We offer the best rates available. 
The Star Wars presence is in full Force at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer. During the day, Captain Phasma leads First Order stormtrooopers on a march from Star Wars Launch Bay to Center Stage, and “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” highlights iconic moments from the celebrated saga, featuring appearances by Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, BB-8 and more.
Now, the original Star Wars fireworks, Symphony in the Stars, has transformed into a bigger, bolder show full of projections, pyrotechnics and of course, the unmistakable Star Wars themes. This galaxy-size show journeys through the entire Star Wars saga as favorite characters and moments surround the audience along with a 180-degree fireworks display. From the twin suns of Tattooine to the swamps of Dagobah, the Death Star to Starkiller Base, this is certainly one show Star Wars fans will not want to miss! But you might need a little more than Jedi mind tricks to navigate the park as cast members prepare for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, which is nightly through Sept. 5. After that, we are not certain what the schedule will be, but we expect it will be shown at least a few nights each week. Here are our tips for getting around Hollywood Studios for the best fireworks viewing.
Tips for Seeing Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
Mind the closures and changes in traffic flow. Unlike its predecessor, the new fireworks show does not require any attractions to close. The park has an all-new fireworks launch area that removes the fallout zone from the park areas that previously had to close for fireworks displays. However, the new show does still affect some areas, including the Great Movie Ride courtyard. Prior to the show, the entrance to the attraction may be slightly altered, usually adjusted to the right of the main daytime entrance. Traffic flow on Commissary Lane may also be slightly altered prior to and during the show, with cast directing guests away from the exit and courtyard of the Great Movie Ride. Because of the projections, the Hollywood Boulevard and Center Stage areas become congested very quickly. To get a viewing spot in these areas, plan to arrive early.
Look out for tape lines and roped off areas. Although the attractions no longer close, there are still a few roped off areas and taped walkways to allow guests to safely navigate through the park and viewing areas. Take note of taped lines that designate walkways from viewing areas. Guests are not permitted to watch the show from the walkways.
Scope out your viewing spot early. This is even more important than for the previous fireworks display due to the addition of the projections. It is a smart idea to know where you intend to watch the show beforehand so you don’t waste time fighting through the crowd to search for the perfect viewing spot minutes before the show. Try to arrive 30-45 minutes prior to the show for prime viewing near Center Stage, and at least 20 minutes prior to the show for viewing anywhere further back on Hollywood Boulevard or left/right of stage. If you’re coming from Fantasmic!, we recommend following Sunset Boulevard up to the main street, then follow the pathway over to Echo Lake to the viewing area near Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner.
Note the time(s) for Fantasmic! Speaking of Fantasmic!, it’s helpful to know the show times for the park’s nighttime show, whether you plan to attend or not. Fantasmic! is the nightly stage performance held in the amphitheater near Tower of Terror. The half-hour show tends to let out shortly before the fireworks begin. This means those waiting to view the fireworks on Hollywood Boulevard will likely experience a massive influx of people around the time the show lets out. For those coming from Fantasmic!, note that the viewing areas on Hollywood Boulevard and up to Center Stage do fill very quickly, and your best bet for good viewing is to follow the path in front of the Brown Derby toward the Animation Courtyard or follow the walkway around toward Echo Lake up to the Hyperion Theater (home of the Frozen Sing-a-Long).
Try a Dessert Package for reserved viewing. This show has proven to be extremely popular with guests, making it somewhat difficult to secure a great view without waiting for quite some time. To avoid the hassle of claiming a spot early, try the Dessert Party Package. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be offering a fireworks dessert package similar to the one at Epcot’s IllumiNations. Guests can enjoy different Star Wars-inspired sweets indoors at the Disney Junior Live building before heading over to their reserved viewing area near Center Stage for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. For details and reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE or visit your resort concierge or guest relations.
We hope these tips for the Star Wars fireworks at Disney's Hollywood Studios help you make the most of your visit, and as always, may the Force be with you! Hop over to our Plan Your Days in Orlando page for more tips, part of our Orlando Planning Timeline!
Related: Star Wars Lands Headed to Disney World and Disneyland
Keep Hopping!
Sign up for Our Newsletter
