Happiest Place on Earth.  Keep reading on though- past this section I talk about favorite Disneyland Resort Hotel viewing options!

Driving to Disneyland Resort

If you choose to drive to Disneyland Resort, there are designated parking structures for guests (and you can get a somewhat good view of the Disneyland fireworks from them as well). Depending on the direction you’re coming from, the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structures are recommended. These parking structures provide convenient access to the park and are equipped with shuttle services to transport guests to the main entrance.

For some guests, the Toy Story Parking Area is easier. Located just off of Harbor Blvd., this parking lot offers shuttle service to the main entrance and provides a convenient parking option for those staying at nearby hotels.

Flying to Disneyland Resort

If you plan to fly to Disneyland Resort, there are two recommended airports to choose from. The first is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is the largest airport in the area and offers a wide range of flight options. The second is John Wayne Santa Ana Airport, which is located closer to Disneyland Resort and provides a more convenient option for guests.

Both airports offer various transportation options, including shuttle services and rental cars, to help you reach your destination. It’s recommended to research and plan your transportation in advance as some days or seasons can be more popular at Disneyland.

Best Places to View Disneyland Fireworks at Disneyland Resort Hotels

Watching the Disneyland fireworks from the comfort of your Disneyland Resort hotel can also be pretty magical. Each hotel offers unique vantage points that provide stunning views of the sky but not always a great view of the fireworks in totality.   Just as any other fireworks viewing spot outside the park, there are obstructions and some views are better than others.  Here are some of the best places to view the Disneyland fireworks at Disneyland Resort hotels:

Paradise Pier Hotel Rooftop Pool

The rooftop pool at Paradise Pier Hotel was a popular spot for guests to enjoy the Disneyland fireworks.  This hotel is being remodeled and is now Pixar Place Hotel.  As of the writing of this, the hotel is not fully open BUT the pool bar and playcourt area ARE OPEN. From this elevated location, you can see the show against the backdrop of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. The relaxed atmosphere and comfortable seating make it a perfect place to unwind and watch the show.  The hotel, being Disney-owned and close to Disneyland Park, also pipes in the Disneyland Fireworks music and narration.  This is, in my opinion, the best spot outside of the parks to watch the fireworks show!

Veranda at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel

The Veranda at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel also offers an awesome setting to watch the Disneyland fireworks.  The Grand Californian Veranda is cozy and relaxed. However, this coziness is only available to those staying club-level at the Grand Californian.  The Grand Californian also pipes in the Disneyland Fireworks music and narration.

Disneyland Hotel

The Disneyland Hotel boasts several decent viewing locations for the fireworks. The E-Ticket Pool (only available to those staying at the Disneyland hotel) viewing area offers a relaxing setting and great views of the show (but again, obstructed). If you prefer a higher vantage point, head up to the rooftop lounge at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, where you can sip on tropical drinks while enjoying a good view of the fireworks.  Trader Sam’s is always a good time but keep in mind it’s very popular, particularly during the fireworks!

Disneyland Resort Hotel	Best Fireworks Viewing Area
Paradise Pier Hotel (now Pixar Place)	Rooftop Pool
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel	Veranda (only available to Club-Level guests)
Disneyland Hotel	E-Ticket Pool or Rooftop Lounge at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

Whether you choose the Paradise Pier Hotel, the Grand Californian Hotel, or the Disneyland Hotel, you’ll enjoy watching the fabulous Disneyland Fireworks with the music and the narration!

What Time is Disneyland Fireworks?

The fireworks show typically starts around 9:30 PM, but the exact time can vary depending on the season and day of the week. To ensure you don’t miss out, it’s best to check the schedule of fireworks events on the Disneyland app.

Keep in mind that the schedule may change due to weather conditions or other factors. Disneyland always prioritizes the safety of its guests, so if there are any concerns or unforeseen circumstances, the fireworks show may be canceled or modified. It’s always a good idea to stay updated with the latest announcements and notifications from Disneyland regarding the fireworks schedule.  You can do this by checking the Disneyland app or talking with a cast member at guest relations.

Does Disneyland Do Fireworks Every Night?

Inquiring minds want to know: does Disneyland have fireworks every night? While fireworks shows are a staple at Disneyland Resort, they do not occur every night like they do at Disney World. The frequency of fireworks shows typically depends on the day of the week, holidays, and special events. On weekdays, Disneyland may feature projections only, without fireworks. However, on scheduled fireworks nights, the show may still be subject to cancellation or modification due to various factors, including weather conditions.  During the summer and busy seasons, they do offer nightly shows, but on less busy seasons they are only shown from Friday to Sunday.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Disneyland fireworks show is a magical experience that shouldn’t be missed. Whether you choose to watch from inside the park or find a spot outside, you will have a good time- Disney always does a fabulous job on fireworks!

It’s important to note that the schedule for fireworks shows may vary throughout the year and is subject to change due to weather and other factors. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the daily schedule on the Disneyland app for the most up-to-date information.

Plan your visit accordingly and make sure to arrive early to get a great viewing spot. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, the Disneyland fireworks show is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories. Don’t miss out and share your favorite viewing spot in the comments- I would love to hear from you!

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