A guide to fireworks at Disneyland

Disneyland’s fireworks are a spectacular way to end your night in the happiest place on earth. There’s nothing quite like seeing Tinkerbell flying through the sky and dusting the air with her pixie dust.

Read on for an overview of Disneyland’s fireworks shows, where to see them, and how to stake out a great spot on your next visit!

Fireworks Shows at Disneyland

The nightly fireworks are an incredible sight to behold. Photo by Jaysen White

disneyland forever (duration 14 minutes, show on weekends at 9:30 p.m.)

Disneyland Forever fireworks debuted as part of the 60th anniversary. This show encompasses Walt’s vision and dream of Disneyland. It features classic tunes from some of the most beloved movies, like Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Lion King, Frozen, and more. The combination of dazzling pyrotechnics and stunning visual projections make this show unforgettable.

Disneyland Forever will end on September 1, 2022.

Mickey’s Mixing Magic (duration of 10 minutes, some show nights at 9:30 p.m.)

“It’s a party and you’re all invited!” Mickey and Minnie are our hosts for this family dance party. Mickey’s Mix Magic has colorful kaleidoscope projections and laser neon lights turning Disneyland into a dance floor. On some nights, add some pyrotechnics to the mix and this show is sure to blow your mind!

expect to hear them hit Disney songs with a techno-pop twist by DJ Mickey Mouse.

  • “It’s a good time”
  • “I want to be like you”
  • “Everybody wants to be a cat”
  • “Friend Like Me”
  • “Sinister, Grinning Ghosts”
  • “A poco loco”
  • “Let it go”

Halloween screams (duration of 10 minutes, some evenings at 9:30 p.m.)

The Halloween season begins with a cackle and a screech in Halloween Screams, the festive “spook-tackle” hosted by Pumpkin King Jack Skellington. In Halloween Screams, you’ll see Zero the ghost dog floating in the night sky instead of Tinkerbell.

Halloween time at the Disneyland Resort begins September 2, 2022 and ends October 31, 2022. Fireworks are only on weekend evenings.

Check Disneyland Entertainment schedule for more information.

Believe… in the magic of the holidays (15 minutes, some evenings at 9:30 p.m.)

“Does your heart have holiday magic”? If so, oh boy, does Disneyland have a show for you! From November 11, 2022 through January 8, 2023, “Believe…In Holiday Magic” will captivate audiences with its nostalgic soundtrack, twinkling lights, and joyful projections that will whisk you away into the holiday season. Stand on Main Street USA or in front of “it’s a small world” Holiday for a magical snowfall experience.

Special event fireworks

I had the privilege of attending three special fireworks: new year’s evewhere there is a countdown to midnight with fireworks; star wars day (May 4), where you’ll hear iconic music and see projections of memorable Star Wars scenes; and the stars Fourth of July hi america. Each show is organized especially for the occasion with music and projections to accompany the theme of the celebration.

Where to watch the fireworks at Disneyland

Fireworks go off behind Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland

Photo by Jaysen White

Disneyland has several viewing locations to admire the fireworks! Here are some places to consider when selecting your location.

Main Street

Main Street USA between Central Plaza and Main Street Station is the best place for screenings and snoaps! Grab a hot chocolate at Jolly Holiday and sit down on the street. This place tends to fill up quickly, so get there early. When I look at Main Street, I like to stand in front of the partner statue for a memorable view.

Sleeping Beauty Castle

What could be more emblematic than Sleeping Beauty’s Castle as a backdrop? For a truly magical spot, you can choose to look past Aurora’s pink and blue castle. Depending on the show and where you are, you’ll see Tinkerbell flying, Nemo swimming, or Zero floating in the sky. On the right side you will see projections on the Matterhorn. It is best to arrive several hours in advance for this unforgettable experience.

rivers of america

If you’re watching Fantasmic, stay where you are. You can watch the fireworks along America’s Rivers at Frontierland. The projections will take place on the fog screens and on the Fantasmic stage. This is a great “last minute” spot to see the fireworks.

“The world is small”

One of the less crowded places to see the fireworks is in front of “It’s a Small World.” The projections on the facade of the attraction are simply stunning – you won’t believe your eyes. Some of the fireworks are launched behind Toontown so when you watch the fireworks from this location they will look amazing and be up close!

Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace

How about a dinner with a view? At the Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace, for $60 per person, you can enjoy the twinkling lights of Tomorrowland. On some nights, fireworks will light up the night sky! For this experience, you must have valid park tickets, a park reservation for that day, and Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace reservations.

Batuu

Shhh, don’t tell anyone… This location isn’t mentioned on the Disneyland website, but locals and die-hard fans know the best way to see the fireworks is from a galaxy far, far away. . It’s true: You can see the fireworks in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. Unfortunately you won’t hear the soundtrack of the show as you are light years away, but you will have a breathtaking view!

How to find the best place

Guests watch fireworks behind Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland

Photo by Jaysen White

Finding the best location for the fireworks depends on how much time you’re willing to spend occupying the location before the show. For the return of Disneyland Forever, I came to the park with my friend. We started waiting in the designated area in front of the castle at 4:00 p.m. for the 9:30 p.m. show. The place was amazing, and it was great that we met to secure the place. I would highly recommend staking a spot with a partner.

If you’re not picky about where you watch the show, sneak back just before showtime from any location. You’ll still see the show, experience it with everyone, and you could save yourself hours of waiting.

Wherever you decide to look, be aware of your surroundings and listen to instructions from cast members. At some locations, you will be asked to get up approximately 10 minutes before the show starts. Bring something to sit on and mark your space. I like to use a thin foldable blanket. Most areas fill up quickly and space is limited. There will be an announcement once the space is completely filled. Use the Disneyland mobile app to see the latest information while you’re in the park.

Can you watch fireworks outside of Disneyland?

Mickey uses his wizard magic to set off fireworks during a performance of Fantasmic!

Photo by Jaysen White

You don’t have to go inside Disneyland to watch the fireworks.

  • The plaza is the gateway between Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Park. Some customers prefer to watch the fireworks on the esplanade. You won’t see the castle, but you will hear the music that accompanies the fireworks. It’s less crowded and gives you easy access to get out of the park once it’s finished.
  • Select rooms at Disneyland Hotel and select rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa have nice views of the fireworks shows. You can listen to the accompaniment on the TV, sit back, relax and enjoy!
  • Some Good Neighbor hotels around Disneyland have a decent view of the fireworks. I once watched Mickey’s Mix Magic from the pool when I stayed at the Anaheim Hotel. Most hotels will advertise on their website if you can view the fireworks from the hotel.

And always remember the infamous motto of the High School Musical Wildcats, “we’re all in this together.” What makes Disneyland fireworks so special is experiencing the magic again with everyone together.

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