Watching Fireworks While You Ride

Disneyland’s fireworks make for an awesome show; and finding a great viewing spot makes a huge difference. Watching from Main Street or the Esplanade or even Downtown Disney is great, but if you’re looking for a unique and extra magical view, try watching from an attraction!

This feat is very tricky to time; you have to account for not only wait time, but also how long the ride actually runs for, so that you don’t overshoot and finish your ride before the fireworks start. But if you’re willing to give it a try, watching the fireworks from a ride is an unforgettable experience, and one that I’d recommend to absolutely everyone.

The following is a list of Disneyland attractions that offer spectacular views of the fireworks:

• Astro Orbitor – This lifts you high into the air and spins right in front of the castle; you couldn’t ask for a better viewing spot. Just remember that this ride is pretty short and loads slowly, so timing is important.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – I have to say, this one is my favorite to ride during the fireworks. There’s something so exciting about flying around corners with explosions of color as the backdrop. Definitely a magical experience!
• Matterhorn Bobsleds – Out of all the attractions on this list, you’ll see the least of the fireworks on this one. But flying in and out of ice caves with exploding fireworks in the background is still very cool, and you get to see the fireworks from very high up.
• Splash Mountain – Though it’s the farthest away of the attractions on this list, Splash Mountain’s views of the fireworks are still very impressive. There’s a lot more to this ride than the final drop, and you’ll spend a decent amount twisting and turning along the mountain, with great views of the sky the whole way.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats – This is by far the best attraction to be on during the fireworks. Your captain will stop the boat, and you will get to watch the whole show from the water. But be warned – timing this is SO difficult. If you’re finishing your ride as the show starts, they will make you disembark. And if the show is starting, they won’t load any new boats. However, this attraction is definitely worth the tricky planning – watching the fireworks from the water is an unforgettable experience.

Do you have a favorite attraction to ride during the fireworks? Share it in the comments below!