Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a memorable place to stay. The monorail goes right through this classic hotel that’s located between two beautiful lakes: the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. With a location so close to Magic Kingdom, many are curious about the views from the resort. Can you see fireworks from the Contemporary? Yes, and there are firework view rooms at both Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the adjoining Disney Vacation Club property Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Let’s discuss the different view options from rooms, views from restaurants and the various places you can see fireworks from around this original Walt Disney World resort property.
Where Can You See Fireworks at the Contemporary Resort?
Visitors can see fireworks from a few different spots around the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower. The two buildings are joined by a sky bridge and share many amenities. We’re highlighting the best firework viewing spots around the property as a whole. There are also some spots that aren’t as good as you might think. Many places around Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary play the music that accompanies the show, making prime viewing spots with full experiences.
Best Firework Viewing Spots at Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower
Contemporary Resort Sky Bridge to Bay Lake Tower Firework View
The sky bridge between Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower is a windy and wonderful viewing spot. There’s often a nice breeze on this four story tall walkway the overlooks Magic Kingdom and Bay Lake. You can hear the music from this location and there usually aren’t many people watching from here.
Can you see fireworks from the Contemporary? Yes! This is the view from the sky bridge to Bay Lake Tower.
Contemporary Resort Firework Viewing Deck
We can’t say this about too many resorts but there is actually a designated Contemporary resort firework viewing area! This stories high, outdoor space is right next to where the monorails enter and exit the main building. You can hear the firework show music here, and, there is seating! There are quite a few seats directly facing Magic Kingdom and some benches a little further back. There’s plenty of room to stand.
To access this space, head to the Grand Canyon Concourse which is the fourth floor of the main Contemporary building. Then you’ll head in the opposite direction of Chef Mickey’s, toward the Bay Lake Tower side of the property. Use one of the doors to exit on to the large balcony. This is it! You do not need a reservation or anything fancy to view the fireworks from here. You don’t even need a room key or magic band. If you’re dining somewhere at the resort, this is a great spot to go when it’s time for the nighttime show.
Contemporary Resort firework viewing area outside on the fourth floor. Nighttime view of Happily Ever After above, daytime view of Magic Kingdom below.
On regular nights, this isn’t a busy spot. It is possible to see the big fireworks over Tomorrowland and smaller pyrotechnics over Cinderella Castle. However, you may have an obstructed view depending on where you’re standing in this space. To see both, you’ll need to be close to the seating nearest Magic Kingdom. You can absolutely see the big fireworks from this entire platform area. You’ll just need to dance around the monorail beams until you find a spot where you like the view from.
From this area, it’s also possible to access the outdoor stairwells that have a place to stand on each floor of the Contemporary. The higher up you go, the less the monorail beam can be in your way, making for a better overhead view of all of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks.
California Grill Has Amazing Firework Views
Not only does the top floor restaurant on the main building have great views from inside, there are outdoor observation decks! When the show starts, the music is played inside the restaurant and outside on these special viewing platforms. If you’re dining at California Grill early in the night, save your receipt and you can access the observation deck when it’s time for the fireworks.
Many tables can see the fireworks right from their seat. If you can’t, there are two outdoor decks you can choose from. The one nearest Magic Kingdom has the best views of fireworks at that park. The one on the opposite side has some pretty fantastic views of special event fireworks. Typically during these shows, like the fireworks at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, fireworks take off from different places. The bar at California Grill also has some lovely firework views as it sits right in the middle of the restaurant. Pro tip: If you’re able, try to catch the sunset from here too. It’s really something!
Getting a reservation around the time of the fireworks at California Grill can be a challenge. You have a bit of an advantage as a resort guest. As a resort guest you can, “Make reservations for your entire length of stay (for up to a 10-night stay) up to 60 days in advance of your arrival!” Disney aims to ease planning by letting those staying at resorts make reservations for many days on their stay at once. This way you won’t have to check back each day. Everyone else can book 60 days in advance. Disney says reservations become available around 6:00 a.m. each day.
Fireworks From Top of the World Lounge
Disney Vacation Club Members know the Top of the World Lounge provides some of the best firework views you can find. From high above Magic Kingdom on the sixteenth floor of Bay Lake Tower, guests are amazed by Happily Ever After and the like. The bar at Top of the World Lounge has an incredible monorail art installation that guests love. There’s also a small plates menu with a layer cake you’ll not soon forget.
The rules for entry have changed over time. Currently, only Members who have access to all Membership Extras can visit this exclusive spot. That means if you purchase a Disney Vacation Club resale contract, that alone will not grant you access to Top of The World Lounge.
Can you see fireworks from the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower Theme Park View Rooms?
Room views are a tricky thing but Disney is great about classifying rooms in a way that pleases guests. If your room has a Theme Park View, you will be able to see Magic Kingdom and should have an excellent view of the fireworks. I wouldn’t risk it if it matters to you but it’s sometimes possible to see part of the park from other view types as well. Remember only half of the Contemporary and half of Bay Lake Tower face Magic Kingdom so many of the rooms will have a different view.
Fireworks from the Front of Bay Lake Tower
It is possible to see fireworks from the front of Bay Lake Tower but I wouldn’t plan to watch from here. It’s a decent spot if you happen to be there, the music is played and there aren’t many people particularly watching from this spot. That’s probably because there are better spots at this resort to watch from.
Fireworks from in between Bay Lake Tower and Contemporary
You can also see fireworks from the ground in between Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary. Again, not a prime viewing spot to plan for but usually very quiet in terms of other people. You may be the only ones watching from this spot if you choose it. You can definitely see the big fireworks! The castle pyrotechnics may be blocked by surrounding trees.
More to Love at Bay Lake Tower and Other DVC Resorts
We also have a Bay Lake Tower dining guide that shares everything you need to know about restaurants at this resort.
There are many hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World Resort.
If you are wondering if you can see fireworks from Wilderness Lodge and the best viewing spots, we’ve got the answers for you.
The fireworks from the Polynesian are a real treat.
For a view over water, the fireworks from the Grand Floridian are also very lovely.
DVC Resale Experts Makes Magic
Can you see fireworks from the Contemporary resort or Bay Lake Tower? If you want to enjoy many firework filled nights, maybe you should consider joining Disney Vacation Club. The Disney timeshare has many different home resorts to choose from, one of which is Bay Lake Tower, located right next to Magic Kingdom.
It’s possible to save thousands buying a resale Disney Vacation Club contract instead of buying direct from Disney. The licensed real estate agents at DVC Resale Experts are former Disney Vacation Club Guides with decades of experience selling DVC. You can expect pixie dusted service from first contact to closing the contract. Take a look at current resale DVC listings for current pricing and availability. If you don’t see your dream contract, you’re welcome to join the DVC Resale Experts Wish List. Then you’ll be contacted when the right contract magically appears on the market.
