Disneyland Fireworks Reserved Seating- Worth It?
Disneyland fireworks reserved seating varies throughout the year depending on which fireworks spectacular is being offered. Disneyland fireworks are some of the best entertainment that Disneyland offers so seeing the fireworks on your trip is a must-do experience. There are also options for fireworks viewing without Disneyland fireworks reserved seating but they require a bit more time and effort.
Disneyland offers a Halloween and Christmas fireworks show along with other fireworks shows throughout the year that may change depending on different celebrations at the parks.
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Disneyland Reserved Fireworks Seating
Disneyland offers a few different options for reserved fireworks seating that may vary from season to season depending on the fireworks show currently being offered. Not all reserved viewing options are available for each fireworks show.
One important thing to keep in mind is that Disneyland does not always run fireworks daily throughout the year. This is due to the fact that Disneyland is located directly in the City of Anaheim and must abide by noise ordinances throughout the year. Here is a rough timeline throughout the year:
- May-Labor Day: nightly fireworks
- Labor Day through November: fireworks weekends only
- November through December: nightly fireworks
- January through May: fireworks weekends only, except a few weeks in March/April for Spring Break
When fireworks are only shown on weekends with projections only being shown during the week, this draws a large increase in crowds. More guests tend to plan their fireworks viewing on the weekends to see the full fireworks show which makes Disneyland fireworks reserved seating even more appealing.
However, despite the show only being projections only on weekdays many Disneyland fireworks reserved seating options are still available for these nights. So keep in mind when picking the date for any Disneyland fireworks reserved seating.
Happiest Haunts Tour- Halloween Fireworks
Halloween at Disneyland features the Halloween Screams fireworks spectacular which includes Zero flying over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Halloween at Disneyland has become increasingly popular and rivals the holiday season now! So it is not surprising to see the Halloween fireworks viewing area added to this tour.
The Happiest Haunts Tour is a 2-hour walking tour around Disneyland that includes reserved fireworks seating. This seating will likely take place in front it’s a small world.
Along with reserved viewing for Halloween Screams, the tour includes:
- A 2-hour walking tour across Disneyland Park
- A history of Halloween and Halloween tales specific to Disney experiences
- Expedited access to Pirates of the Caribbean
- Enjoy a reserved viewing area for Halloween Screams, a nighttime spectacular
- A photo op with the Hitchhiking Ghosts—Audio-Animatronics from Haunted Mansion
- A Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour Pin
- A Halloween-themed treat
The Happiest Haunts Tour costs $110 per person ages 3+ and $93.50 for Disney Visa Cardmembers.Full payment is required at the time of booking.
Is the Happiest Haunts Tour Worth It?
This is a nice option for fireworks but keep in mind that if the reserved viewing is in front of it’s a small world, you won’t see Zero fly over the castle but you will see the projections and the rest of the show. If you do not mind missing out on Zero then this is an excellent way to view the fireworks if you are also interested in the offerings on this tour.
Otherwise, if you wouldn’t normally be interested in the offerings for this tour then I would say this option is not worth it simply just for Disneyland fireworks reserved seating.
Plaza Inn Fireworks Dining Package
- Adult Meal: Short Rib in Cabernet Sauce with Bacon-Cheddar Mash, Charred Scallion Chimichurri and Roasted Broccolini, served with Hibiscus Lemonade and Specialty Dessert
- Child Meal: Chicken Tenders, Bacon-Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, and a Dessert, with choice of small DASANI® Water or small Low-Fat Milk
- Dessert Options: Specialty Dessert—Layers of Green Peppermint Mousse and Crushed Chocolate Cookie Crumbles topped with Gummy Worms and Oogie Boogie Decoration
The cost of this dining package is $60 per adult, $30 per child and Magic Key holder discounts apply. Reserve a dining time between 7PM and 9PM to pick up your email and return later to the patio for the reserved fireworks viewing.
Is the Plaza Inn Dining Package Worth It?
This is the Disneyland fireworks reserved seating that will get you closest to the castle. If you have a spot closest to the edge of the patio then you will have a decent view of the fireworks show. But if you are seated further back on the patio, your view of the projections will be obstructed. Cast members assign the seating at the patio tables at random so it is merely luck as to which seat you get.
This is the best option for Disneyland fireworks reserved seating if you want to be near the castle which is an iconic piece of any Disney fireworks show.
Skyline Terrace Fireworks Package
Skyline Terrace in Tomorrowland offers Disneyland fireworks reserved seating. This viewing option is only available on nights when fireworks are offered and not on projection-only nights. This viewing is usually offered year-round for all the Disneyland fireworks shows.
This experience takes place at Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace balcony which will be accessible from 630PM to 10PM and guests can come and go as they please. The experience includes:
- Choice of entrée with a side
- A delectable dessert
- Unlimited soft drinks, bottled water or hot chocolate
- Commemorative beverage novelty
- Themed credential with a lanyard
- Themed coaster
- Choice of a specialty-themed, non-alcoholic beverage with a glow cube
Food is picked up at Window 1 at Galactic Grill.
