Disneyland Fireworks 2024 – Times, Shows, Where to Watch

The Disneyland fireworks are the best way to end your night with a bang as you watch the night sky fill with dazzling characters on select nights throughout the year. We have all the information in this Disneyland fireworks guide.

This is everything you need to know about Disneyland fireworks, including the different fireworks shows put on throughout the year and where to find the best spots to watch Disneyland fireworks.

I have seen every fireworks show at Disneyland including all the seasonal shows and have the best tips for you to watch the Disneyland fireworks. This guide will cover all the firework shows available at Disneyland currently plus the seasonal shows you can expect during the year along with favorites we anticipate will return.

Click here for more details on the Walt Disney World fireworks shows in Florida.

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Disneyland Fireworks Times and Info

What time are the fireworks at Disneyland?

This is at the top of everyone's list of questions about Disneyland. The Disneyland daily schedule will show you if the show will be accompanied with fireworks or if it will be projection only.

The Disneyland fireworks shows usually take place at 9:30PM. Most firework shows are around 15 minuets long.

What days of the week are Disneyland fireworks?

The Disneyland fireworks schedule runs nightly during the summer and the holiday season. During other times of the year, Disneyland only shows fireworks Friday through Sunday with the rest of the show running with projections only Monday through Thursday. The main reason for this is due to noise regulations with the city of Anaheim since Disneyland occupies space inside a city.

• 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.

Where do I watch Disneyland fireworks?

You can watch the fireworks from Main Street, U.S.A., in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle, Rivers of America, it's a small world, and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Fireworks can also be viewed from outside the theme park like nearby hotels or the esplanade between Disneyland and California Adventure.

🎆You can also reserve your seat for Disneyland fireworks, read more about if paid reservations for Disneyland fireworks are worth it!

Current Disneyland Fireworks Show

Let's start with the Disneyland fireworks show taking place right now. The Disneyland fireworks shows will switch throughout the year depending on the celebration or seasonal celebrations.

This is the most current Disneyland fireworks show right now according to the Disneyland daily calendar.

Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular

The current fireworks show playing at Disneyland right now is Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular which is taking place as part of Pixar Fest at Disneyland which runs through August 4th, 2024.

Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular celebrates the unbreakable bonds between pals, such as Woody and Buzz for Pixar Fest. It includes moments like Pixar pals meeting for the first time, embarking on adventures and overcoming challenges, and forming everlasting bonds.

There is also a special castle flyover by Buzz Lightyear and the house from “Up” suspended by balloons flying over Sleeping Beauty Castle. This is one of the best parts of this fireworks show which is why using the time to get a coveted castle viewing fireworks spot might be worth it.

“Fire of the Rising Moons”

At Galaxy's Edge, you can get a unique perspective on the fireworks as part of “Fire of the Rising Moons,” which was introduced as part of Season of the Force at Disneyland but will be extending beyond the event for the different shows offered at the park. To incorporate the fireworks into the story of the land, Disneyland describes “Fire of the Rising Moons” as a celebration where “villagers and visitors alike come together to celebrate their freedom and to honor the heroes and legends who came before them.”

The music includes selections from composer John Williams’ Star Wars film scores and can be experienced from different parts of the land like the Black Spire Spaceport (near Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run), the TIE Echelon docking platform (near First Order Cargo) and the speeder garage (near Droid Depot). We see this addition as a step in the right direction as Disney is making moves to fix the biggest mistake of its Star Wars-themed land!

Best Disneyland Fireworks Viewing Locations

Although Disneyland’s fireworks show can be viewed just about anywhere in the Resort, here is a list of prime places to view the fireworks at the Disneyland Resort.

I always recommend arriving at least one hour before the fireworks show but if you want the best spot, you should plan for 90 minutes and even up to THREE hours if you want to sit directly in front of the castle. The more time you dedicate, the better your view.

Best Fireworks Viewing Spots Inside Disneyland

In front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle – By far the most popular spot to take in the full experience of the show, including views of the projections on the Castle, fireworks in the sky, and the Blue Fairy and Baymax in flight. This is easily the best Disneyland fireworks spot but you need to commit more than two hours to be directly in front of the castle. If you are determined, bring a blanket to sit on and stock up on snacks to pass the time.

Near Partners Statue – Although this area gets quite busy since it is the main vein for Guests making their way through this area to get to other Lands, it still is a nice spot to be. Be aware that there may be some trees obstructing your view. I try to position myself just to the slight right of the partners statue. This is one of my favorite places to watch the Disneyland fireworks as it makes for some great pictures with the partner's statue in view.

