The Wishes Nighttime Spectacular at Magic Kingdom is the grand finale to any special day in the park. Unfortunately, an unobstructed view of the show isn’t possible without a Fastpass+ reservation or camping out for hours in front of Cinderella’s castle—or is it? Believe it or not, there are many completely unique ways to watch Wishes that are nowhere near the castle. In fact, some of them aren’t in the Magic Kingdom at all.
1. Swiss Family Treehouse
Many people consider the Swiss Family Treehouse a sort of ho-hum attraction, but try walking through it at night. There’s something quite peaceful and serene about seeing the Magic Kingdom at night from this vantage point. In fact, if you time it just right, there are many spots up here that make excellent viewing areas for the fireworks. It’s not a very crowded attraction, so you probably won’t have much trouble finding a clear shot of the castle. You won’t get a seat, but the view is well worth the time you spend standing.
2. Polynesian Village Resort Beach
The Polynesian Resort is a favorite for many Disney fans. It has gorgeous theming, delicious food, and even its own beach. To escape the hustle and bustle of the Magic Kingdom during fireworks time, hop on the monorail and head over to the Polynesian Village Resort. If you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation, you can enjoy a delicious meal at ‘Ohana or Kona Café before you head out to the beach area for a break. Relax in one of the lounge chairs provided and dig your toes in the sand for a while as you watch the fireworks show from afar. This is truly one of the most peaceful ways to catch Wishes. It’s a great spot for families, but it’s also really romantic for couples.
3. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
This is my family’s favorite viewing point for Wishes. Though this attraction normally has a long wait, it’s usually walk-on (or close to it) during the fireworks show. Just before Wishes starts, head over to the queue line. With any luck, you’ll walk through in just a few minutes and hop on the train just in time to catch the fireworks. You won’t see the whole show this way, but there’s nothing quite like rolling down Big Thunder Mountain while the fireworks finale booms above you. The energy from the other guests is catching, which makes it our one “must do” for any Disney World trip.
4. Astro Orbiter
Astro Orbiter is another Disney attraction that doesn’t command a lot of guests’ attention. The ride is a bit basic, but its height makes it a prime spot for the fireworks show. You’ll get an excellent view of most of the Magic Kingdom this way, and you’ll have no problem seeing Wishes. Kids especially love this ride; it’s a great pick if you have little ones who are too small for Big Thunder Mountain, too.
5. Seven Seas Lagoon
There are several ways to watch Wishes from the water surrounding the Magic Kingdom. You can hop on the ferryboat that runs from the Magic Kingdom to the Transportation and Ticket Center. Climb up on the top deck for the best view. Sometimes the captain will let the engine idle so you can hear the show more easily.
You can also catch a boat from the Magic Kingdom to the Wilderness Lodge, Ft. Wilderness, Grand Floridian, or Polynesian Resorts. You should be able to get a good view of the show from any of these cruisers. If you ask nicely and other guests on your boat agree, your driver may stop the boat for a few minutes so you can soak in the whole Wishes show.
Of course, if you’d really like to see Wishes in its entirety, you may want to rent a pontoon boat. Disney offers rentals at the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Polynesian, and Fort Wilderness marinas. You can stop the boat in the Seven Seas Lagoon, where you’ll have a picturesque view of Cinderella’s castle. Take in the show at your leisure before heading back to your hotel or spending a little more time out on the water.
6. The Monorail
Another peaceful location for viewing the show is the Monorail. Since it’s rarely crowded during Wishes, you’ll have no trouble finding a good seat or viewing spot. You can ride the loop from the Magic Kingdom to the Transportation and Ticket Center or from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Epcot or any of the monorail resorts. You can head back to the Magic Kingdom for your car or to catch a bus back to your resort when Wishes is over.
The Wishes fireworks show is meant to be peaceful and fun. Don’t let rude guests and heavy crowds get in your way of enjoying the show. Instead of staking out a spot hours in advance, take a more low-key approach on your next trip and watch from one of these unique vantage points instead. You may not get the same view as usual, but you’re guaranteed to make new memories that will stay with you for years. You might even find your new favorite Disney World tradition.
