Navigating the Star Wars Fireworks at Disney's Hollywood Studios

by Leap on July 12, 2016 61 Orlando Video

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.

====>See today's show time and more details about Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular<====

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!

Keep Hopping!

Tags: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Star Wars Land

Comments

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wookieFan Nov 5, 2016 at 9:10 a.m.

hello, do you know if this show will be on in Jan 2017 and if so which dates? Nothing is showing up and I am desperate to see this show! Thanks :)

FrogBlog Nov 22, 2016 at 7:45 a.m.

Hi there,

We don't yet know, but expect it will return in January.

Keep hopping!

Leap

pecos bill Feb 8, 2017 at 8:46 a.m.

How can I find out if The Star Wars Galactic Spectacular will be presented during my trip to WDW during the week of April 15-22, 2017? If it is being presented, what time is the show? I received an advertisement via e-mail that seemed to suggest that it may be presented this Spring, but could not find any other info on the website.

FrogBlog Feb 8, 2017 at 8:26 a.m.

Howdy Pecos Bill,

Disney has not released showtimes for Star Wars Galactic Spectacular for that week. Visiting the page for the show and inputting your dates is the best way to know when performances will be. Showtimes will depend on how late the park is open.

Keep Hopping!

Leap

FrogBlog Nov 22, 2016 at 7:45 a.m.

Hi there,

We don't yet know, but expect it will return in January.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Stacey Oct 4, 2016 at 3:39 p.m.

Hi there, I had read that you could see the fireworks really well from outside the park before they turned to the new show. Do you know if that is still true? I know we wouldn't see the projections, but is there enough fireworks in the sky to take the kids over one night? We do this with Wishes and wanted to see if it was worth the time.

FrogBlog Oct 14, 2016 at 9:45 a.m.

Hi Stacey,

You can see the Star Wars fireworks from outside of Hollywood Studios (from outside the main entrance as far as the walkway that leads over to the Boardwalk and Epcot). There are fewer fireworks than in the previous show because of the huge amount of projections that make up the show, but there's still a pretty nice display. If you're close by, and want to stop and see it, by all means, but I wouldn't trek all the way across property to see it from outside the park.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Alana Sep 10, 2016 at 3:22 a.m.

How far in advance are the Star Wars fireworks times posted? We'll be at DW over Christmas!

FrogBlog Sep 14, 2016 at 3:59 p.m.

Hi Alana,

We would expect to see them posted within a month or two.

Leap

DeAnn Oct 7, 2016 at 6:50 p.m.

Any update on the Star Wars fireworks? We are heading to WDW the Sun after Thandsgiving, a little over 6 weeks away. The schedule shows a few dates in early November but nothing after the first week of Nov. What do you think the firework days and times will be? Also, do you have any prediction or idea what Disney is doing to fill the gap left by their ending the Osbourne Christmas Spectacular?

FrogBlog Oct 11, 2016 at 1:11 p.m.

Hi DeAnn,

We have not yet heard of anything replacing the lights. As far as the fireworks, we recommend you keep checking back. We expect there would be fireworks that day, but we cannot say definitively.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Natalie Jul 12, 2016 at 4:39 p.m.

I noticed for early September that Fantasmic is set for 8:30 and fireworks for 8:45. Why would they do that? Now guests must choose one or the other. I really hope that changes.

Brent Tapio Sep 11, 2016 at 6:05 p.m.

We are at DW this week and watched Fantasmic last night, aside from not being able to view both shows in the same night, the fireworks from Star Wars completely ruined Fantasmic for us, they were going off for most of the show, right behind us. It was extremely distracting, and I am so disappointed in Disney for not thinking about this (unlikely), or just ignoring that they will be ruining the magical experience for thousands at Fantasmic.

Rene Aug 25, 2016 at 7:59 p.m.

I just saw that and am NOT happy! Very poor planning and very inconsiderate of WDW.

Kim Aug 20, 2016 at 4:31 p.m.

I am going at the end of August. I agree, it is terrible that we must choose one or the other. However if you are going to be in the parks several nights and have a park hopper pass, you could do what we are doing (but shouldn't have to - thanks Disney). We are spending the day at Animal Kingdom then going to Hollywood studios for Star Wars A Galactic Spectacular showing at 8:45 then returning to AK for the 10:30 showing of Jungle Book. I kept hoping that as it got closer to the date we will be there the would change one of the showtimes, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen.

Lisa Eaker Sep 5, 2016 at 12:14 a.m.

I have seen both and I would say hands down Starwars is much better.

Nan Jul 12, 2016 at 10:06 p.m.

I called Disney to complain yesterday :( We will be there in August. If we can't do both, my husband will see the Star Wars fireworks with our son (8) and I'll take our daughter (4) to see Fantasmic.

Johnna Tuten Jun 23, 2016 at 5:07 p.m.

Traveling to WDW late September ... any word on dates and times for a new fireworks display featuring star war themes at Disney Studios

FrogBlog Jul 11, 2016 at 1:17 p.m.

