I've spent many a night at Walt Disney World without a Park Ticket, that doesn't mean that I've missed out on the fun and beauty of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks. Recently I stopped by the beach at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, to relax and enjoy the view.
The white sand beaches of the Seven Seas Lagoon lend a seaside feeling to the inland waterway. While the Disney beaches have gone through changes in recent years, the strands of sand still offer visitors an opportunity to dig their toes in and enjoy a some time in the sun. At Disney's Polynesian Village Resort double row of adirondack chairs can be found nestled in the sand near the resort's lava pool. The spot is picture perfect during the day, offering views of the Magic Kingdom fleet sailing along sparkling water.
This is also a really lovely location to catch sunset, and it's not unusual for families to hang out on the beach between sunset and the shows. Several times a week the fire pit is open and early in the evening guests can roast marshmallows, and buy kits to make s'mores. Several yards down the beach you'll also find a volleyball net set up for fun.
If you want to secure on of the chairs you will need to arrive early. Otherwise there is plenty of sand, and a boarder of medium sized lava rocks you can sit on for a great view. I foolishly thought 30 minutes before the fireworks would be enough, and ended up sitting on the last available lava rock in the border.
At 9:00 PM guests at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort beach are entertained by the Walt Disney World Electrical Water Pageant. This original Disney light show is a train of barges that glides across the lagoon sporting colorful animated lights that dance in time to electro-synth music. The tech here is pretty simple, but it conveys the same spirit of whimsical fun that the vacation kingdom was created with in the beginning. As a bonus the Electrical Water Pageant passes closer to shore at the Polynesian than anywhere else, making this a premium view.
Next up on the schedule is the beautiful Magic Kingdom Fireworks display. Not only do guests in this location get to see the pyrotechnics, but the audio soundtrack of the show is played through speakers on the beach. Happily Ever After is the current show standard with 18-minutes of more fireworks, lights, lasers and special effects than any other fireworks spectacular in the history of Magic Kingdom. However on select nights guests can also catch special seasonal shows that accompany the 4th of July celebrations, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
For the most part, guests can catch the show nightly. Obviously though, as an outdoor show it is subject to change and cancellation in case of inclement weather or hazardous conditions. Showtime is usually around 9:15 PM, but is subject to change based on operational needs. Be sure to check the times guide on the MyDisneyExperience app for the most up to date information.
It may seem like across the lagoon is a fair distance away to watch the fireworks from. Be assured though, those who pay attention will even be able to see Tinker Bell make her flight from this beach viewing area.
One last note, the 4th of July Display has become problematic from this location, and guests may be asked to produce proof that they are staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort to access this area. However for the majority of the year this is the perfect place to watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks, without having a park ticket.
Where is your favorite spot to watch Happily Ever After outside of the Magic Kingdom? Leave a comment and let me know!
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