After a thrilling day of rides, experiences and delicious festival food, what better way to end your day than with EPCOT fireworks? Recently returned as of April 3, EPCOT Forever celebrates the park's history and exciting future with music, fireworks and lasers. 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. This show will run until an all-new nighttime spectacular debuts later this year in honor of the Walt Disney Company's 100th anniversary celebration. Here's everything to know about EPCOT Forever and our favorite viewing spots!
Overview of EPCOT Forever
EPCOT Forever is a fun, 12-minute show all about EPCOT as a park, celebrating its past as well as what is to come. Located around World Showcase Lagoon, the nighttime spectacular features fireworks, lasers and music. Frogs of all ages will love the variety of Disney songs with lots of references to EPCOT, including "One Little Spark" and "Soarin' to Tower"!
EPCOT Forever has run on and off over the past few years — usually, as a temporary show between bigger nighttime spectaculars. Previous shows around the iconic World Showcase Lagoon included "Harmonious," which ran for a year and a half, and "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," which ran for 20 years. A new nighttime spectacular will debut in late 2023 in honor of the Walt Disney Company's 100th anniversary. (And check out what else is coming to EPCOT in the next few years!)
For an extra magical experience, the new MagicBand+ lights up and vibrate in sync with the show. The band lit up for nearly the entire show and definitely added to the fun. It's just subtle enough that you can keep an eye on both without being too distracted.
The Best Spots to Watch EPCOT Fireworks
With a focus on fireworks high in the sky, there’s really no bad seat around World Showcase Lagoon! Depending on where you chose to watch, you can snag a spot as close to twenty minutes before showtime with no issue — each country has an equally beautiful view of the show. While EPCOT Forever can be seen from anywhere around the lagoon, we have a few favorite viewing spots.
World Showcase Plaza
For a perfectly centered view of EPCOT Forever, you can’t get any better than the Showcase Plaza (the open space between the Port of Entry and Disney Traders gift shops). Because of its prime location, this area will fill up. We suggest arriving about an hour before to guarantee a spot, though we've had luck getting spots about half an hour before showtime when we have a small group. Here, people often sit beforehand and then will usually be asked to stand by a cast member when it's about 10 or so minutes to go. We highly recommend this spot for the centered view and the quick exit.
Note that there's always a chance this area could be reserved for a special event or dessert party. (While dessert parties haven't returned 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.) While the area has been open during our visits, be prepared to have a backup spot in case it is reserved.
Entrance to World Showcase
If you want a similar view of World Showcase Plaza but without the stress of claiming a spot, we suggest the entrance to World Showcase. The walkway provides that straight-on view of the fireworks. It is of course a bit further back and has some trees, but you can generally just walk right up shortly before showtime.
There's plenty of space here and, the best part is, you have a quick exit out of the park, beating the rest of the World Showcase crowds.
Japan and The American Adventure Pavilion
On the opposite side of World Showcase Plaza, the stretch between Japan and the American Adventure Pavilion, in particular, is great for fireworks viewing. Be warned that the smaller section on the Italy side of the America Gardens Theatre has a lot more trees and may be more obscured. Head up to the second floor of the Mitsukoshi Department Store in Japan for a grand view (with limited space, you'll want to arrive early for this spot).
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 also 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.
Other Viewing Areas
Nearly all of World Showcase can provide good views of EPCOT fireworks. Just be mindful of any trees that could block your view. Other spots we like are:
- La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico
- Between Mexico and Norway
- The International Gateway Bridge
- Between Canada and the U.K.
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 each side of the central World Showcase Plaza. These areas typically 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 after the show.
Unconventional Spots to Watch EPCOT Forever
Due to the location of the show, EPCOT fireworks 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 EPCOT fireworks 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 new Swan Reserve is now open, offering even more conveniently located resorts?)
Other Nighttime Spectaculars at Disney World
At Magic Kingdom, catch the newly returned fireworks spectacular, Happily Ever After, 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, as well as "Disney Movie Magic." You can also watch "Fantasmic!" — the nighttime musical spectacular.
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
Hoppy planning!
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