Month: January 2019

There are a number of different Fireworks shows at Walt Disney World, some are seasonal and some last for the majority of the year. Read on to find the best places to view the fireworks shows that you want to see during your next WDW trip.

Magic Kingdom

There are a handful of fireworks shows at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. The one that runs the majority of the time is Happily Ever After show, during the holiday season it is a bit different, and called Holiday Wishes. The best places to watch both of these is going to be the same.

In the section that is circled you will see lots of green areas directly across from the castle. They are blocked off by a fence. If you have children, this is an ideal spot for you. You can grab a seat up against the fence, get a snack and wait out until the fireworks start. I recommend getting a spot 45 – 60 minutes before the show. Cast Members will come along and ask people to fill in areas, but that is people that are spread out in between the fence and the hub. If you are up against the fence you won’t need to move. The only con to this, is that you may not see all of the projections, but you should be able to see most. I am 5’ 1” and I was able to see the majority of the castle projections, and all of the fireworks.

If you are willing to wait, or have kids that don’t have an issue with waiting, you can get to the Magic Kingdom 90 minutes before fireworks, and wait out a spot right in front of the castle. Again, cast members may ask visitors to fill in spots as they get closer to start time, so be prepared for that.

If you want a decent spot, but don’t want to wait, a dessert party may be the best option for you. There are dessert parties in two locations, and there is also the option for a before fireworks party and after fireworks party. While you still have to get to the Magic Kingdom at a certain time before the Fireworks, you have seating that you do not need to fight for.

The two other Fireworks shows at the Magic Kingdom are during the Halloween Party and Christmas Party, Happy Hallowishes and Holiday Wishes respectively, these fireworks are quite large and you don’t need to get up close to get a great viewing spot.

Hollywood Studios

There are two firework shows at Hollywood Studios currently. The Star Wars Spectacular is the one shown the majority of the year. The holiday fireworks show is called Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, however it is shown in the same spot as the Star Wars Spectacular, so the best viewing spot for both of these shows is the same.

I have circled the best spot to watch fireworks at Hollywood Studios in the map above. The fireworks shows happen atop the Chinese Theater, and there are projections on the theater itself. If you get to the location about 45-60 minutes prior to the show then you are probably in good shape. Directly across from the Chinese Theater are two tall cement pillars that house the projectors for the show. If you can snag a seat alongside one of these pillars, or on one of the adjacent walls, you’ll be in a prime viewing spot.

There is also the option for a dessert party option for both the Star Wars Spectacular and the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM fireworks, however there have been some complaints that the viewing area is too close to the theater, so your view of the projections may be obstructed.

Epcot

The fireworks show at Epcot is currently Illuminations, although that will be gone at the end of summer 2019, this advice is for that show while it is running.

The great thing about the Illuminations is that they take place on the lagoon, so most areas around the World Showcase are great viewing spots. There are two spots I would avoid. The first being the boat launch near Japan, as the overhang at the boat launch does obstruct some of your view. The second area to avoid is the Frozen Dessert Party area. If you don’t want to try the dessert party, make sure you don’t try and stake out a spot where they may ask you to leave. The dessert party patrons will be brought to the area between Mexico and the gift shop, Disney Traders, and this area will be roped off for just those guests.

What not to do

Now that we’ve discussed all the options for the best places to watch fireworks at Disney World, here are a few things you probably shouldn’t do. The first big problem at any fireworks show is putting your kids on your shoulders. I know that it is hard for kids to see the show, but by putting them on your shoulders you are impairing the view of many other guests at the fireworks show. Everyone is paying lots of money to be at the parks and see the shows, but a better option would be to hold your child next to you so they are at your eye level and not adding any more obstruction to the people behind you. If an un-obstructed view for your kids is the most important part of the fireworks show, then I would definitely recommend the dessert parties, at least for the Magic Kingdom.

The second piece of advice I have is to know yours and your groups limits. Do you have a child or adult that is very cranky and miserable? Is it worth it to stay out late and catch the fireworks? Or would you be better served to go back to your resort earlier and get a good nights sleep?

Wrapping up

As you can see there are plenty of ways to get great seats at fireworks shows if you have time or extra money, you just have to make sure that what you do, is right for you and your group. Have other Best Places to watch Fireworks at Disney World tips to share? Drop them in the comments below. Or, until next time have a magical trip!

Packing for a trip to Walt Disney World can be a stressful experience. There are tons of essentials you simply must remember to bring, but there are also a number of items, that while not absolutely required, might make your trip a bit more enjoyable and stress-free.

