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Wishes

Image © Disney

As you would expect with the fireworks display at Magic Kingdom, there are a multitude of options for Wishes. The choices depend upon the type of view you want to have. The key concern here is that getting close to Cinderella Castle doesn’t have the perfect view you’d expect. Due to the implementation of forced perspective, you’ll quickly discover that many of the fireworks are not visible to people standing close to Cinderella Castle.

Ordinarily, I would recommend Crystal Palace as a ground location inside the park. The area surrounding Casey’s Corner and it provides a wonderful view of everything. Unfortunately, Magic Kingdom is currently undergoing renovations in this area, so many highlights of the event are blocked from sight.

Instead, you should either head to the very front or very back of the park. The area surrounding Beast’s Castle offers a shockingly good view of the fireworks, which is a tribute to the foresight of Disney Imagineers. You can enjoy Wishes without having to jostle with strangers for optimal positioning. The con here, a significant one, is that once the show ends, you’re last in line to exit. My suggestion is that you stay and enjoy a few rides if at all possible. The lines should be short, and you’ll still wind up exiting the park at around the same time since transportation lines are crazy-long after Wishes. If you’d rather go an entirely different way, plan to get seats near the Train Station at the front of the park. While seating is limited here, the view is fairly good. Plus, the moment Wishes ends, you’ll be only steps away the exit, which saves you a tremendous amount of time. You also avoid the throng of tired, cranky people grudgingly departing the Happiest Place on Earth.

FastPass+ is also an option at Magic Kingdom, and it has one key advantage over the other parks. There’s no tier system, so you don’t have to choose Wishes over any specific ride. That’s also the downside, though. By adding a Wishes FastPass, you’re guaranteeing that you’ll have to wait in line for every other attraction but two. The reason is that you can only additional FastPass+ selections after you’ve used all of them, something that won’t be possible until after Wishes ends. So, I’ve always ceded the Wishes FastPass, but a lot of people swear by this method. If you’re going to do it, the same suggestion above applies. Try to get three other FastPass+ selections before noon. Then, add Wishes once you’ve finished all of them.

There are other options that also merit consideration if you want to enjoy the show from different points of view. The Top of the World Lounge is an option for Disney Vacation Club members. Simply head to Bay Lake Tower and show your membership card on the bottom floor. You’ll ride an exclusive elevator up to the top floor, where the only things there are an elegant indoor bar and accompanying overlook. As long as you arrive 15 minutes early, you should have a “front row” view from approximately 150 feet above the show. If you’re not a DVC member, the same option is available for guests dining at California Grill. This restaurant at the top of Contemporary Resort has an Observation Deck. Even if you eat long before Wishes, simply hold on to your receipt. You’ll have the ability to return when it’s time for the event.

The other two options are both more upscale, at least in theory. The beach area at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers a stunning view of the fireworks. Plus, it’s a more intimate setting to enjoy the show with a loved one. Technically, you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy this view, but most people either choose to eat at a restaurant onsite, enjoy the festivities at Spirit of Aloha, or at least purchase an adult beverage in exchange for enjoying the beach view.

The final upsell is the Wishes Dessert Party, which recently doubled in price to $49 per adult. This view from the Tomorrowland Terrace is somehow secluded yet perfect for a viewing of Cinderella Castle as well as the fireworks. Presumably, that’s why Disney roped off the area and started charging guests to watch from there. On the plus side, if the cost doesn’t dissuade you, the desserts are by all accounts awesome, even by Disney’s lofty standards. Also, there’s a sparkling cider toast during the event. If money is no object, this is probably the best option for Wishes.

 
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Comments

And don't forget the restaurant at the Four Seasons in Golden Oaks. Fantastic views of wishes from their terrace bar. Dinner service stops during the show. Expensive, but well worthit.

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