Best Places to View Disneyland Fireworks

One of the most magical parts of a visit to Disneyland is seeing the fireworks at the end of the night. During some periods, we are treated to nightly fireworks (such as summer, spring break and throughout the holiday season). During less busy times, the projection shows light up our nights during the week and are only accompanied by fireworks on the weekends and holidays. Disneyland fireworks shows are so much more than just fireworks. Major shows involve projections, music, narration, sometimes props or flying characters and special effects. We'll get into the details on the best places to view Disneyland fireworks, which shows will be running when you visit and tips for viewing from inside and outside the park.

Hop To

• • The Shows and When to See Them
  • Viewing from Inside the Park
  • Dining Packages/Tours
  • Viewing Outside the Park

FAQs

• When does Wondrous Journeys end? Wondrous Journeys was extended to Aug. 20, 2026.
• What nights have fireworks? Guests are treated to nightly fireworks in summer, throughout the holiday season and sometimes during spring break. Fireworks were nightly March 21 through April 8, 2026. They are back to nightly for summer as of May 22 through Aug. 9.
• What happens on nights without fireworks at Disneyland? On nights without scheduled fireworks — or if the fireworks get canceled due to winds — there is usually a projection show with music. Watch out for some Disneyland After Dark events that cause the park to close early without nighttime entertainment for day guests (June 16 and 18, 2026).
• Why do fireworks get canceled more often at Disneyland compared to Disney World? Disneyland is located in a much drier climate (without the surrounding bodies of water of Disney World) and is located next to I-5 and houses, so winds can carry the sparks and ashes to the freeway or on rooftops.
• Where are the best places to view Disneyland fireworks? You'll need a Disneyland ticket to view the fireworks inside the park. We prefer the iconic castle view from Main Street U.S.A. because it takes less waiting time than waiting right in front of the castle but still getting that castle view with projections all around us, but there are a few other great viewing areas as well.
• Are there any fireworks viewing packages? At select times, there are fireworks packages but not always. The Halloween Time tour may include fireworks viewing area in the Hub. Other limited-time tours may offer a nighttime spectacular viewing, which may or may not be fireworks.

Which Disneyland Fireworks Show Is Hoppening When You Visit?

The Frog family members are fireworks junkies, especially Disneyland fireworks. Over the years, we've viewed spectacular shows from different spots both inside and outside of the parks. We have varying favorite locations based on the show, our time limit, plans and location.

The Disneyland fireworks shows change all the time, based on the time of year you visit. There are shows for specific celebrations, holidays and more. Before we jump into the various Disneyland fireworks/projection shows and viewing locations, let's take a look at the calendar for the next year so you will know what to expect when you visit.

Wondrous Journeys, the projections and fireworks show developed for the Disney 100 Years of Wonder Celebration in 2023 and is the show for the Disneyland 70th in 2025-2026 outside of seasonal holiday shows. It showcases the next generation of projection mapping. Every night it shows, Disneyland Park becomes a canvas for Disney projection art, and viewers sing along to its catchy song, "It's Wondrous." At least 60 Disney films are featured in this show. The most exciting part is the appearance of the Blue Fairy and then when Baymax flies across the castle with sparks coming from his feet on both projection and fireworks nights. Here's our newest YouTube video of Wondrous Journeys.

Mickey's Mix Magic

When there is no holiday, celebration or festival, Mickey's Mix Magic is the go-to show. It makes a great show for transitional seasons. We likely won't see this one back until after the 70th ends. This show will have you dancing in the Disneyland streets and hoppy that DJ Mickey is there to spin some magic for you. So, "C'mon everybody, get your ears on. It's a good, good, good, good time!"

Fourth of July

There is a special show for the Fourth of July. Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky" runs July 3-5, 2026. This one is lighter in projection.