External Charger

This seems to be pretty widely recommended on all blogs or websites, but it definitely bares repeating. Whether you are using the My Disney Experience App or using your phone to find members of your party, if you decide to split up, or someone is using the phone while waiting for others who are in line, you are going to wind up draining the battery at least once while you are in the parks. I like this charger because it has multiple USB ports, it fits a variety of phones and devices, and you can use it when it is plugged into the wall charging. It is also small enough to fit in a crossbody bag, fanny pack, or small backpack if you are trying to keep your park bag light. Just make sure you remember to charge it before you need it!

Sunscreen and Chapstick

No matter what time of year you go to Disney World you are going to want to bring sunscreen and chapstick, especially if you come from a cooler climate. In the winter it is easy to forget the sunscreen, so you can always try and grab some if you order groceries to your room. I also always recommend chapstick, specifically the Burt’s Bees All Weather, because the humidity, the sun, and the dehydration can cause your lips to become extremely chapped.

Precut Moleskin or band aids/Body Glide

This is another pretty common recommendation, but one that again I feel is necessary. Body Glide is an anti-chafing balm, that comes in a package similar to deodorant. You use it for areas of your body that may chafe, in hopes that the balm will make sure you don’t. Common areas are: feet, thighs, under arms, etc… Put it on right after you get dressed and it will definitely make a huge difference. Most people are not walking around for 10 hours a day in the heat and sun on a daily basis, and this will help protect any chafing that may happen because of that.

If for some reason you still get some hot spots or blisters, it is best to treat as soon as possible with whatever product you are used to. If band-aids and something like Neosporin is your preferred item, pack that. Some people may prefer moleskin, but just make sure you have precut strips, since it generally comes in a roll.

Hand Sanitizer

It’s no secret that many people come home from Disney World with the “Disney Cold”. Unfortunately, a Disney World trip is not something that you can reschedule if a member of your party falls ill. It is also something people schedule so far in advance that there is no way to know if someone will be sick. That means that many guests will still go to Disney World even while ill.

It’s good to practice good hand washing, but you or another member of your party maybe waiting for the parade and really wanting a pretzel or some other treat. It’s not easy to get to the bathroom and wash your hands and get back to the spot you were in. Having liquid hand sanitizer or hand sanitizer wipes in your park bag will help with quick clean ups when you need them.

Baby Wipes

Baby Wipes are a good idea even if you don’t have any kids in tow. The heat in Florida makes any cold treat melt fast, which means you could have anything from sticky hands to a mess on your shoes. I like to use baby wipes to clean up these messes, because they are better at getting any stickiness off your hands, bags, etc… but you also don’t need to waste a hand sanitizer wipe. If you don’t have any children you can get small packs of baby wipes in the travel hygiene section of your local Target or Wal-Mart, so you don’t need to lug around a heavy pack of wipes.

Ziplock Bags

Ziplock bags are a huge help to any Disney Park traveller. You can use the gallon size to store an extra set of dry clothes for each member of your party. There are many reasons you may need to change; rain, wet from a ride, stains from food, planning on a nicer dinner and don’t want to wear sweaty park clothes, the list goes on. I pack all my outfits with a Ziplock, and label the day, so I already have them in my suitcase. I pack my spare changes of clothes the same way, so when I pack my park bag, I can just pull out the right set of extra clothes and throw it in my backpack. When I change, I throw the dirty clothes back in the same ziplock, and put it in my suitcase, this also makes packing much easier at the end of the trip.

Another use for the smaller size Ziplock bags is to carry around snacks or leftovers. At Be Our Guest breakfast you are given a basket of pastries for the table, but you may not have room for them while you eat your main course. Since they have to get thrown out anyway, put them in a bag, and eat them when you are hungry for a snack. You can also use the smaller size bags to bring packed snacks from your room. That way you aren’t searching your park bag for 15 minutes trying to find that loose granola bar.

Pain Reliever

You never know what can happen on a Disney World Vacation. You might get sick, your kids might get sick, you might be in pain from some blisters or chafing. I’d rather carry in pain reliever for my family and have the peace of mind that it’s there just in case, then scrambling to find some at 2 am when be someone wakes up with a fever. Make sure if you are traveling with kids that you have infant or child pain reliever in addition to whatever the adults may need.

Dryer Sheets

The obvious reason to have dryer sheets is if you plan on doing laundry. Doing laundry means packing less clothing, but also means budgeting your time so you can stay at the resort to do it. You can buy laundry soap at the resort, but you can also bring your own if necessary.

Another reason you might want to bring dryer sheets is to kill odors. If your sneakers got soaked on splash mountain, and are dry but smell, just stick dryer sheet in the shoes over night and it should help absorb some of the odor. You can also place the sheets in your suitcase, so as it piles up with dirty clothes you don’t smell all the sweatiness.