The price is $89 per guest ages 3+ and older. Full payment is required at the time of booking.
Skyline Terrace Halloween Fireworks Menu
The menu may change depending on the fireworks show being offered. Here is the full menu for the Halloween Screams fireworks:
Adult Options:
- Fried Pork Rice Bowl: Crispy Fried Pork Loin served over Sweet Soy-dressed Cabbage and White Rice, garnished with Green Onions and served with Katsu Sauce
- Pot Roast Philly: Slow-cooked Pot Roast with Onions, Peppers, Melted Provolone and Horseradish AÏoli on a Hoagie Roll, served with a side of Au Jus
- Fried Cauliflower Curry Bowl (Plant-based): Spiced Fried Cauliflower, Basmati & Green Pea Rice and Spinach with Chickpeas and Romanesco, served with Curry Sauce
Child Options:
- Chicken Tenders: Served with Potato Bites, a Cuties® Mandarin Orange, House Sauce and Blue Ranch
- Kids Pasta Bake: Diced Grilled Chicken, Blend of Broccolini, Roasted Bell Peppers, Spinach, and Chef’s Choice of Pasta tossed in Marinara Sauce and Topped with Cheese
Dessert Options:
- Raspberry Mousse Tart: Chocolate Tart Shell filled with Chocolate Mousse and Ganache, topped with a Red & Black Raspberry Mousse glazed Dome
- Chocolate Mousse Brownie: Chocolate Brownie with Swirls of Black and Purple, White Chocolate Mousse and Yellow and Green White Chocolate Mousse Flames, with Chocolate Maleficent Horns
Specialty-themed, Non-alcoholic Beverage Options:
- Blood Orange Slush: Blood Orange-flavored Slush with a Raspberry Drizzle, served with a Mickey Mouse-shaped Glow Cube
- Pineapple & Jalapeño Limeade: Pineapple & Lime Juices, with Diced Jalapeños and a Lime Slice, served with a Mickey Mouse-shaped Glow Cube
Is Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace Worth It?
The view from the Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace is fine for seeing just the fireworks but you will not see the projections during this experience. The viewing is situated with guests looking straight out of Tomorrowland so you will be seeing the fireworks go off next to the Matterhorn.
This is a good option if you want a low-key, quieter place to watch the fireworks which is especially important if you have members of the group that might be sensitive to crowds or noise. Otherwise, it’s not worth it to miss the projections entirely at this experience, you will only be seeing the fireworks themselves. The projections that accompany the fireworks at Disneyland are part of the show itself!
Disneyland VIP Tour Fireworks
The best Disneyland fireworks reserved seated is for VIP tour guests as these seats are located facing Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, typically right in front of the partners’ statue. This is easily the best viewing area you can get for the Disneyland fireworks but of course, it comes with a price!
The Disneyland VIP tour starts at $4900 for a maximum of 10 guests. If there are more than 10 in your party, an additional Tour Guide is required, which is an additional cost.
The Disneyland VIP Tour includes reserved viewing for the fireworks along with parades and any other special entertainment offered at Disneyland on the day of the tour. Guests are able to customize their tours to pick which options to prioritize. And of course, all tours are able to access attractions with no wait and are led through the parks by a Disneyland “Plaid” cast member. All the reviews, including our own Disneyland VIP tour review, are extremely positive but they are expensive so it makes the question of worth a bit harder to answer.
Where to Watch Disneyland Fireworks?
Disneyland fireworks can also be viewed without any reserved seating. The quality of your view comes down to your own dedication to getting a good fireworks spot. But even then you can get a spectacular view of the fireworks show without spending too much time reserving a spot if you pick the right location.
In Front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle
This is hands down the BEST place to watch the Disneyland fireworks if you are seated directly in front of the castle. This is also the most coveted Disneyland fireworks spot to get. You will have a direct center view of the castle projections and other special effects during the show (like Zero flying over the castle for Halloween or BayMax during the Disney100 Celebration!) which is a great experience. This spot is also ideal for kids that may have a harder time seeing in other fireworks viewing areas, especially if you’re close to the front.
If you want to have the best chance of this spot, you need to dedicate about 3 hours of time reserving a spot here. I have dedicated this amount of time to getting a spot in the past and I felt it was worth it but not something I would consider doing for every fireworks show! But this is a long, long time to wait so this choice might not be best for every family.
Near Partners Statue
There are two areas of Disneyland fireworks viewing by the castle that is divided by a walkway cast members keep open in front of the Partners Statue. This is also a great place to get a spot if you know where cast members plan on roping off the walkway. They will rope off the entrance to the circle surrounding the statue so if you line up right at the front of this circle, you will have a front row of this viewing area. You will see people walking past during the show but you can easily see the projections and fireworks from this spot.
This is one of my favorite viewing areas for Disneyland fireworks as it gives you a great view without as long of a wait. I recommend showing up 90 minutes prior to the showtime for this spot.
Main Street, U.S.A.