Halloween Screams

Halloween Screams used to be part of Mickey's Halloween Party for several years, but now it is now available for all park guests throughout Halloween Time. In this show, the "Master of Scare-a-monies," Jack Skellington and his dog Zero (from "The Nightmare Before Christmas"), kick off our nocturnal delight. The show has projections, a thrilling soundtrack and special effects. Be aware that fireworks accompany the show only on select nights (mostly weekend nights with some exceptions), whereas the rest of the show goes on without the fireworks on all other nights. The viewing areas may vary slightly, depending on whether you are viewing the show on a fireworks night or a projection-only night.

if you want to camp out in front of the castle, flying Zero, the "ball" that appears near the castle and projections are worth seeing up close. We love all the fireworks shows, but Halloween Screams is a Frog Family favorite! You'll get the projections in all viewing locations though.

Believe ... in Holiday Magic

During the holidays, generally early/mid-November to early January, you can catch nightly shows of Believe ... in Holiday Magic. Most viewing locations experience snowfall after the holiday fireworks. If the fireworks get canceled, this is the one time you may not get a projection show in its place. Instead you'll get snowfall. Believe ... in Holiday Magic has the least about of projection and special effects compared to other fireworks shows.

New Years Eve

If you will be visiting on New Year's Eve, you will get two fireworks shows! There's the New Year's Eve fireworks countdown, along with another show, such as Mickey's Mix Magic or Fantasy in the Sky, which is less reliant on projection. Shows are usually about 9 p.m. and at midnight. You can even catch fireworks in Paradise Gardens Park at Disney California Adventure on New Year's Eve.

Disneyland After Dark Fireworks Shows

Some Disneyland After Dark parties (such as Pride Nite) get unique fireworks shows. Welcome Pride is this show on Pride Nite.

Most of the other After Dark parties have dropped the fireworks shows, but daytime guests and party guests who arrive early can usually catch a projection show before the park closes to day guests.

Fire of the Rising Moons

This show uses the same fireworks (and hoppens at the same time) as all the other fireworks showing that night, but it includes "Star Wars" music from John Williams only when viewed from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. To the right of the Millennium Falcon, Bard the droid starts off the show with some storytelling.

A little History of Projection Shows

Disneyland fireworks shows are so much more than just fireworks. Shows involve projection, music, sometimes props or flying characters and special effects.

When Disneyland Forever debuted as part of the Disneyland Diamond Celebration, it forever changed the way we viewed Disneyland fireworks and set the course for future shows. Disneyland Forever introduced projection technology that displayed the images not just on the castle, but also on the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A., the façade of "it’s a small world" and water screens at Rivers of America. The technology was then applied to the return of older existing shows (such as Remember … Dreams Come True, Halloween Screams and Believe … In Holiday Magic) that have run since Disneyland Forever's first run.

The projection technology made the classic shows even more magical and was used to create new shows, such as Wondrous Journeys, Together Forever and Mickey’s Mix Magic. The projection viewing locations around the park help to spread out the crowds and give viewers multiple ways to experience the fireworks besides just cramming in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle.

What if the fireworks are canceled?

Canceled? What? Does that really happen? If there are high winds at altitude, the fireworks may be canceled. In fact, we’ve seen shows that started normally with fireworks, but then, partway through, dangerous winds picked up and the fireworks stopped while the rest of the show went on with music and projection without missing a beat. It used to be a big letdown when the fireworks got canceled before or during the show, especially if you had staked out the perfect spot.

It may seem pretty calm where you're standing, but they send up a weather balloon to check on things up above. If the winds are too strong or blowing in the wrong direction, they will cancel the show. Usually, Disneyland does not officially cancel the show until right at the scheduled showtime. Sometimes, Disney makes cancelation announcements, but only the people in the park get that memo. Sometimes, they delay the show's start for up to 15 minutes. We've even been there when they started the show, but then shut it down right in the middle.

To determine our chance of fireworks hoppening, we check the hourly wind speed in our weather app and also watch the way the wind is blowing the flag on the pole at the Main Street, U.S.A. Train Station. If it is blowing toward Frontierland, it seems that fireworks might not happen. If it is blowing gently toward Tomorrowland, we may be in the clear. Ideally, we like to see that it is not blowing at all. A noticeable breeze is bad news for the show.

