Last updated on July 14th, 2022 at 09:28 am
Disneyland Forever fireworks debuted at Disneyland in 2015 and ran for more than a year, celebrating Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration. Now, Disneyland Forever returns April 22, 2022 through September 1, 2022.
The fireworks display is nothing short of amazing and today I am going to share my favorite viewing areas to end your night at Disneyland on a perfect note.
Disneyland Forever Fireworks Basics
You’ve likely seen a lot of Disneyland fireworks viewing maps on Pinterest, but most of these cover fireworks shows from the past and haven’t been updated for the return of Disneyland Forever. Disneyland Forever is a whole new game, with expanded viewing areas over Main Street, Rivers of America and in Fantasyland.
Toss that outdated fireworks map to the side and let us show you how it’s done!
Fireworks viewing areas are standing room only. Sure, you could stake out a bench, but your best bet is to stand and that’s what most people do. This makes saving spots almost obsolete.
It gets crowded, but I like to think of it as “the more, the merrier.” Since it’s standing room only, you can usually squeeze into even the most coveted spots just before the fireworks begin (as long as you’re nearby about 10-15 minutes beforehand).
If you’re hoping to make a quick exit from the park after the Disneyland Forever fireworks end, stick closer to the park entrance on Main Street. This spot also works well for guests coming over from California Adventure just to see the fireworks one more time.
Every fireworks viewing option has a unique spin to it. If you’re visiting over multiple days, try to check out a new spot each night.
Bonus Tip: Get your Disneyland discount tickets from our partner, Get Away Today before heading over to Disneyland Resort.
Disneyland Forever Fireworks: “it’s a small world”
Watching Disneyland Forever fireworks from “it’s a small world” works best when you’re planning to be nearby already. Please note that Disneyland Railroad access will be limited before, during and after the fireworks.
If you get here in time, watching fireworks and the corresponding projections across the “it’s a small world” facade is absolutely fascinating. The projections are bright, clear and stunning with the fireworks display just overhead.
Disneyland Forever Fireworks: Rivers of America
Yes, you can still catch fireworks and projections from this area in the park!
I have viewed many fireworks shows from this area and it still has amazing views and fabulous projections. If you’re watching Fantasmic, stay put after or even make a move to get closer to the water as some people leave their spots.
Disneyland Forever Fireworks: Sleeping Beauty Castle
Get as close to the center of Sleeping Beauty Castle as possible and you won’t be disappointed. The opening sequence which tells the story of how Disneyland came to be hit me a lot harder standing in this spot.
Imagining Walt standing there himself with the vision we have come to know and love as Disneyland, truly sets the mood for fireworks and projections on the castle.
Bonus Tip: be sure to peek over at the Matterhorn to see certain projections come to life in a completely different way!
Disneyland Forever Fireworks: Main Street, U.S.A.
Right in the middle of the action; you’ll get a perfect view of the fireworks above Sleeping Beauty Castle. You will also get a very immersive version of the projections on the buildings on Main Street, plus some extra special effects during select songs.
Bonus Tip: if you’re a native Californian that doesn’t see snow much, you might want to pick this spot!
Disneyland Forever Fireworks: Other Favorite Spots
Downtown Disney especially balcony dining at Jazz Kitchen, from California Adventure, or wherever you happen to be in the parks, be sure to stop for a moment and take in the special “kiss goodnight” Walt Disney continues to offer guests each night as they leave the parks.
Once friend and I hopped on Mad Tea Party during the fireworks. It was an unforgettable time as we watched the fireworks just above us while “let it go” played over the sound system. We, along with the cast members, were singing our hearts out and enjoying a perfectly magical Disney experience.
Which spot is best for viewing Disneyland Forever? I dive more into a special, reserved area here. But you really can’t go wrong. They are all simply amazing; it’s worth visiting Disneyland for several days just to see the fireworks in each spot.