After a long day of thrilling rides and tasting food from around the world, what better way to end your day at EPCOT than with fireworks? With plenty of places to watch throughout World Showcase, grab some international cuisine and settle in for a nighttime spectacular sure to excite tadpoles and parent frogs alike.

For the Disney World 50th anniversary, EPCOT debuted a brand-new show called Harmonious, which is the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney Park. The show unites World Showcase Lagoon with Disney music celebrating the stories of the world. You'll enjoy interpretations of Disney classics like you've never heard before, performed by 240 artists from around the world.

In addition to the pyrotechnics, it features massive set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, lasers and more! Harmonious is unlike previous nighttime spectaculars at EPCOT because it does require some more strategy and patience to snag the best viewing spots. It’ll take us a few more visits to completely nail down our personal favorite areas (the best kind of research!). But in general, you’ll want to avoid trees and any angles that would block the barges, which we’ll get into below!

The Best Spots to Watch Harmonious

If you’re just watching mainly for the fireworks, then there’s really no bad seat around World Showcase Lagoon! However, if you want the best views of the LED panels and the large circular centerpiece, we’d suggest staking out a spot in these areas.

World Showcase Plaza

For a perfectly centered view of Harmonious, you can’t get any better than the Showcase Plaza (between the Port of Entry and Disney Traders gift shops). But because of its prime location, this area will fill up quickly (and early) so expect to wait in place for two hours. This area is slightly slanted so we’d suggest standing directly in front of the railing (as close as you can get), or in front of the planters at the very back so you can watch the show from the highest point in this particular area.

We ended up standing near the front, right by the walkway that’s created out of tape, so there wasn’t anyone directly in front of us. But there were some taller people right in front of the railing, so our views were still partially blocked because the smaller barges are actually quite low to the water.

In the past, Showplace Plaza was reserved for people who had FastPass+, special events or dessert parties. (While dessert parties aren't returning to EPCOT, dining packages are making a comeback! Guests can enjoy dinner with a show at either Rose and Crown or Spice Road. Both options include prix-fixe menus and unlimited beverages.)

The American Adventure Pavilion

On the opposite side of World Showcase Plaza, the American Adventure Pavilion offers unobstructed views of the circular ring and barges on either side of the America Gardens Theatre (though the theater itself is not an available viewing area).

In fact, the entire stretch between Japan and the American Adventure Pavilion in particular is great for Harmonious viewing. These views will be slightly off-center, but it shouldn’t take away from the overall experience.

Italy

In Italy, there is an area that juts out into the lagoon. You could also stand on the bridge for an elevated view. The problem with this spot is that it can sometimes be used for special events. However, it would be roped off long before the show begins, so you wouldn’t have to worry about losing your spot last minute and scrambling to find a new one.

Between Norway and Mexico

There’s a long stretch between Norway and Mexico that has decent views. It may be a bit harder to see what goes on in the middle of the circular centerpiece since you’ll be viewing it from a side angle, but it’s unobstructed by the barges.

Between Canada and the U.K.

Similar to the stretch between Norway and Mexico, you’ll have unobstructed views, but it might be difficult to see the full effects of the centerpiece since you’re at an angle. We'd suggest standing in front of the Mill Stage, but other spots in Canada may be obstructed by a barge.

Accessible Viewing Areas

There are four accessible viewing areas: one in the U.K. (next to Rose and Crown), one between Italy and Germany and one on both sides of the central World Showcase Plaza. These areas open at 8 p.m. and fill up on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan to arrive early since space is limited. Parties larger than six may be asked to separate and reunite afterwards.

Where to Avoid Watching Harmonious

While Harmonious can be visually stunning from anywhere around the lagoon, not all viewing areas are equal. Your view might be blocked by trees, or perhaps the circular centerpiece is directly behind one of the barges so you can’t see it very well. Here are the areas that we’d try to avoid.

From the International Gateway Bridge

Not only are you the furthest away from the set pieces, but also the middle of the centerpiece is not visible at all because of the viewing spot’s angle.

Between France and Morocco

Those small islands with tall trees in the lagoon will likely block your view of the barges. It also feels like you’re too far away from the action since you’re still pretty far from the middle of the lagoon.

Germany/Refreshment Outpost/China

The circular centerpiece is partially blocked by one of the barges from most areas along the waterfront in Germany. But if you’re standing directly in front of the Germany food kiosk that’s used for festivals, you’ll get a relatively decent view.

However, if you move closer to Refreshment Outpost and China, more trees will be in your line of vision, blocking the barges, and you have a poor angle of the circular centerpiece.

La Cantina de San Angel

This may come as a surprise because the patio area at this quick-service restaurant in Mexico was regarded as one of the best spots for previous nighttime spectaculars. But unfortunately, one of the barges almost entirely blocks the circular centerpiece.

Unconventional Spots to Watch EPCOT Fireworks

Due to the location of the show, EPCOT's nighttime spectaculars are best viewed from World Showcase. While you can see the fireworks from some spots in World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery, the views are obscured. With major construction going on behind Spaceship Earth, this takes away the possible centered views.

We've tried to watch the fireworks from the park entrance, but unfortunately, Spaceship Earth and the front buildings block most of the view. By going to the side, you can catch some of the fireworks, but you can only see the fireworks peeping over the buildings for the majority of the show. We wouldn't recommend this spot — it would be best to either watch from World Showcase or head out to beat the crowds.

How to View Fireworks Outside of EPCOT

Even without a park ticket, you can still enjoy Harmonious from areas outside of the park. Within walking distance of EPCOT, enjoy a fun night of dining and entertainment before the show with a visit to Disney's BoardWalk. We love grabbing some BoardWalk ice cream and strolling along the water before grabbing a spot. Note that parking may only be available to BoardWalk Inn resort guests or those with a dining reservation.

Staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels? Enjoy a fireworks view from your own balcony with select room options. (Did you know the Swan Reserve will be opening this October, offering even more conveniently located resorts?)

Other Nighttime Spectaculars at Disney World

At Magic Kingdom, catch the brand-new fireworks spectacular, Disney Enchantment, which features projections on Cinderella Castle and Main Street as fireworks burst in the night sky! At Disney's Hollywood Studios, watch Wonderful World of Animation, a charming projection show on the Chinese Theater highlighting more than 90 years of Disney Animation.

Are you excited to watch the brand-new Harmonious in person? Where is your go-to spot to watch EPCOT fireworks? Let us know in the comments below!

Related: The Best Places to Watch Magic Kingdom Fireworks

Related: Planning a trip to EPCOT? Here's What You Need to Know

Hoppy planning!