Magical Quests Blog

Tag: travel

What’s on Tap? Early 2026 Fun at Walt Disney World
Over the last couple of years, the Disney Parks have announced exciting refurbishments and re-imaginings of a few fan-favorite attractions, and guests will get to experience these updated rides in 2026. This will be a great year to take advantage of discounts and perks offered for Disney Resort stays, and experience the magic of Walt Disney World. Check out what’s on tap for the first half of 2026 at the Florida theme parks!

Winter 2026

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts kicks off January 16 and runs through February 23, 2026, and this is easily my favorite festival offered at this park. From the Disney on Broadway series to the paint-by-numbers mural, there feels like there is more entertainment and activities at this festival than any other. I particularly enjoyed searching for characters painted on the World Showcase pavilion buildings and the chalk art illusions.

Frozen Ever After Reopens with NEW Anna and Elsa animatronics in February 2026 (closure date set for January 26, 2026). Though this ride is fairly new, these animatronics desperately needed to be upgraded to the newest generation. The projection-mapping for the faces of the sisters was mildly creepy at best, and I am glad to see this update to keep Walt Disney World in line with the caliber at the international parks.

Kids Eat Free all year round with a purchase of the Disney Dining Plan for the adults on your resort package. This is a fantastic deal for families and can help you budget for your trip and save money on food and drink expenses at the same time. Check out the specifics on this awesome person here: Kids Eat Free in 2026

Disney is offering a ton of savings for the winter and spring months already, and these discounts can be combined with the Free Kids Dining Plan mentioned above. Guests can save up to 25% on resort room bookings and Disney+ subscribers can take advantage of a special discounted ticket offer through May 22, 2026. More information on these awesome discounts can be found here: Walt Disney World Deals – Winter/Spring 2026.

Spring 2026

Hold onto your hats and get ready for the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom will reopen after a lengthy refurbishment in the springtime and I couldn’t be more excited! After closing back on January 6, 2025, Big Thunder has been undergoing its most comprehensive refurbishment since it opened in 1980, including the laying of new track. Disney has dropped a couple of teasers about thematic upgrades, and I am looking forward to potential upgrades in the cavern scene. While the exact date hasn’t been released yet, we can hope that this ride will be open again before Memorial Day. Read more about this refurbishment at New Magic at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Also rejoining the lineup at Magic Kingdom this spring is Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – complete with upgraded hand-held blasters, interactive targets, and even a new character named Buddy, in your mission to defeat Zurg! The ride vehicles are also being replaced to include a fresh design and new scoring technology. ADD MORE. Space Ranger Spin Updates: Take Aim with All-New Features

Perhaps the premiere event of the springtime at Walt Disney World is EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival, which returns in March 4, 2026 and runs until June 1. The Disney horticulture team completely transforms this park into a festival of bountiful blossoms, with different flora featured in the early spring, mid spring, and late spring. From the floating gardens to the culinary offerings at the Outdoor Kitchens, this festival is easily the most beautiful time to visit EPCOT. Read about a few of my favorite things at EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival here!

Summer 2026

Cool off on arrival day by taking advantage of the Free Water Park Day Perk! Beginning summer 2026, all guests staying at a Walt Disney Resort receive free admission to one of the two Disney Water Parks. During the summer months, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are open, and this is a great way to start your Disney vacation off with a splash! Read more about these two fun parks here: Magical Quests – Walt Disney World Water Parks Note: Blizzard Beach is currently closed for annual refurbishment but both parks will be open when this perk becomes available summer 2026.

After a successful first run, Cool Kid Summer Returns with more kid-friendly entertainment and activities throughout the parks. The full lineup has not yet been announced, but last year kids and families got to bust a move at the GoofyCore dance party in EPCOT, collect limited edition Wilderness Explorers badges in Animal Kingdom, and play midway-style games in Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom.

Arriving on May 22, the same day as the much-anticipated The Mandalorian and Grogu movie premiere, the revamped story and controls for Millenium Falcon Smuggler’s Run bring Din Jarin and Din Grogu into the cockpit with you! In addition to changing-up the characters and mission, this (much needed) upgrade will also give the backseat Engineers a role in the action for the first time. Rather than button-mashing without a purpose, the Engineers will now get to take care of Grogu as the Pilots and Gunners control the trajectory and firepower of the Falcon. I started skipping this ride after being stuck in the Engineer seat many times, and I am looking forward to giving this another go next year.