Cash

While you can pay for most things with your magic band or credit card, there are still some places where cash is necessary. Some of the carts that carry drinks in the parks don’t have the ability to take cards or magic bands, so they are cash only. Also, it is still important to remember to tip those that help you along the way. Luggage services, Mousekeeping, if you use a car service outside the Magical Express and Transportation provided at the resorts. You can also use cash at your table service dining reservations, which may make dining faster if you are on the dining plan.

Sound Machine

Traveling anywhere new can be an adjustment. If you are coming from an urban dwelling, the resorts may be too quiet for you and may make it difficult for you to sleep. If you are coming from a more rural area, it may be too loud for you and having a constant soothing sound may make it easier for you to sleep. Whatever the case may be there are now tons of sound machine apps available for your phone. You can also purchase a travel sound machine, there are even ones that attach to strollers if you think your child may have trouble sleeping.

Wrapping Up

When you’re doing your best to pack the essentials, it’s sometimes easy to forget things that might make your life a bit easier. Hopefully at least a few of the items above will go on your next packing list and do just that. Have other suggestions for items to pack on a WDW trip? Drop them in the comments. Otherwise, until next time, have a magical trip!

One of the fun things families may want to do on their trip to Disney World is to wear Disney Inspired Outfits. They may match a theme or be more in line with Disneybounding. Disneybounding is a more fashionable way to dress like a character. Disneybounders use everyday clothing to emulate a particular character. This is a great way for adults to “dress up” but not violate the rules at Disney World, since adults are not allowed to wear costumes into the parks.

At the Magic Kingdom you have a plethora of options, there are lots of characters that meet and greet in this park, as well as rides and dining locations that reflect certain characters and movies.

The Little Mermaid

In Fantasyland there is an area themed like The Little Mermaid, and you would fit in well if you decided to use that movie or characters to build a Disney inspired outfit. You have the Under the Sea ride, you can meet Ariel in her Grotto, and there is a giant statue of King Triton, Ariel also is sometimes part of the character meet at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Some other great ideas would be: Prince Eric, Flounder, Sebastian, and Ursula.

Cinderella

Another great Disney Inspired route to take in your themed dress is Cinderella. You can meet Cinderella at Fairytale Hall, The Stepsisters and the Fairy Godmother show up at the character spot in Fantasyland. If you were up for leaving the park and heading to one of the monorail resorts, you may meet Lady Tremaine or Prince Charming at 1900 Park Fare Dinner at The Grand Floridian.

Mickey and Friends

One of the obvious themes at Magic Kingdom for Disney inspired outfits would be Mickey and Friends. You can meet Mickey at the Town Square Theater, you can meet Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy at Storybook Circus, and Pluto and Chip and Dale meet in Town Square throughout the day.

Peter Pan

Another great movie to work with is Peter Pan. Peter Pan doesn’t have a designated meeting spot, but he likes to wander around Fantasyland, so you never know when you’ll run into him. You can also meet Tinkerbell at Town Square Theater. Peter Pan is a very interactive character so it would create a great meet if you were disneybounding as Wendy, Hook, Smee, or even a lost boy.

Assorted Princesses

There are a few princesses at Magic Kingdom that you can meet at Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland: Rapunzel, Tiana, and Elena. You could create an out inspired by one of them or by someone in their movie. For Rapunzel you could dress like Flynn Ryder, Pascal, or even Mother Gothel. For Tiana, you could dress like Prince Naveen, Charlotte LaBouff, or Dr. Facilier. For the Elena franchise you could dress like Princess Isabel, Naomi or Gabe.

Winnie the Pooh

For those that are not into the princess Disneybound, Winnie the Pooh may be a great idea for you. At The Crystal Palace you can meet Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore at all meals. There is The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride that would make a great backdrop for photos, and lastly you can meet Pooh and Tigger at a character spot in Fantasyland.

Beauty and theBeast

Another movie that has multiple meeting options and characters throughout the park is Beauty and the Beast. You can meet Gaston in Fantasyland, Belle at Enchanted Tales with Belle, you can meet the Beast at dinner at Be Our Guest restaurant.

Other Characters

Some other characters that you may find throughout Magic Kingdom are Aladdin and Jasmine in Adventureland, Alice in Wonderland and Mary Poppins in Liberty Square, Merida in Fantasyland, and Aurora, Snow White, and Jasmine may make an appearance at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Wrapping Up

Disneybounding is a fantastic way to add some extra fun to your next WDW adventure.. There are plenty of ideas for the whole family to dress up, or even just one person, to match their favorite characters or movie. Have you ever worn a Disney inspired outfit to the parks? Share your ideas for dressing up in the comments. Or, until next time, have a magical trip!