If we don't buy tickets for a park is there somewhere else that we would be able to see the fireworks?

I believe you can watch Illuminations from the pathway between Epcot and The Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.

Hello blazeko

Are you referring to DisneyWorld in Orlando or Disneyland in Anaheim?

And if DisneyWorld, do you mean the fireworks show at Magic Kingdom or Epcot?

Sorry, I pressed post too quickly.

If you are interested in the Magic Kingdom fireworks, you can see them from many of the nearby hotels.

However, for a special occasion, try the California Grill for dinner at the Contemporary Resort. You have a lovely dinner, and then when the fireworks begin, they lower the lights and you watch from your table. Lovely!

The Epcot fireworks can also be seen from areas such as the Beach Club/Yacht Club or Downtown Disney.

Have fun!

They really aren't the same without the music.

As I recall, they do play the music (softly) at the California Grill.

And they pipe in the soundtrack from the fireworks along the beach at the Polynesian Resort, too -- which is another wonderful spot to sit and watch Wishes at the Magic Kingdom.

From the Contemporary, there is a deck (on the 4th floor, I believe, where the shops are located) that you can step out onto and watch the show (again, with music).

I've watched the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach at the Poly and the Epcot fireworks from the beach by the Beach Club. It was fine because I'd already seen them frpm within the parks. However, I personally don't think it would be worth it to drive from elsewhere in Orlando, park the car and walk through a resort to the beach to see the fireworks from a distance.

Hm, I see what you're saying missypie, but I don't know if I agree outright. There's so much to WDW that it's possible to have an amazing day (or even just a few hours) without going into a single theme park.

We've done this before on several occassions (and we have Annual Passes):

Have breakfast at one of the resorts (usually at Boatrights at Port Orleans Riverside -- yummy!).

Take the boat over to Downtown Disney. Do our shopping, catch a snack or lunch.

Bus over to the Magic Kingdom, but then immediately hop on a monorail to either the Contemporary or the Polynesian. Plenty of places to shop, stroll & eat there.

Then, we end the night on the beach or at the Contemporary catching the fireworks!

blazeco: Can you provide a bit more information about what you're trying to accomplish (how much time you have, etc.)?

thepeters, I agree. You can eat a great meal on the boardwalk, rent a surrey and end with the Epcot fireworks. Or you could eat at Ohana or Kona cafe, ride the boat to and from the MK from the Poly or walk on the beach and end with the MK fireworks. But I still think that if you make a special trip from elsewhere in Orlando JUST for the fireworks from a remote location, you might not feel it was worth the trouble.

Many tables at Narcoosie's at the Grand Floridian have an excellent view of the fireworks at the Magic Kingcom.

@missypie: Sounds like we're actually on the same page. I assumed the OP was looking to spend a good chunk of time around Disney (and end the night with fireworks), but who knows! Hopefully they'll come back and clarify!

I agree with other posters who said the top of the Contemporary Hotel/ California Grill. Actually, to be allowed on the elevator you need to tell the attendant you are going up for a drink or dinner, not for a "look around". If you're allowed up you don't have to get the drink or dinner. Just go outside on the catwalk. The view is spectacular.

Isn't there also another lounge area or balcony in the Contemp where they pipe in the music and you can see the fireworks?

I've watched Wishes from the 4th floor observation deck (the floor that has all the shops/restaurants).

There's an outdoor concrete enclosed slab that extends from that level, and it's actually a very good spot to watch the fireworks from (music includeded). Is that what you're thinking of?

That's it!

Cool. I'd say that's about the closest and best view you can get without being in the park.

our family are staying in the POP century! And where in the POP Century to see the Illumnations in Epcot!

I think you can see some of the higher shots from third floor balconies of the 80's and 90's buildings -- but I would not make it a point to try and watch from there, as you wouldn't be able to see much, and there'd be no music, etc.

Your best bet would be to go to Epcot and watch up-close!

thank you for the info! I can't wait to go to Disney World