Each time I’ve been to Disneyland, I have looked forward to seeing the fireworks. I’ll always remember seeing them on our first visit, which was also during the Christmas season. No one does fireworks like Disney does fireworks! It’s probably why so many guests start claiming spots early to watch the firework display front and center of the castle.
Watching the fireworks in front of the castle is something I have never done before. Each trip, we’ve watched them further back on Main Street. This time, I was on a mission and in part hoping to have a viewing spot as close as possible. Now sadly, our first attempt was foiled when the fireworks were canceled due to winds at higher elevations. When this happened during the holiday season, Disney still did a special light display on the castle, played music, and had “snow” falling on all the guests who had waited to see the fireworks.
CLAIMING A SPOT EARLY IN FRONT OF THE CASTLE
My sister made my Disney wish come true and was a huge help in our watching the fireworks in front of the castle the next time we tried to watch them during our trip. I had actually gone back to the hotel to rest and she claimed a spot 2 hours before the fireworks were going to happen. She is my hero! This is something I have never done on my one-on-one trips with my girls because we can’t leave to use the washroom without another adult there, we’d lose our spot. Having someone who can help claim a place to sit makes a huge difference. You can trade off for sitting, getting snacks, or if someone needs to find a washroom.
FAVOURITE FIREWORKS VIEWING SPOTS
The best, most sought after spot to view the fireworks at Disneyland is front and center of the castle. You’ll find guests claiming their spot there 2-3 hours before the fireworks are going to begin. Cast members also start to monitor the area, even placing ropes and poles to control the flow of foot traffic through the area and ensure the safety zone for viewing.
Another favourite spot for me is on Main Street, just in front of Plaza Inn and Little Red Wagon. There are bathrooms nearby if needed, plus lots of places to pop in and grab a snack. I have been able to get a place to watch the fireworks here an hour before the fireworks time. It does get more crowded as Main Street fills up too. What’s nice is being on Main Street there, right by the curb so you can sit on the edge of the curb and when the time comes, to stand on the curb to be a little bit taller than everyone else watching. Watching from in front of the Partner’s statue is also great, but I find this fills up much earlier as there are often a few benches left there (those get claimed 3 hours or more beforehand). There’s something about seeing the statue and the castle in your line of view with the fireworks overhead that is magical.
OTHER OPTIONS FOR VIEWING THE FIREWORKS
If you are looking for a viewing spot that may be a little less stressful and with the possibility of grabbing a place an hour before or even last minute, head to the spots that are marked in yellow above near it’s a small world or the Disneyland Railroad station right at the entrance to Disneyland. There are usually fewer people at the location near it’s a small world and you can watch all the projections shown on the facade of it. This is actually also a favourite spot for watching parades too!
Maybe you are ending your time in the parks and want to watch the fireworks before leaving for the evening. Go to the railroad station right at the entrance, you may even be able to go up the stairs and view from the top at the station. You are able to look right down Main Street to the castle. Seeing over all of the guests that have filled Main Street. Sure it’s further away, but the fireworks fill the sky over Disneyland! The nice thing about being here is you are right near the exit if you want to depart from Disneyland right away. This helps avoid being swept up in the large crowd that is also trying to leave the park going from the castle and down Main Street.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU FOR WATCHING THE FIREWORKS
As soon as the sun goes down, it gets cold out. This is especially true later in the evening, we could feel the dampness in the air and became very cold almost immediately. Thankfully we were prepared for this and our time of waiting to watch the fireworks. There are definitely some things you are going to want to bring with you.
- BLANKET: I always bring a blanket to claim our spot for sitting and waiting. Its incredible to me how many people will squish their way in if even a smidgen of the ground is visible. I have also had my stroller shoved out of the way with my child in it so that another guest could take that area. Bringing a blanket to put on the ground has proven to make a difference in having some space to wait and relax.
- LAYERS: As mentioned above, it gets cold in the evening. Go to the park with layers in the evening that way if you do get uncomfortable if it’s cold out you can put on a sweater or jacket. Ever time I’ve watched the fireworks in the evening I have gone in sneakers, jeans, a t-shirt and had a sweatshirt on top. I saw some around me with mittens and toques on too.
- SNACKS: Waiting for the fireworks is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a snack while waiting. If you are able, grab something at one of the carts, in a nearby cafe or refreshment corner before sitting down. However, if someone is with you, then you can always go get something later on. This time I had gone to Refreshment Corner and bought a hot dog basket and around the corner, I grabbed a peanut butter sandwich. Which, really isn’t a sandwich but more of a bar and is the perfect size for sharing.
- CAMERA/CELL PHONE: You are going to want to take photos and or videos, especially if you get a spot in a prime viewing area. I was so glad to have these with me and capture some of my favourite fireworks photos I have ever taken while in Disneyland.
I am thrilled to have finally crossed off watching the Disneyland fireworks in front of the castle from my Disneyland bucket list!
WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO WATCH THE FIREWORKS FROM?