Another thrill ride making a refurbished return in 2026 is Rock’N’Roller Coaster starring The Muppets and luckily, this is expected to be a fairly short closure. While the exact closing date is set for March 2, 2026 (last day to ride is March 1), the Aerosmith pre-show has already been removed, clearing the way for early work to begin on the new set design. The attraction is expected to reopen in the summertime, but I am anxiously awaiting one major detail – the new playlist! What songs will we be rockin’ out to in the Electric Mayhem version of the classic coaster? Only time will tell.

You can expect Disney to celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary in spectacular ways, starting with the new, limited-time run of Soarin’ Across the USA. Featuring brand new scenes and scents from sea to shining sea, this version of the nostalgic family attraction is sure to impress guests. I personally love both versions of Soarin’ (Around the World and Over California), and I have all the faith the World that Disney will do a fantastic job. This attraction is set to open on or around Memorial Day at Walt Disney World, and on July 2 at Disney’s California Adventure. (Check out my patriotic post about Celebrating America at Walt Disney World for more activities!)

Bluey and Bingo will Debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this summer! This character meet and greet has been a guest request for many years, and the girls are sure to draw the crowds. This character spot will be located at Conservation Station, and guests will need to ride the Wildlife Express out to the Rafiki’s Planet Watch area in order to meet everyone’s favorite Australian blue heelers. Many are speculating that this meet-and-greet will be moved to the reimagined Animation Courtyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the other Disney Jr. characters once it is ready for guests. Bluey and Bingo will also begin appearing at Disneyland and on Disney Cruise Line in 2026!

There is so much to look forward to in 2026 at Walt Disney World, from updated thrills to new character experiences, and this is just a sampling of what Disney will roll out over the next few years at the parks. With unprecedented discounts – hello, Free Dining Plan for Kids! – this is a great time to save on a magical Disney vacation for your whole family. Let’s start planning your next Magical Quest today!

References/Links

The Mandalorian and Grogu Coming to Smugglers Run

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: What to Expect

Bluey and Bingo at Disneyland, Disney World, and More

2025 Cool Kid Summer at Disney World: Surprises, Activities and More

New Magic Coming to Big Thunder Mountain at WDW

Space Ranger Spin Updates: Take Aim with All-New Features
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December 27, 2025
Experience Christmas Magic at Walt Disney World
The Christmas season is the most magical time of year to visit Walt Disney World, with the parks taking on an extra special feeling of wonder and joy to wrap up the year. The Holiday Services and Disney Horticulture Teams out-do themselves season after season, as the entire property transforms into Christmas Wonderland. Read on to discover a few fun ways to experience the holidays at Walt Disney World.

Immersive Holiday Park Décor

The parks are decked out for the holidays, and guests can enjoy themed decorations at each of the four parks. Unlike the Halloween Season, the Christmas Holidays extend to all four theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. Much like the resorts, each park and land within the park will be decorated in a way that reflects its vibe.

At Magic Kingdom, you’ll find classic Christmas décor with wreaths, garlands, candles on the lamp posts, and of course – the majestic tree in Town Square. Main Street U.S.A. gives off the perfect nostalgic feeling, and throughout the rest of the park you’ll find decorations themed to each land. This year, there are cute Dumbo lights on the lampposts in Storybook Circus, Colonial-themed wreaths in Liberty Square, and even a breakfast-themed wreath outside of Main Street Bakery (aka Starbucks).

As a bonus — Mickey’s Christmastime Parade, which is featured in Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, runs every day for regular day guests from December 22 – December 30. This allows guests who are visiting the parks over the Christmas holiday to catch this special parade after the party wraps up for the year.

Over at Hollywood Studios, you’ll travel back in time a bit to experience vintage Christmas, with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra tunes playing around Echo Lake and giant-sized versions of the classic Christmas toys and decorations from yesteryear. This year, Chewbacca will be wearing his Life Day outfit throughout the Christmas season for meet and greets for the first time! When it comes to holiday décor, Hollywood Studios is my favorite park by far (especially the floating ornaments on Echo Lake), and Jollywood Nights adds an extra flair to this theme park.

