FireGuide! -The Best Viewing Locations

For those who grew up watching Disney's Wonderful World of Color fireworks opening - then wondered why the real fireworks show came no where close - wonder no more! This show brilliantly exceeds expectations.

The average Disneyland visitor usually has one opportunity to see the show.  Many have no idea where to look in the sky. Others will errantly remember favorite viewing locations from previous visits and miss new key elements.

Only as the first shells burst over ToonTown do many realize they can't see the show and must move to a sometimes awkward place just to catch a glimpse. 

If this could be you, read on. These sections should give you some guidelines to finding the perfect place to complete your Disneyland evening.

Locations in front of the castle and down Main Street are optimal for first time fireworks viewers.  The natural framing provides excellent viewing of the show.

A show element that occurs at the end of the Tarzan "Two Worlds, One Family" is illustrated in the following photo sequence.

You may want to keep in mind that due to wind conditions, sometimes they will move the viewing area "safety line" back and forth from the front and back of the castle.  Keep this in mind, as you may select a close up viewing spot early, and then be asked to move.  Generally if you place yourself far enough away from the castle, you'll avoid having to be moved.

The "safety line" in front of the castle usually is at the giant compass point area just before the moat bridge - it can sometimes be moved back as far as the hub itself.

From behind - the back side of the Carousel usually is the closest you may get to it.  (Special thanks to Claude Cartee for this information.)

Fireworks begin moments after the end of the 9:00 pm performance of Fantasmic!

Prime river locations afford an excellent, unobstructed view of the show with great audio from Fantasmic's sound system.

Avoid the crowded rush out of New Orleans Square.  Just sit back and enjoy a Mint Julep under the stars.

Good views of the show can be found at the Town Square end of Main Street. You will only get a small glimpse of Tinkerbell as she flies over the castle.

Crowds are not nearly as heavy as near Sleeping Beauty's  castle. if you are leaving immediately afterward, this location allows quick exit ahead of the post-fireworks rush.

Should you elect this location, be sure to be slightly to the right, or "Opera House" side of the street to get a good view of the aerial shells.

With an unobstructed view of the fireworks, this upper balcony of Innoventions is a favorite viewing location for many.  The glow of the shells against the Matterhorn provides a unique backdrop to the show.

To reach this spot, go through Innoventions and upstairs to the exit.  Allow yourself enough time.  While the line into Innoventions is often short, the cast members may wait a few doors before allowing entry.

A downside - you wont get the same framing the show designers intended.  Here, the fireworks over the castle are visibly remote from the main launch area behind Toontown.

This star-shaped pattern above is one of several special shells found in the show.  Look for a heart-shaped shell early, watch for a hidden Mickey collection later in the finale.

Truly up-close views can be found at Small World Mall.  While the viewing angle is nearly straight-up, hearing and seeing the shells explode all around is an intense experience.

A downside - the castle fireworks can barely be seen over the trees behind you.  Make sure you look to the Matterhorn for Tinkerbell after the first finale.

The Small World Mall is toward the rear of the park.  Toontown shuts down before the show and reopens afterward, hours permitting.

A good "front-row" view of the fireworks can be found in Fantasyland.  The shells tend to be slightly obstructed on the bottom by the trees and attractions bordering Fantasyland Theatre and ToonTown.

 

It is important to avoid the area around the Carrousel, as the view is obstructed by the canopy.

The photo at the top of this page is directly behind this view.  Remember, the Castle pyros occur at the end of the Tarzan "Two Worlds One Family" sequence.

Tinker bell's Flight

Tink takes flight over the castle. Take a look at this high-flying nightly act

Outside the berm

Over at the hotel or just driving by. Here are some views from outside the berm

Showtimes

The latest times for the fireworks show are found on the HOURS page

The music playlist

Introduction (Boy)

Magic in the Stars (Main Theme)

A Whole New World (Aladdin)

You‚ll Be in My Heart (Tarzan)

Magic in the Stars (Fun Lyric)

Step in Time (Mary Poppins) / Topsy Turvy (Hunchback of Notre Dame)

The Un-Birthday Song (Alice in Wonderland)

Under the Sea (The Little Mermaid)

Magic in the Stars (Menacing Lyric) 

Two Worlds (Tarzan) / Hellfire (Hunchback of Notre Dame)

[Castle Fireworks]

Magic in the Stars (Hopeful Lyric)

When You Wish Upon a Star

[First act finale]

When You Wish Upon a Star (Reprise)

[Tinker bell flyover]

Magic in the Stars /
When You Wish Upon a Star (Medley)

Running time: 10 minutes

A CD with the music is now available through MouseShoppe

The Camera

I use the Sony TRV-900, a 3-CCD Digital Video camcorder

Most images were taken using Progressive Scan with a 1/4 or 1/8 second shutter speed, and set on manual focus

Final Images were captured in a post editing process. Images required modest adjustment in PhotoShop before size reduction and conversion to a JPEG file

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