But here is the good news: Depending on the show that is running, you may get treated to the projection version of the current show or Mickey's Mix Magic instead. Most shows (with projections, music and special effects) are designed to go off with or without fireworks.

Best Places to View Disneyland Fireworks Inside the Park

This guide to the best places to view Disneyland fireworks includes locations that work for any fireworks show. Ideally, you'll want to view any show that is heavy on projections from one of the four main viewing areas inside the park to get the full experience.

Generally, you'll want a view of the castle and Main Street, U.S.A. area or the "it's a small world" facade. Rivers of America offers a nice fireworks view with music and projection on water screens for guests who stay put after watching Fantasmic! and with lower crowds on nights without Fantasmic! Star Wars fans (and people who love fireworks but also like a spot away from crowds) will love watching the same fireworks show dubbed with Star Wars music over in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Inside Disneyland Park, the fireworks are extraordinary. Any fireworks show creates a nostalgic, emotional journey through light and sound. Enhancements such as narration, flying characters and music make it worth the effort to see it in the park. These elements blend with fireworks and special effects (lighting, fire, lasers and projections) to provide a magical finale to your visit. Shows are generally at 9:30 p.m. each night, but always check the schedule because ti sometimes varies slightly (to accommodate sunset hours/an early park closing time or parades or other events in the park). You can find the exact time in the Disneyland app.

These days, one fireworks display offers two ways to experience it. You have the large projection show, but you also have a Star Wars experience if you watch from Batuu. That version takes place as the same time as the other fireworks. It incorporates the music of John Williams with some lighting and even a droid named Bard (to the right of the Millennium Falcon). So where you watch may be determined by the type of show you want to see. We'll cover the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge location below, after we discuss where to watch large projections shows, but it's definitely worth checking out for the right viewer.

Watching Disneyland fireworks from Main Street, U.S.A.

Main Street, U.S.A. is our number-one choice for watching Disneyland fireworks. Stand in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A. (from Central Plaza to the Train Station, between the buildings) for the show. You'll get the iconic castle view in the distance and are treated to projections all around you. In some shows, some elements pop out of the buildings' roofs and other special effects that you won't get anywhere else. This is also the best location for making a quick exit after the show.

Let’s talk strategy. During times when a nighttime parade is running, you can get in place a few hours early and watch the parade here and then hop in the street as soon as it passes. If you cannot secure parade viewing here, then be walking down the sidewalk of Main Street between 9:15 and 9:25 p.m. as the finale float passes, hop in the street. It will fill in quickly.

During times without a nighttime parade, you’ll see people sitting on curbs before the show, but the best view is from the middle of the street. You’ll have to judge the crowds to know when to hop in place. Eye up the area an hour before the show, but you may get lucky on less-crowded nights and hop in place maybe 30 to 60 minutes (or less) before the show on other nights.

If the street still looks empty, don’t disappear into a store for long, or you may come out a minute later and realize that everyone suddenly appeared in the street. The cast members will announce to the curb-sitters that the best view is in the middle, and everyone moves in at once. Standing in the area across from Gibson Girl should put you in a great spot to view the main projections, as well as fireworks and castle effects. Plus it snows there for some shows!

If you stand toward the back of Main Street, U.S.A. in the circle in front of the flag pole, you are slightly raised above the street crowds. You cannot see the projection as well as the people between the buildings, but you can get a pretty good overall view of the show with less obstruction from trees. Just position yourself so light poles are not blocking your view. (We, unfortunately, can't help you when it comes to other guests not following basic theme park etiquette, such as holding up cell phones or putting kids on their shoulders to block your view. They block us too.)

That spot puts you even closer to the park exit if you are leaving after the show. It's a great spot to watch if you are racing to Disney California Adventure after the fireworks to catch the second World of Color show. You have to enter Disney California Adventure before the park closes at 10 p.m. so there's no time to lose.