Even the animals get in on the festivities, as Animal Kingdom adds holiday touches to certain areas of the park. Within Discovery Island you’ll see lantern lights atop the merchandise locations and can say hello to the Merry Menagerie – a cute puppetry act that interacts with guests around the Tree of Life area.

One of my favorite areas in Animal Kingdom this time of year is in Asia, near the Flights of Wonder show, where the Diwali Lights are displayed. This is a small but beautiful representation of Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights that is usually celebrated in late October or November. I liked to grab a beverage at the Thirsty River Bar near Expedition Everest and stroll over to this area to relax and enjoy the pretty lanterns and mandala for a bit. There is also a fun musical act called Beats and Strings that performs in this area throughout the day, and their last couple of sets start in the evening under the lanterns.

In past years, Dinoland USA was decked out with lights, Christmas music, and a Santa meet-and-greet location. For Christmas 2025 you can still say hello to Santa in this area and get a few last-minute wishes in, but the majority of Dinoland USA is now closed in order to make way for Tropical Americas coming in 2027. Below are pictures from last year’s decorated Dinoland. (R.I.P.)

I could write an entire blog post about holiday activities and décor at EPCOT because there really is so much to do and see at this park around the Winter Holidays. With each country in the World Showcase highlighting how the holiday is celebrated in that region, there are unique decorations, foods, and even Santas throughout the park.

While the park itself is already decorated, the headlining activities officially kick off later in the month with EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays beginning on November 28 and running through December 30. In years past this event has featured Holiday Kitchens with seasonal specialties like Slow Roasted Turkey, Eggnog, Roasted Chestnuts, and more. The fan-favorite Holiday Cookie Stroll will also return with the Festival of the Holidays, and guests can use their festival passport guide to locate these unique cookie offerings throughout the park – and earn a special treat upon completion.

You’ll also find Santas and Storytellers located around the World Showcase, entertaining guests with Christmas tales from their region of the world. In Norway, meet Barn Santa to hear a unique Norwegian Christmas story and in China, catch the Chinese Lion Dancer celebrating good fortune for the upcoming Lunar New Year. Germany and Mexico both offer holiday music from their respective countries, and in America, pop in to hear the Voices of Liberty transform into the Dickens Carolers for the Christmas season.

One of the major events at EPCOT is the Candlelight Processional, taking place every night during the Festival from November 28 – December 30 in the America Gardens Theater. This telling of the biblical story of Christmas is highlighted by choirs and celebrity narrators that draw in guests for highly coveted seats and dining packages. Some of the stars to grace the stage this year are Jordan Fisher, Gary Sinese, Ashley Eckstein, and Henry Winkler! (Ayyy!) This event is free (unless you choose to purchase a dining package) and if you are willing to stand, you can avoid the long wait to enter the theater and simply hang out in the America Pavilion to listen to the show.

EPCOT Christmas Tree

Check out Christmas Décor at the WDW Resorts, too!

All of the Disney Collections resorts around property have a touch of Christmas added to their lobbies, with the deluxe resorts taking the festive fun to the next level. At the Magic Kingdom Resorts, you can view the stunning Gingerbread Houses baked to perfections by the Disney Culinary Team each year. These sculptures and houses take on a flair of the resort they’re located in – think along the lines of a modern-style castle at Contemporary, and a life-size gingerbread zebra head at Animal Kingdom Lodge. (Note: This year, there will not be a Gingerbread House display at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, due to the final stages of construction of the lobby bar and other resort renovations happening. Check out the new lobby bar, The Perch, open now!)

You’ll also find themed Christmas trees at the deluxe resorts, with a nautical flair at Yacht Club & Beach Clubs, and woodsy vibes at Wilderness Lodge. If you are taking a day off from the parks to relax and explore, visiting the different resorts and checking out the themed decorations is a fun, free activity.

Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll

This FREE activity is available at Disney Springs until December 30^th, and it’s a great way to explore the Springs and get into the Christmas spirit at the same time. You can use the Disney World app to find your way around, or pick up a tree stroll map at one of these six locations:
- City Works Eatery and Pour House
- Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers
- havaianas
- House of Blues Restaurant and Bar
- The LEGO Store
- The Polite Pig
This year, there are 18 trees and one Disney Destiny topiary scattered around Disney Springs, each with unique theming and some with special effects triggered by MagicBand+ sensors. After you’ve found all the trees, return to a map location to pick up your prize. (Yes, this free activity comes with a prize as well!)

Tasty Treats!

The Disney Parks never fail to incorporate a holiday into their entrees, snacks, and drinks, and Christmas time is no exception. One of the best places to find a plethora of themed snacks is at Disney Springs – try a North Pole Bar or Peppermint Bark Cheesecake at Amorette’s Patisserie or taste something savory at Jock Lindsay’s Holiday Hanager Bar (I’ve heard the NEW Turkey Egg Rolls are fantastic!). If you are looking for a sit-down meal on Christmas Day, Terralina Crafted Italian will have a special holiday menu (served on the 25^th only) that includes Four Cheese Truffle Gnocchi, Spiced Cinnamon and Nutmeg Cheesecake, and a White Christmas Sangria – yum!

Check out the full Disney Parks Blog Foodie Guide here, which includes treats offered inside the theme parks as well.

Christmas Party Special Events

Walt Disney World offers two “hard ticket” party events during the Holiday season – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Both of these events include special characters, entertainment, and foods only offered during the party itself. At MVMCP, guests will enjoy a special presentation of Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks as well as the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, which features unique characters and floats only available during the holidays. To top it all off — the “snoap” on Main Street U.S.A. truly brings the Christmas magic to life!

Over at Jollywood Nights, guests can dance the night away at the Tip-Top Club in the Tower of Terror Courtyard, sing along with Jack Skellington at the Nightmare Before Christmas Sing Along, and celebrate the season with our favorite Muppets at the Theater of the Stars, Disney Holidays show. While guests of all ages are welcome at this event, Jollywood Nights does lean more towards the teens/adults age group.

As of today (November 15, 2025) most dates are still available for Jollywood Nights, but all but two dates are sold out for MVMCP. At Magic Kingdom, guests can still purchase tickets for the parties on December 16^th and 18^th. Tickets for MVMCP are priced at $219 per person plus tax for guests ages 10 and up, and a slight savings of $10 for guests under the age of 10. Jollywood Nights tickets start at $159 per person, and range up to $199 per person. There is no discount for children at Jollywood Nights. Whether or not these parties are worth the cost is a very subjective question – I personally love to experience the unique entertainment and characters at these events. (If you are to believe Rumplestiltskin from Once Upon a Time, “All magic comes with a price!”)

It’s the Most Magical Time of the Year

Celebrating the Christmas holidays at Walt Disney World is “next level” magic in my opinion. Having visited these parks many times over the years, during every time of the year, I can confidently say that the Christmas Season is unlike any other time to visit. With gorgeously themed decorations in every corner of the resort, festive parties at both Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, and even a touch of edutainment at the World Showcase in EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Looking to plan your magical, fairy tale Christmas vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort? Dates are already open for the 2026 season! Contact me to map out your Magical (Merry) Quest today!

Rock your Christmas park ‘fit

Reindeer Ears: https://amzn.to/449w63d

Mickey Snowflake T-shirt: https://amzn.to/49hW48a

Christmas Lights Necklace: https://amzn.to/4pcwtlD

References/Links

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Disney’s Jollywood Nights

Disney Parks Blog Foodie Guide here

Diwali | Indian Religious Holiday, Observances, & Facts | Britannica
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November 16, 2025
“Besides the Rides” – Fantasy and Fun for All at the Magic Kingdom
No trip to Walt Disney World is complete without a visit to the Magic Kingdom, and there is so much to do and see besides the rides at this classic park. Whether it’s meeting characters, seeing shows, or exploring the six magical lands, there is something for everyone, as you “enter a world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy.”

