When considering plans to ring in the new year, there’s no place quite like Magic Kingdom to celebrate! The sky above the iconic Cinderella Castle lights up with an awe-inspiring fireworks display that is a highlight for visitors from around the globe. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned park-goer, knowing the best spots to view this spectacular event can transform your experience from memorable to truly magical. Let’s dig into the details about this epic show and explore the top viewing locations so you can bid farewell to 2023 and ring in 2024 with a burst of color and Disney magic!
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Show Details
The New Year’s Eve fireworks at Magic Kingdom are a highlight of the holiday season, known for their dazzling array and choreography. Known as the Fantasy In the Sky Fireworks, the show includes a magnificent countdown and barrage of bright colors and shapes. The show includes a 360-degree display in which the pyrotechnics are launched not just from the castle but all around the park. The New Year’s Eve fireworks usually last longer than the regular nightly shows, offering an extended experience as you ring in the new year. There are actually two showings of the fireworks on both December 30 and 31, the first beginning at 6:30 PM and the second at 11:50 PM.
Viewing Locations
- Main Street, U.S.A. – If you are lucky enough to be able to hang out in Magic Kingdom for New Year’s Eve, Main Street U.S.A. is your best bet for fireworks viewing. The street provides a straight-on view of Cinderella Castle, ensuring you view them from the angle the Imagineers intended. It will be crowded, but the ambiance and view are unbeatable. Arrive early to secure a good spot!
- Fantasyland – Another alternative for watching inside the park, Fantasyland will allow you to watch the fireworks from behind Cinderella Castle. The view is more immersive as you’re surrounded by fireworks. If you can time it correctly, take a ride on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train during the fireworks; this unique view and experience will ensure memories that last a lifetime!
- The Contemporary Resort – If you prefer to watch the fireworks outside the park, the Contemporary Resort’s public areas on the higher floors offer a fantastic vantage point. You can also book a dining reservation at the California Grill for a meal with your show. Other spots to catch the show at The Contemporary Resort include the sky bridge that connects the resort to Bay Lake Tower and the Firework Viewing Deck located right next to where the monorail enters and exits the resort (on the Magic Kingdom side of the building).
- The Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) – Another great option outside the park is the TTC. It offers a panoramic view of the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom, and the crowd is usually a bit lighter here.
- Ferryboat – Consider taking a ferryboat ride on Seven Seas Lagoon during the fireworks. The reflections on the water add to the magic, and the experience is unique and less crowded.
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – The beaches of the Polynesian Village Resort offer a relaxed, tropical setting for fireworks viewing. It’s a favorite for families who want to spread out a bit more and enjoy the show with the silhouette of the castle in the distance. Note you must be staying at the Polynesian to gain access to the beach to watch the fireworks.
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Remember, New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest times at Magic Kingdom, so plan ahead, be patient, and prepare for large crowds. If you really want to try to avoid the massive New Year’s Eve crowds, you may want to consider checking out the show on December 30th.
Do you have a favorite spot to catch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom on New Year’s Eve? Leave us a comment to let us know!
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