If you’re wondering where to watch Disneyland fireworks outside the park we’ve got a list for you. Watching the fireworks show from outside the park is a different experience, but it’s still fun, and there are plenty of places that offer truly magical views. We’ll share some of the best free spots to watch the fireworks, plus tips for finding them, and some of the best spots that may require a purchase, but minimal in comparison to the cost of Disneyland admission. Here are some of the best places to watch Disneyland Fireworks without a ticket.
Disneyland fireworks usually begin at 9:30 p.m. each night and 9:00 p.m. during cooler months. For the upcoming schedule check the online daily schedule or the Disneyland app (Apple/Android) under entertainment.
Disneyland 4th of July fireworks are typically held around the same time which also includes a special fireworks show to the sound of patriotic music. Guests can also witness the special Flag Retreat ceremony at 4:30 pm on July 4th, which includes daytime fireworks. Additionally, Disney California Adventure’s World of Color includes a July 4th patriotic tribute.
Going to Disneyland? Here are the Best Places Inside Disneyland to Watch Fireworks.
Disneyland Esplanade
1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802
The Disneyland Esplanade is an area located between Disneyland Park and California Adventure. This is the section where guests enter either of the two theme parks or hop from one to the other. This area is open to the public and is easily accessible from Downtown Disney. There is a free public picnic area hear in the Esplanade located near the main entrance of Disneyland. Come early and enjoy a family picnic before the fireworks show.
Disneyland Resort Hotels
There are many public spaces in and around the Disney Resort Hotel properties where visitors can see the fireworks. Here are a few other specific locations for hotel guests to see the show.
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Club-level guests here can use the hotel’s concierge lounge, The Veranda. This room offers wall-to-wall windows and a private balcony for exceptional views of the nightly fireworks show.
Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel: Get a great view of the fireworks at the rooftop pool near The Sandbar. There is a reserved fireworks viewing area located here on the rooftop, and guests of all three resort hotels are permitted to view the fireworks from this location.
Disneyland Hotel: The Disneyland Hotel’s Adventure Tower rooms with Downtown Disney view will allow guests to see the fireworks from their room. There are other rooms in the hotel that also have views, depending on the location. Club level guests can also use the concierge lounge where they pump in the soundtrack so you get a full show experience.
Disneyland Parking Structure
There are two parking structures near Disneyland, the Mickey and Friends parking structure and the Pixar Pals parking structure. They are right next to each other off of Disneyland Drive and Magic Way. You will have to pay the daily rate to park in the parking structures, but it is much less than the cost of a ticket. Plus, once you find a spot, you can head up to the top of the structure for unimpeded views of the fireworks show.
Downtown Disney District
Downtown Disney has several spots where the fireworks are visible. Park off property and walk along the area near the Downtown Disney entrance on Harbor Boulevard and watch from there. If you want to spend some time at Downtown Disney, you can see fireworks from the outdoor dining area of Naples Ristorante e Bar, UVA Bar’s outdoor area, and the balcony of Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. Catal Restaurant has a second story dining room and an alfresco terrace with views, and Tortilla Jo’s has an outdoor terrace with partial views as well.
Anaheim Gardenwalk Parking Structure
400 Disney Way, Anaheim, CA 92802
Head to the parking structure of the Anaheim Gardenwalk. If you can get a parking spot at the top, you’ve scored. This is a great spot to watch the nearby fireworks. Even if you can’t park at the top, grab a spot and walk to the top floor of the parking structure for fireworks viewing. The first hour of parking here is free, and $3 per hour after that.
Hillcrest Park
1200 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton CA 92832
Neighboring Anaheim, Fullerton’s Hillcrest Park has free parking and the top of the park offers a scenic and spacious destination for visitors to take in views of Disneyland’s fireworks show.
Parkestry Rooftop Bar
JW Marriott, Anaheim Resort
1775 S Clementine St., 11th Floor, Anaheim, CA 92802
Website: https://www.parkestryrooftopbar.com/
Parkestry is the rooftop bar at JW Marriott’s Anaheim Resort. Head up to the 11th floor for cocktails and small bites, and you’ll get a sweeping view of the surrounding Orange County area. When the sun goes down and 9:00 rolls around, the fireworks show will be on full display.
RISE Rooftop Lounge
The Westin Anaheim Resort
1030 W Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802
Website: https://www.rise-rooftop.com/
Located at the top of the Westin Anaheim Resort, RISE is a great destination for viewing the fireworks show. Situated on the other side of Katella next to the Anaheim Convention Center, guests will get views of California Adventure in the foreground with the fireworks show just beyond. Not a bad way to enjoy a drink or two.
Starbucks at Ball & Harbor
1200 S Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805
Park here at the Starbucks or in one of the surrounding businesses. There is a clear view of the fireworks show from the parking lot of the gas station next door. If you want to get out and walk a bit, cross the street from the Chevron towards the Sheraton and head up the sidewalk towards the freeway. You can stand on the sidewalk of the freeway overpass for clear views of the fireworks — just be cautious of the traffic along Harbor Blvd.
Stoddard Park & Elementary School
1901 9th Street, Anaheim, CA 92802
Just up Katella at 9th Street, Stoddard Park and Elementary School has free parking and open space. Some people report that you can see some of the fireworks show illuminating the sky from here without the crowd.
The Fifth Rooftop Bar
Grand Legacy At The Park
1650 S Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802
Website: https://www.thefifthoc.com/
The FIFTH Rooftop Bar at Grand Legacy at the Park is one of the best off-property spots for viewing Disneyland Fireworks. Located across Harbor Blvd at Disney Way, The FIFTH offers panoramic views of Disneyland and California Adventure and epic views of the magical fireworks show.
Top Of The V
The Viv Hotel Anaheim
1601 S Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805
Website: https://www.topoftheviv.com/
Located on the 12th floor of the Viv Hotel Anaheim (Formerly Radisson Blu), this rooftop lounge is a bit farther away than the FIFTH, but sits just behind it on the other side of the 5 freeway. While you’re not quite as close, guests are still in a fantastic position here to experience the fireworks show from the rooftop. There are also plenty of windows here, so indoor diners can also get a great view of the show.
The Mattercam
Website: https://www.hojoanaheim.com/webcam/
If you don’t feel like going out to scout out a spot to see the fireworks, the Mattercam is a live Disneyland Webcam on the rooftop of the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel Anaheim Resort. Here you can view a live rotating video feed of Disneyland and California Adventure, including shots of the nightly fireworks show.
Tips for Viewing Disneyland Fireworks Outside the Park
- If you’re staying in a nearby hotel, request a room with Disneyland Resort views.
- Height matters! Look for spots in the area with a bit of elevation, like parking structures hilly areas.
- Look for open spaces without obstructions like tall buildings and trees.
- If heading to parks and other spaces after dark, please be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- If you’d like to view the fireworks from a restaurant with views of the park like those at Downtown Disney, be sure to make reservations ahead of time.
- There are several businesses with parking lots along surrounding surface streets. Find an open space and catch the grand finale. Please remember to be courteous of open businesses and feel free to patronize their businesses to enjoy snacks for the show!
- Many restaurants along Harbor Blvd will have a partial view of the fireworks show. Stop in for dinner and a show — Denny’s, Mimi’s Café, IHOP, Tony Roma’s, McDonald’s, and Panera Bread are some of the nearby dining spots.
- Calaca Mama’s on Harbor is reported to have a bar and patio that offer good views of the fireworks show.
- Be aware that the Disneyland fireworks show may be cancelled at anytime, especially due to wind or weather conditions.
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