Main Street, U.S.A. – Anywhere on Main Street gives you awesome views of the Castle and fireworks. Projections also play against the storefronts. And you really don’t have to grab a spot until about 30-40 minutes before the show. Cast Members rope off certain sections of the street to keep pedestrian traffic moving. So grab a spot on the curb and enjoy the show.

In front of “it's a small world” – If crowds are not your thing, go further into Fantasyland near “it’s a small world.” You will not get a view of the Castle show, but projections flash against “it’s a small world’s” facade while music accompanies the show. Get a great picture of “it’s a small world” with fireworks that explode in the sky just left of “it's a small world.” This is the place I recommend for families with small kids as there is more room to move around, close access to bathrooms, and plenty of snack carts.

Along the Rivers of America in Frontierland – Music plays along with the fireworks show as lights dance against spays of water in the Rivers of America. If you caught the first showing of Fantasmic then stay right where you are to enjoy the fireworks!

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge- You will be able to see the fireworks in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge above the Millennium Falcon. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is currently playing Star Wars musical scores during the fireworks scores. You won't be able to see the projections for this show and it is a bit of a different experience than the typical fireworks view.

Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe – Grab a table and a bite to eat near the front railing to catch a view of the fireworks. Some trees may obstruct your Castle view, but still a great spot to be to view the fireworks.

Main Street Train Station – Take a seat on a bench and relax. You will not get a great view of the Castle, but the aerial views are quite nice.

Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge Experience – Why not enjoy the fireworks show from the comfort of the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge while enjoying sweet desserts and both hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages. Lounge is open from 6:30-10pm and cost is $60 per person.

VIP Disneyland Tour Reserved Seating- One of the significant perks of a Disneyland VIP Tour is that you get special reserved viewing for entertainment like the Disneyland fireworks—see our full Disneyland VIP Tour guide for more details about what is included in the tour, pricing, and more.

Plaza Inn Reserved Seating- The Plaza Inn usually offers fireworks dining packages that offer reserved viewing from the Plaza Inn patio. The view from the patio might be slightly obscured, in terms of seeing the projections, because of the bushes that surround the patio. However, guests seated closest to the edge of the patio towards the castle will have fairly decent views without the worry of standing in the large crowds around the castle.

🎆Read more here about if paying for reserved fireworks seating for Disneyland fireworks is worth it!

Regardless of where you decide to watch the Disneyland fireworks, I highly recommend bringing some type of packable or easy to carry blanket with you to sit on. Not necessarily for comfort but to help mark your space! You'll find that some of these viewing areas, especially in front of the castle, can get extremely crowded and having that blanket to sit on will clearly mark your space. You will be asked to stand about ten minutes before the show start so be prepared!

Can you watch the fireworks outside of Disneyland?

Esplanade – The area between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park is a hot spot for viewing the fireworks show outside the Park since it is less crowded. You will not be able to see the Castle, but you do get to enjoy music that accompanies the fireworks show.

Pixar Place Pool Balcony – Pixar Place Pool Balcony is an ideal spot to view the fireworks show whether you are a hotel guest or not. Catch an elevator to the third floor and exit out the double doors to your right once off the elevator.

Select Hotel Rooms at the Disneyland Resort – Some rooms at the Disneyland Hotel (Adventure Tower and select rooms in the Frontier Tower) and some rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa have great views of the fireworks show. While watching the show from the comfort of your hotel room, flip on the TV and listen to the music that accompanies the show.

Select Good Neighbor Hotels around Disneyland — Some good neighbor hotels in the Disneyland Resort area have views of the fireworks from their hotel. These hotels will typically advertise this on their website such as the Clarion and the Howard Johnson Anaheim. Read our list of the best hotels to see Disneyland fireworks. You can also see an extensive guide to Disneyland Good Neighbor hotels here. 

Disneyland Fireworks Cancellation

Checking Disney’s website or downloading the Disney app is the best way to stay informed about fireworks at Disneyland since the fireworks are dependent on the weather. On windy, stormy, and rainy days, the fireworks more than likely will be cancelled. Disneyland fireworks are often canceled due to high winds so if seeing fireworks is a priority, make sure you don't leave it for your last night to watch.

It's not uncommon for fireworks to be canceled for high winds since Southern California has to be extra careful to minimize any risk of fire. We recommend trying to see the fireworks early in your visit rather than saving them for the last night in case you run into cancellations.

If you're near Main Street around 7PM, you might catch the ‘balloon test' where they release one balloon up into the air to see if it flies to the left or right to gauge the strength of the winds.

Other Disneyland Fireworks Shows

Here is the full list of all the other available Disneyland fireworks shows that take place throughout the year. Some of these shows we know will return during certain times, like Halloween and the holiday season, while others may be swapped in periodically between other celebrations.