Getting the iconic castle view

Usually, the best fireworks view with the most effects and Disney magic is right in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. It’s a great spot to see Disneyland projections and elements that may fly over the castle if you are OK with waiting at least two hours (but usually more) for a good viewing location in front of the castle. We like the street in front of the castle or the sidewalk on the curb just behind the front crowd for a little lift. We toadally feel it's worth camping out to get a castle view of the Halloween Screams fireworks and Wondrous Journeys (to see Baymax and Blue Fairy) and all the detailed scenes projected all over the castle.

Take a look at the full 2025 Halloween Screams show below:

Here's a hop tip: At some point before the show, cast members will ask all the people sitting on the ground to stand up and move forward. This is the time to move from the fringes, back and sides to the middle as space opens up. Be prepared to move in usually 30 to 45 minutes before show time to get this great spot.

You can stand further back around the hub to get a pretty good view, but trees and distance can make it harder to see the projections. You’ll want to grab a location that is close to the castle and near the Tomorrowland side of the traffic circle with a view of the Matterhorn. There are a lot of trees, so choose a spot that does not have a tree (or umbrella) blocking your view of the castle. Some of the best, centered spots are reserved for people who booked V.I.P. tours or other packages. When in doubt, always ask a cast member for their advice on where to watch in that area. Some areas are designated walkways. You can also get an OK or slightly obstructed viewing spot here closer to showtime, but if you want a really close spot, you’ll have to put in some waiting time.

If you're deciding between the castle location and Main Street, U.S.A., we enjoy the Main Street, U.S.A. viewing for most shows with projections on the buildings, snowfall (with some shows or seasons), special effects and the castle ahead in the distance. Plus you can invest less time than in securing a castle view.

The best castle view is the section right in front of the castle. There is a curb at the back of that section, and if you can get on the curb, you can see over taller people in front.

If you do decide to camp out for the front-row view of the castle, there may be people walking in front of you because that becomes a walkway. It can be very distracting and take away from your experience. It's not perfect, but sometimes the best places to view Disneyland fireworks are those where you can find room to see them.

If a nighttime parade is running during your visit, you'll need to hop in place early for a parade location that is also close to the spot where you want to watch the fireworks. That means securing your spot about two hours before the parade. You can also be walking by around the time the parade ends to get a great spot without a huge time commitment. But if you want the castle front, you'll need to invest the time. The parade does not travel in front of the castle but rather on the Tomorrowland side of the hub.

Here's a look at the Disneyland Forever view from Sleeping Beauty Castle (and Main Street U.S.A.):

Watching Disneyland fireworks near "it's a small world"

One of the best places to view Disneyland fireworks and the projections  is near "it's a small world." The projections are clearest on “it’s a small world” and the fireworks are close by. The fireworks get shot off behind Toontown. (Mickey never seems to complain about that, does he?) While the show is off to the left of "it's a small world," you can see and hear the fireworks well. The clear view of the projections makes this a special viewing area.

The viewing area can vary for this show. Sometimes cast members close the "it’s a small world" ride and move the viewing area back, closer to the raised areas across from "it’s a small world." They will put a rope up along the edge of the brick area. BONUS: You'll have a lot of choices in elevation with steps and raised areas that can get you above the crowd. Other times, you can get closer to the fence in front of the ride. It depends on the winds at elevation. For past fireworks shows, this area tended to be way less crowded, but we think the secret is out. You can still get great viewing at this location without the same time investment as a castle location.

When should you hop in place? Depending on other nighttime entertainment in the park, some nights are easier than others. If there is a nighttime parade, hop in place early for the parade and you will be in good shape to watch the fireworks that follow. On other nights, you can hop in place 20 to 60 minutes early, depending on park crowd levels. We suggest bringing a blanket and sending a runner for turkey legs and cheesy garlic pretzel bread at Edelweiss Snacks (Mobile Order available) to snack on while you wait. Many people remain sitting on steps, benches and the ground right in and near the raised areas, which might be good for tired families.

