Best 4th of July fireworks viewing spots at Walt Disney World

June 28, 7:39 PMWalt Disney World Recreation ExaminerPeggy Macdonald

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View from the Contemporary Resort. (c) 2009 Noah Ravitz

Just in time for the 4th of July, here are the best fireworks viewing spots for the Magic Kingdom and Epcot in Walt Disney World.

Magic Kingdom:

• Main Street, U.S.A.
• Tomorrowland Terrace patio.
• Entrance to the ferry boats at the Transportation and Ticket Center.

Magic Kingdom resorts:

• Contemporary Resort 4th floor outside observation deck.
• California Grill observation deck and tables with a view of the Magic Kingdom.
• 'Ohana restaurant at the Polynesian Resort.
• Narcoossee's restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort.
• From a Disney boat on the Seven Seas Lagoon, located in front of the Magic Kingdom.

Epcot:

• The Mexico and Italy pavilions offer spectacular views of the Epcot fireworks, including the Illuminations Reflections of Earth globe, which features video images.
• Avoid spots in which large trees or buildings obstruct your view.
• If the wind is blowing in your face, smoke will surely follow once the show starts. Find another spot.
• If you don't mind missing the globe's video images and some of the fire, smoke, and laser effects that can only be seen from World Showcase, a great place to watch the fireworks is along the long walkway in front of Spaceship Earth. You will be ideally positioned to make a quick exit to the parking lot or monorail before the masses.
• A great spot to view the fireworks is the small bridge between Mexico and World Showplace...ideally with a Mexican margarita in your hand.

Disney's Hollywood Studios:

• Disney's Hollywood Studios offers a 4th of July fireworks show. Fantasmic! is the park's regular nighttime show, however, while the Magic Kingdom and Epcot offer fireworks every night against the scenic backdrops of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom and World Showcase (which is also lighted up at night) at Epcot. The Disney's Hollywood Studios 4th of July fireworks show features an impressive array of traditional and new (star shapes, cascading waterfalls, etc.) fireworks set to patriotic music ranging from the William Tell overture to James Brown's "Living in America." Keep in mind, however, that Disney's Hollywood Studios was not designed to accommodate large crowds as well as the older Magic Kingdom and Epcot parks. Since the 4th of July is one of the most crowded days at the Disney parks, and Hollywood Studios is not known for its fireworks, the true fireworks aficionado would be happier at one of the older parks.

For more tips on Disney's 4th of July fireworks, click here.