#5. Family-Friendly Rides for All Ages

As the most visited theme park in the world (with an average 17.7 MILLION guests per year), Magic Kingdom needs to appeal to all ages, heights, and personal preferences. Because of this, there are many attractions at this park that are suitable for babies, grandparents, expectant mothers, people who experience motion sickness, and more. Some classic attractions for all ages and low-to-no intensity are:

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover: This is my favorite slow/casual ride at Magic Kingdom, and it is a perfect way to relax for a bit as you take a tour through Tomorrowland. There are some darker portions of the track where you can’t see in front of you, so that is something to be aware of for young guests who may be afraid of the dark.

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WDW Railroad: This classic attraction also serves as a means of transportation around the park. Though currently only running to and from Fantasyland due to the multi-year construction of Villains Land behind Big Thunder Mountain, this is still an easy way to get from the back of the park to Main Street USA, or just casually enjoy a narrated train ride around the Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney himself loved trains and actually had his down large model train set in his yard for his personal enjoyment.

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress: This attraction was built for the 1964 World’s Fair and was moved to Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom in 1971. This is a 20-minute long “moving theater” attraction, that takes you through different decades in the United States, with a seasonal holiday highlighted for each turn of the room – think, Valentine’s Day in the Winter, Fourth of July in the Summer. Disney just announced at the 2025 D23 Fan Event that they will be adding a Walt Disney animatronic to this attraction, just as they have a new Walt animatronic out in Disneyland. In addition to the recently upgraded seats, this new technology will ensure this classic attraction keeps turning for years to come.

Here is a full list of “Any Height” Rides, which are suitable for babies, folks with mobility issues, and even service animals! (Yes, you read that correctly. Your service dog can join the 999 happy haunts at Haunted Mansion.)
- Astro Orbiter
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant
- Haunted Mansion
- “it’s a small world”
- Jungle Cruise
- Mad Tea Party
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin
- Main Street Vehicles
- Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Peter Pan’s Flight
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- Prince Charming Regal Carousel
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Under The Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
- Walt Disney World Railroad
- Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
#4. Parades, Cavalcades, and Daytime Entertainment

Getting to see your favorite characters is a highlight of any Disney vacation. Sometimes the queues for these fan favorites can get long, or maybe the timing of their sets doesn’t quite work out with your Lightning Lane plans or the park you’ll be at that day. Luckily, Magic Kingdom has a couple of opportunities to wave to your friends and maybe catch a perfectly timed selfie. Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade seems to get bigger and bigger each year, and now includes Toy Story friends, Miguel from Coco, and even Bruno from Encanto.

One of the best opportunities to see your favorite classic characters is during the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. This daily celebration of fantasy features characters atop massive, themed floats from movies like Tangled, Peter Pan, Princess and the Frog, and Sleeping Beauty – including a fire-breathing steampunk Maleficent dragon (my personal favorite). If you want a prime viewing location, it is worth arriving at the parade route at least 30 minutes before it begins, especially for bigger groups. The parade route itself begins in Frontierland next to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to make its way through the park to Main Street U.S.A.

Several times throughout the day, guests can catch Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire on the stage in front of Cinderella Caste. This cute musical show features hits from Tangled, Princess and the Frog, and more. Grab a snack from Casey’s Corner and secure a spot on the Hub grass for a midday picnic and a show. Since this happens multiple times throughout the day, guests can easily get a spot near the stage if you want to experience this show up-close.

Perhaps the most classic streetmosphere entertainment at Magic Kingdom is The Dapper Dans, a barbershop quartet. This group has been harmonizing on Main Street U.S.A. since the park opened in 1971 (and in Disneyland since 1955), and it is practically a Disney rite of passage to catch one for their performances throughout the day.

The Dapper Dans – an absolute must-see at Magic Kingdom

#3. (Air-Conditioned) 3-D and Interactive Shows

There are a few different shows at Magic Kingdom that are great for the whole family. In Fantasyland, guests can catch a 3-D musical starring many of your favorite characters at Mickey’s PhilarMagic. With classic tunes and even some recognizable scents, this is one of the best 3-D shows on property and is often overlooked because of how many attractions are at this park.