Here’s how to get the best view of Disneyland fireworks at "it’s a small world." You want a clean, clear view of the front panel under the clock face, so make sure that pesky attraction sign is out of your way. The sign has a hinge on the left. Cast members will open the sign and keep it that way through the show, so position yourself so that you aren't behind it and that it won't block your view of the show or the fireworks. In general, you'll want the least-obstructed view of the entire front of the "it's a small world" facade. We like standing more to the right for this show, especially on nights with fireworks. There is also a box that opens just to the lower left of the clock face.

Viewing from Rivers of America

Rivers of America is one of our favorite, in-park locations for viewing the fireworks because you can usually time it before or after a showing of Fantasmic! We love to get two shows from one location! It has fountains and water screens. Images are projected onto the stage area, as well.

We like to book the Fantasmic! dining package to get a great view of the first Fantasmic! show. Then we stand up and move to the rail to watch the fireworks from there with a great view from the water's edge.

The less traveling you do in the park around fireworks time, the easier it is. Stay put after the first Fantasmic!, and you will not be disappointed.

You can still see the bursts, but you won't get the full show. But since Fantasmic! is more reliable than fireworks, if you time your viewing to watch Fantasmic! and fireworks, but the fireworks end up getting canceled, at least you get to see Fantasmic! If both shows go off seamlessly, then you can enjoy two shows from one location. If the fireworks get canceled, you can make your way to Main Street U.S.A. to catch the projection show.

After the fireworks, many people who watch the first Fantasmic! show will exit. This massive movement allows folks who want to get a good jump on a standby spot for the second Fantasmic! time to hop into place. You have about three to five minutes between the end of Fantasmic! and the beginning of the fireworks.

Rivers of America is an even more peaceful and empty spot to watch fireworks on nights without Fantasmic! (Another good spot to see the bursts without music is Tomorrowland in front of Star Wars Launch Bay or near Dumbo in Fantasyland.) Music plays at Rivers of America even on nights without Fantasmic! (Snow falls there, after Believe ... in Holiday Magic at Holiday Time).

If you are watching the 9 p.m. Fantasmic! show, just stay in place after the show ends and watch the fireworks show from there.

Viewing Disneyland fireworks from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge 

Disneyland shoots off some fireworks from just behind Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. That makes that land a great place for Star Wars fans to view the Disneyland fireworks. The Season of the Force kicked off a new permanent way to enjoy fireworks in Batuu! "Fire of the Rising Moons" introduces some narration (by Bard the droid), the Star Wars music of John Williams and some lighting changes to the show, but only when viewed in that land.

The "Star Wars" score accompanies the fireworks in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge only. This soundtrack is different from the other music and shows that enhance the same fireworks, which you can view from other locations outside of Galaxy's Edge. We love having two options for the same fireworks!

We find great views near the Millennium Falcon. The fireworks are very big there because you are so close. And the view of the beautiful spires certainly adds to the show. More viewing areas include the Black Spire Spaceport, the TIE Echelon docking platform and the speeder garage. Be sure to charge your MagicBand+ as it responds to the show with colorful lights and vibrations.

Disneyland Fireworks Dining Packages

There are rare fireworks packages. The Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Nighttime Gathering has ended.

There is a separate, nightly projection show without fireworks. It. Is. So. Good! Seriously, make an effort to see this show. It has a real hologram that comes from Bard the Droid. (To the right of the Millennium Falcon.) On nights with fireworks, this show may fall before and/or after fireworks (like Fantasmic!). So come early for fireworks or stay after to see Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga. The actual fireworks in Batuu do not have accompanying projections.

Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace Experience

The Tomorrowland Skyline Terrace Experience has returned. Ranging from $75 to 89 per person (plus gratuity and subject to seasonal changes) you have a place to hang for the evening on a balcony overlooking Tomorrowland. You can watch fireworks from here. Be sure to reserve for a night with scheduled fireworks! No refunds are given if the fireworks are canceled. You can stay for the evening (until 10 p.m.) or come and go as you like. Book with caution as you must cancel at least two days prior to your reservation to avoid a per-person cancellation fee. If you don't cancel on time or don't show up, you'll be charged the full price per person.