“Believe… in Holiday Magic”

Believe… in Holiday Magic is the Christmas fireworks show at Disneyland that takes place from early November through the first week of January. If you are visiting Disneyland during the holiday season then this is the fireworks show you can expect to see!

Believe… in Holiday Magic is one of the best fireworks shows at Disneyland. The Castle itself adds to the holiday magic as it glows with icicles that dangle from snow-capped turrets and more than 80,000 twinkling lights. This nighttime fireworks show features Disneyland-themed Christmas music, breathtaking fireworks, and scented gingerbread snowfall in front of the castle.

This is my favorite Disneyland fireworks show to watch from directly in front of the castle!

Disneyland Halloween Screams Fireworks

Halloween Screams is the Halloween fireworks show at Disneyland that takes place from early September through October during the Halloween celebration.

This is one of Disneyland's best fireworks shows and includes Zero (the dog from Nightmare Before Christmas) flying over the castle! The fireworks show features soaring flames, projections of ghosts, classic Disney villains like Maleficent and Ursula plus a scene featuring the Haunted Mansion ghosts.

“Wondrous Journeys” Disney100 Fireworks Show

Wondrous Journeys ran in 2023 and then returned briefly in March-April of 2024. It is likely we will see this show return again in the future.

The Disneyland Resort was the heart of the Disney100 celebration which ran last year. A key element of the celebration was this new fireworks show that honors the 100 years of Walt Disney Animation with tributes to all 62 Disney animated films of the last 100 years.

Specifically, the fireworks show features “Encanto,” “Hercules,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Peter Pan,” “Frozen,” “Treasure Planet,” “Big Hero 6,” and “Moana.” The show will also have a flying Baymax figure that flies to the “Immortals” song from “Big Hero 6” and the Blue Fairy from “Pinocchio” flying to “When You Wish Upon a Star”. The show also features the original song “It’s Wondrous”.

Wondrous Journey Fireworks Review

I believe Wondrous Journeys is the best fireworks show that Disney has done in years. With perfect pacing that hits emotional highs and lows and fan-favorite songs throughout, Wondrous Journeys is a perfect way to cap off your day at Disneyland. The theme song packs an emotional punch and when matched with spectacular fireworks brought many members of our group to tears. My jaw literally dropped at moments as the show pulled together new and old moments from Disney Animation to create a quintessential Disney show that is reverential towards the past while also looking to the future. The show feels important and lives up to the Walt Disney Animation Studios body of work it honors.

We were watching from a spot on Main Street and were blown away by the clarity of the projection on the buildings along the street and the Disneyland castle. This is a show designed to be seen over and over again with new details hidden throughout the parks. There are specific details in the viewing areas on Main Street, the Rivers of America, and the Small World Mall. This is a show that I can't wait to come back to.

I was thrilled that I was able to be so positive about the show! When you run a site like this you are rooting for Disney to be successful and when they hit it out of the park it feels so good to see the success and remember why you love the parks so much in the first place. Congrats to the entire team that worked on the show!

Mickey's Mix Magic Fireworks

Mickey's Mix Magic will often run in-between peak seasons. This show runs on and off throughout the year.

This is a high energy fireworks show featuring projections and remixes of your favorite Disney songs from properties including Coco, the Haunted Mansion, Frozen, and the Jungle Book. Both a fireworks show and dance party, Mickey's Mix Magic is a ton of fun and will have you dancing to the beat.

This show has two versions–one with fireworks and one with just the projections. Typically, the projection only version of the show is reserved for slower weekday nights or nights when it is too windy for fireworks.

Disneyland 4th of July Fireworks

Only on the 4th of July will you be able to witness this truly patriotic show.

Expect a one-of-a-kind display honoring America the Beautiful! Watch as reds, whites, and blues explode in the blackened night sky along with some patriot tunes as Stars and Stripes flash across the majestic Castle.

Fireworks on New Year’s Eve at Disneyland

If you plan on spending New Year’s Eve at Disneyland, a must-see event to ring in the brand-new year is watching the fireworks at midnight.

Join in on the countdown to midnight and welcome the New Year at the Happiest Place on Earth! Because this is extra late for some Guests, be sure to take a break mid-day so that you are able to make it to midnight to see the fireworks. And the night does not end right at midnight since Disneyland stays open until 2am!

Disneyland Forever Fireworks

The Disneyland Forever fireworks first debuted with the Disneyland 60th anniversary and feature musical numbers from popular Disney films with projections throughout the park and special props on Main Street USA. The show features music from Mary Poppins, Tangled, Winnie the Pooh, Lion King, Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, and Frozen. With a touching opening and closing song, this is a great fireworks show.

We have seen this show return periodically although it hasn't been seen in awhile.

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