Over in Tomorrowland, guests can participate in a live comedy show, hosted by Mike Wizowski himself, at Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. This interactive experience is a fun way to catch some air conditioning and take a break from the sun. While waiting in line, guests can submit jokes to be told during the show. Once Mike grabs the mic, anyone could be called on to take part in the comedy. This is also a Treat Trail stop during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party with an on-going show happening, and it’s one of the best candy locations in my opinion.

Guests can meet princesses like Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella at Princess Fairytale Hall throughout the day, but a more unique character interaction can be found at Enchanted Tales with Belle. Over near Beast’s castle in Fantasyland, guests can experience a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story, with guests participating as characters in the story. After the show (which includes one of the best Imagineering effects in the park!), there is a meet and greet with Belle in her gold ballgown.

Other indoor shows for all ages offered at Magic Kingdom: Country Bear Jamboree, The Hall of Presidents, and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room.

#2. Explore!

A Pirates Adventure – Treasure of the Seven Seas: Available from 12pm – 6pm daily, this free scavenger hunt is fun and interactive way to explore Adventureland as part of Capt. Jack Sparrow’s crew! Solve puzzles and find hidden treasure as you quest through Adventureland. Make a whole pirate-themed afternoon of it and take a ride on the classic (family-friendly) Pirates of the Caribbean attraction before grabbing some provisions at the brand-new pirate-themed lounge, The Beak and Barrel. This treasure hunt is a TON of fun, and interacting with areas of Adventureland that I’ve walked right past before was a new-to-me experience that I will definitely try again.

In Fantasyland, young guests can seek out the Smellephants on Parade – cute elephant statues located throughout Storybook Circus each with their own themed scent. Grab a free guide from Big Top Souvenirs and use elephant stickers to track your progress. You’ll become an official Whiff-sistant as your discover the various scents “hidden” around this land.

For the Disney history nerds in your group, a slow stroll down Main Street U.S.A. (preferably with a sweet treat or iced coffee in hand) should be part of your plans for the day. Look up to see the windows dedicated to important figures in the Walt Disney Company, including a tribute to Frank Wells, President and COO of the Walt Disney Company from 1984 until his untimely passing in 1994.

#1. Nighttime Fireworks

A day at Magic Kingdom isn’t complete without topping it off with a nighttime fireworks spectacular. Offered nightly during the “regular” season and on non-party evenings during the Halloween and Christmas party seasons, Happily Ever After is the quintessential way to wrap up a magical day at Walt Disney World. With epic fireworks and jaw-dropping projections, this fireworks extravaganza ties together classic Disney stories and intertwines songs from our favorite nostalgic movies. (I am not sure who decided to mash up Mufasa’s voiceover from The Lion King with “Go the Distance” from Hercules but it makes me cry every time.)

The best view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from inside the park (whether you are viewing Happily Ever After or one of the party night special shows), is in the general area between the top of Main Street by Casey’s Corner and the Plaza Restaurant, and the Partners Statue. This allows you to see the wide shot of the fireworks over the castle and catch many of the projections on the buildings on Main Street as well. This area will be very busy and many guests will arrive over 30 minutes prior to the fireworks to secure a spot to stand.

I personally prefer to avoid the dense crowds and tend to watch the fireworks from Fantasyland behind the castle or, believe it or not, outside of the park altogether. The Magic Kingdom Resorts along the Monorail all offer amazing views of the fireworks, and most locations will pipe in the music of the show so you can follow along. Some fantastic viewing locations are: The balconies on the Contemporary Resort near the bridge to Bay Lake Tower; California Grill at Contemporary Resort; the pool or beach area of Polynesian Resort; any of the restaurants with water-facing windows at Grand Floridian Resort. It’s important to note that you will not see the projections clearly at either of these angles. If that is important to you, you must watch from the Hub/Main Street U.S.A.

BONUS: Catch the Electrical Water Pageant as it cruises through the Seven Seas Lagoon throughout the evening, starting at 8:35p.

With over 25 attractions in this park, it is easy to get caught up in zipping from one queue to the next and timing your Lightning Lanes just right. I have found that the more I visit the Magic Kingdom, the more I want to make time for activities “besides the rides.” If you or someone in your travel group wants to slow down and soak in the magic, let me be your guide, and we’ll plan the perfect trip for everyone in your travel party!
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September 1, 2025