Seasonal menu options may include:

• Cold sandwiches
• Fruits
• Cheese and crackers
• Desserts
• A specialty-themed non-alcoholic beverage
• Unlimited soft drinks, bottled water or hot chocolate

The package also includes:

• A place to use throughout the evening
• Phone charging
• Games
• Credential

Check-in at the Tomorrowland Skyline Podium near Alien Pizza Planet. You'll then be escorted to Skyline Terrace where you can choose your dinner box and beverages. Seating is now indoor and outdoor. Seating preference is not guaranteed. Guests can access the balcony to take in the view.

The night we visited, the fireworks were canceled. But we were told that you can see them to the right of the Matterhorn. You cannot see projections, but you can hear the music and see the larger blasts. This is an option that gets you away from the crowds, but keep in mind that you don't get the entire show in all its glory.

Tours

At times, there are tours that include a fireworks viewing area, especially the Disney's Happiest Haunts tour during Halloween Time. If you book a VIP Tour, you can inquire about including fireworks viewing. Hop over to our post on Disneyland Tours to get the scoop.

Best Places to View Disneyland Fireworks Outside of the Park

The Disneyland projections take place only inside Disneyland Park, but you can catch some of the fireworks from other locations. Even though we prefer watching the fireworks from inside the park, several great viewing locations outside of the park allow you to see the larger and higher explosions. It's not ideal, but sometimes your Disneyland day doesn't allow for proper fireworks time. Your tadpoles may be too tired, you don't have a park ticket/valid pass or you might just need a more relaxing, crowd-free location.

Before you go invest a lot of time or money on one of the best places to view Disneyland fireworks, remember that shows are subject to weather. Yes, if you are in the park, it can be worth it to take the time to get to the right location. Do not invest too much in an outside location or a paid package. If you choose to watch from outside the park, use locations with easy access and no purchases required.

View from your hotel room or balcony

Some on-site and off-site hotel rooms, or even hotel pool decks, have great fireworks views. You can dress your tadpoles in their jammies, watch the show and then hop into bed. It’s HEAVEN not being miles and miles from your nice warm bed! We have watched them from the Marriott Courtyard on Harbor Boulevard near the park entrance. Any of the hotels in that area may offer a great view of the action, but you'll have to request a room with a fireworks view or find out if they have a pool deck or lounge with a view.

If you're staying at the Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Grand Californian, the concierge lounges provide views of the fireworks. Many concierge rooms at the resort hotels offer fireworks views with the soundtrack piped in for full effect. (By the way, we offer discounts on Los Angeles hotel rooms near Disneyland!). Plus, you can tune in on your TV to see a prerecorded version while snuggled up in bed.

Hop to the pool deck at Disney's Pixar Place Hotel 

You can view the fireworks from the third-floor deck at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, complete with music and narration. You do not need a room key to get in. The button on the elevator even has a fireworks viewing choice! When you exit the doors toward the pool area, make an immediate right towards the Pixar Shorts Court. You can arrive at this spot shortly before fireworks time. If you're not staying near the resort, you can park in Downtown Disney (check prices and validation requirements). You can also park in the adjacent hotel parking garage, but we only suggest that if you are dining at the hotel so you can get parking validated.

This is a free, non-stressful way to view fireworks and get to hear the music and dialogue from the show. We like hearing the music for free. Free stuff is our jam! If you're into freebies, here's a blog post with lots of tips on finding free (or almost free) things to do at Disneyland.

Watch from the Lawn at Disneyland Hotel

One time, we walked back to Disneyland Hotel during fireworks, and we were lucky to find out that they pipe the music in for fireworks on the big lawn between Downtown Disney and the Adventure/Frontier Towers. If you cannot see the park from your hotel room, this makes a great, close-by alternative. In fact, you can hear this music on the path between Pixar Place and the Disneyland Hotel outside of Downtown Disney as well!