Main Street, U.S.A. is a great place to grab a Disneyland fireworks viewing spot without as long of a time commitment as the previously mentioned areas. There is plenty of room on Main Street so this is a good place to watch. The further up the street towards the castle you can stand, the better. My favorite area to stand is so you can easily see the projections along the Main Street shops while also still being far enough up for a good castle view. Stand in between the Refreshment Corner and Plaza Point for this view.
Regardless of where you stand, you will have a view of the projections on the storefronts. Show up to this area about 30-45 minutes for a viewing spot. The later you show up, the further back on the street you will be but if you don’t mind where you stand, you can easily show up later.
it’s a small world
If seeing the castle during the show is not a big deal, then the best location to watch the fireworks is easily in front of it’s a small world. The projections are displayed on the facade of the attraction and there is plenty of viewing available in this area. This is also a convenient place to watch the show with plenty of snack stands available and easy to access restrooms nearby. This is a low key, no stress area to watch the show and while it will be crowded, it won’t be nearly as jam packed as the area in front of the castle or Main Street can be. If you hate crowds, this is the perfect place to watch the Disneyland fireworks.
Show up anywhere from 30-60 minutes before the fireworks show. In fact, you could probably walk up just minutes before the show starts to get an okay view. As always, the earlier you show up the closer to the projections you will be.
Rivers of America in Frontierland
The water screens on Rivers of America allow for the fireworks projections to be shown during the show making this another good choice to watch the Disneyland fireworks. This is another low key area to watch the fireworks since the viewing area is large enough for guests to spread out.
A bonus tip, if you caught the first showing of Fantasmic then stay right where you are to enjoy the fireworks. This is an effective way to cross both shows off your Disneyland to-do list.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
You will be able to see the fireworks in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge above the Millenium Falcon but you won’t be able to see the projections nor hear the music that accompanies the fireworks. I wouldn’t recommend this viewing area unless you simply just want to get some good pictures of the photos over the land which does look impressive!
My favorite out of all these locations is in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle or near the Partner’s Statue. But they both come with some dedication to waiting for awhile before the show! I love Disneyland fireworks so this is time worth spent to me but might not be worth it to others.
Disneyland Fireworks Guests with Disabilities
There is no reserved viewing area for guests with disabilities for the fireworks shows so this is something to keep in mind depending on the needs of your group. Guests with mobility disabilities may want to consider a scooter if they want to get close to the castle so they can remain seated during the show. Cast members will instruct guests in all the viewing areas to stand about 30 minutes prior to showtime which can be difficult if you struggle with standing in one spot for this time. Add this time to the length of the show as well so this is a long time to be standing.
For guests with sensory, anxiety, or other disabilities that may be triggered by crowd levels then avoiding Main Street and the viewing areas by the castle is recommended. This is where those Disneyland fireworks reserved seating areas can be a big plus as you will be guaranteed a spot that will give you some space around your immediate group.
Read more about accommodations for guests with disabilities in our Disneyland guide.
Is Disneyland Fireworks Reserved Seating Worth It?
The best way to know the answer to this question is to first consider these questions:
Do you want to see the castle?
If being able to see the castle during the fireworks show is a must then a Disneyland reserved seating package is not worth it as you will only see it clearly by viewing the fireworks on your own. During Halloween, the Plaza Inn offers patio seating that offers an obstructed castle view but it is not a clear view nor are you guaranteed to see the castle during the show.
Does the fireworks show have flying characters?
If the fireworks show includes flying characters and you want to see this aspect of the show, then you are best viewing the show on your own. You will need to be able to clearly see the castle to see the character fly. The route goes from the left of the castle to the Matterhorn.
What is your tolerance for handling crowds?
If you cannot handle large crowds, then you may want to consider avoiding the area around Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and Main Street as these are where the largest crowds will be. The closer you are to the castle, the more overwhelming these crowds can feel, and unfortunately not everyone will be on their best behavior so it can feel stressful during peak times of the year. If you want to avoid the stress of the crowds, opting for the Disneyland reserved fireworks seating is a great plan, or watch the show near it’s a small world which is far more relaxed than the other viewing areas.
How long are you willing to wait?
This is the true question. If you have your heart set on that front-row Sleeping Beauty Castle view, are you willing to wait three hours (or maybe more!) to get it? Are you willing to wait two hours but no longer? What about only under an hour? That is the best way of deciding if you are willing to wait for these desired viewing areas or if you’re better off doing reserved viewing to enjoy the convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
You get reserved seating for fireworks at Disneyland by booking a fireworks viewing at Skyline Terrace, Plaza Inn or a VIP Tour.
Yes, the fireworks at Disney are worth it. These fireworks spectaculars are more than just the fireworks but the musical scores and projection show that accompany them. Once you see fireworks at Disneyland, your 4th of July fireworks show in your hometown just won’t compete!
No, fireworks at included in the regular Disneyland theme park ticket admission. Although you can watch Disneyland fireworks from outside of the park for free in the Esplanade between both parks or at some nearby hotels.
The best viewing area for Disneyland fireworks is in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle or in front of the Partner’s Statue.
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