Watch from Your Disney Hotel Room

If your Disneyland Resort hotel room has a view towards Disneyland Park, you can turn on the fireworks channel on the TV to hear the accompanying music while you watch the show! This is a great idea if you have little ones who need to get to bed. Same goes for rooms with views of World of Color!

Watch from the Esplanade or Downtown Disney

You can walk to the Esplanade between the park entrances to get a view of the fireworks. It's free and within walking distance (and shuttle distance) from many hotels. You can't see the castle from there, but you can see the higher fireworks. Sit on the Disney California Adventure side of the Esplanade.

At the other end of Downtown Disney, you can see the fireworks from the railing across from the LEGO Store, (although some palm trees may enhance or obstruct your view; it’s all a matter of how you look at it). You can find a great and less-obstructed Downtown Disney fireworks view in The Alley in front of Splitsville. Also, just outside of the security checkpoint at the cast member parking lot near the former ESPN Zone, people will gather to watch the show. When facing the Downtown Disney entrance, stay to the far right. There is a large open space for viewing.

The Fifth and Westin Anaheim Rooftop Bars

If you want to see fireworks from outside the park, there are some off-property rooftop spots to consider. The Fifth is a neat and stylish setting. The Fifth is located on the fifth-floor roof of the Grand Legacy at the Park. RISE Rooftop Lounge at the Westin is another popular rooftop option. Make a reservation to come here. We have not seen them from this location yet.

We checked out The Fifth (because you know, "research") and The Fifth has some pluses and minuses. Pluses include a kid-friendly environment (up until 10 p.m., when it becomes 21 and over). It has a relaxed vibe and great views of the parks. You can also catch a distant view of the top of World of Color. The Fifth offers different themed entertainment each night. We enjoyed dancing to the live band. Leap danced like it was our honeymoon all over again!

The negatives include limited parking. Expect to get diverted to the nearby Anaheim Garden Walk parking structure. That's a 10- to 15-minute walk back to The Fifth. Plan on paying for parking. It's best to walk from your hotel or grab a Lyft or Uber. Tell your waiter you used Uber to get a discount on your bill. You can make reservations only up until 7:30 p.m., which can add up to a hefty bill of eating and cocktails while waiting for that 9:30/9:35 p.m. fireworks show. Check the hours and if there is cover charge on your night before you visit. Don't froget to bring a sweatshirt!

The biggest issue of all is that if the fireworks get canceled (as they quite often do for wind and weather), you are out all that money and time. Obviously, the disappointment is the same whether you waited three hours in the park for that perfect view or were planning to view outside the park. (At least if you are in the park you may get an alternate show.) Can you justify dropping over $100 on food and drink at a location because you wanted to watch the fireworks, and then they do not happen? If you plan to eat out and think fireworks would simply be a bonus, you may justify the gamble.

Guess what? The night we visited The Fifth, there was no fireworks show because it was too windy! We took the news in stride (because — drinks), and we used the experience as a warning to our readers. We recommend the rooftop bars, as long as your expectation of the fireworks is just a bonus. Don't go there only for the fireworks.

If you're in the park when the show gets canceled, make the best of it. Enjoy the alternate projection show. The music for Wondrous Journeys is so good. Watch the projections up close — chances are, if you've already seen the show before, you'll catch all of the projection details you might have missed while you were too busy gazing at fireworks.

You might catch the next Fantasmic! show, which never disappoints. Plus the pyrotechnics can usually go off in Fantasmic! even on nights when fireworks are canceled. Go knock some rides off your list. If you're in the park, it makes sense to stay in the park until closing to continue the fun. Enjoy it, since much of the crowd leaves at this point, and wait times dive. Have a backup plan in place. Get ice cream or hit the Fantasyland rides, such as Peter Pan's Flight, with shorter lines once they reopen. Better luck next time!

Where are your favorite places to view the Disneyland fireworks? Do you have any Disneyland fireworks secret spots that you're willing to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Related: 40 Tips to Maximize Your Time at Disneyland

Related: Guide to the best Disneyland Shows 

Hoppy planning!