Hi Johnna,

Keep checking back. We expect these dates will be revealed in a few weeks.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Amanda Jun 23, 2016 at 1:10 a.m.

We are planning our trip mid September and Hollywood Studios closes at 7:30 each night we will be there. We were really wanting to see the new galactic spectacular. Will they still be doing it even though the park closes so early? It looks like most nights in September Hollywood Studios closes at 7:30.

FrogBlog Jul 11, 2016 at 8:54 a.m.

Hi Amanda,

We expect Disney will extend these hours closer to the actual dates. We recommend checking our Crowd Calendar every week or so.

https://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/crowd-calendar/

Keep hopping!

Leap

Sunny3292 Jun 22, 2016 at 10:13 a.m.

Hello! Do you know anything about why the dessert party doesn't seem to exist after July 9?

FrogBlog Jul 11, 2016 at 7:03 a.m.

Hi there,

We expect these will be extended. Keep checking back!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Lindsey G Jun 20, 2016 at 6:46 p.m.

Our family is visiting towards the end of September/early October and desperately want to attend the Galactic Dessert Party. Any word on if this will be continued into the fall months? I checked online today for dates and could only see it offered through the first week of July.

Thanks!

TABITHA Jul 15, 2016 at 3:16 p.m.

Just to let you know, they just released the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party reservations leading through September!

FrogBlog Jul 11, 2016 at 8:40 a.m.

Hi Lindsey,

We expect it will be extended, so keep checking back!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Andrea Jun 20, 2016 at 4:50 p.m.

Hi! Is this a show only available for a limited time? I've been looking for info but havent found anything. I would like to know because I will be travelling in the fall. Thanks a lot!

FrogBlog Jul 11, 2016 at 8:38 a.m.

Hi Andrea,

The new Star Wars show is permanent, so you can enjoy it this fall.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Deanna Jun 9, 2016 at 1:47 a.m.

Hello! We are coming in January 2017 and are trying to figure out which day to go to DHS. Do we know if this new fireworks show starting June 17th will be a nightly show like Wishes? Or on certain days like Fantasmic?

FrogBlog Jul 5, 2016 at 11:10 a.m.

Hi Deanna,

It's possible it will not be nightly, although it has been so far. We just don't know yet.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Tracy Jun 8, 2016 at 10:28 p.m.

any idea what time the galactic spectacular is going to start? also, where the best seats might be? thanks!

FrogBlog Jul 5, 2016 at 11:06 a.m.

Hi Tracy,

As you might have seen, the new show has already started. We recommend getting a spot at least 45 minutes early in the main area in front of The Great Movie Ride.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Julio May 16, 2016 at 3:33 a.m.

Does anybody knows what date exactly the new attraction of star wars a galactic spectacular fireworks show starts? I think to go June 1st. Thanks

FrogBlog May 16, 2016 at 10:57 a.m.

Hi Julio,

This date has not yet been announced.

Keep hopping!

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Tania May 13, 2016 at 4:38 a.m.

Do you know how soon we would be able to book the dessert reservations for August shows? We are very excited about this show.

FrogBlog May 16, 2016 at 11:34 a.m.

Hi Tania,

We expect these will become available when the new show is announced.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Danielle May 2, 2016 at 2:29 a.m.

Any word on if the fireworks show will be displayed on the dates after May 28? We plan to watched them during our trip on May 30. Thanks!

FrogBlog May 2, 2016 at 10:20 a.m.

Hi Danielle,

At this point, we don't know for sure. Disney is in the process of transitioning to the new show, so it's not clear if anything will be available for unofficial preview for that point or if the current show will be extended.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Sarah Apr 23, 2016 at 6:32 p.m.

Will all of the Star Wars attractions and fireworks still be going on in November 2016? I am having a lot of trouble finding any dates for these attractions.

FrogBlog Apr 26, 2016 at 2:45 p.m.

Hi Sarah,

Yes, these are expected to continue through the fall.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Jason singer May 23, 2016 at 4:30 p.m.

When these are announced in the fall, what is the best way to make sure I get tickets for the dessert feature?

FrogBlog May 31, 2016 at 3:05 p.m.

Hi Jason,

I would check here June 17 to see if any details are listed.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Lisa Meister Apr 20, 2016 at 8:59 p.m.

We will be in hollywood studios on june 11th. Im afraid the crowds will be bad but really want to see fantasmic and the star wars fireworks. Is it worth buying the desert party? I heard its standing only and if you don't reserve a spot up front it will be hard to see. I have a 5 and 6yr old,.

Kelly May 8, 2016 at 1:43 a.m.

We did the desert party last year in June as it has been part of the Star Wars weekends previously. It was by far the best part of the day! It was far less chaotic having a dedicated space to view the show and my boys LOVED it! I would not recommend skipping this if you can avoid it.

FrogBlog Apr 21, 2016 at 3:12 p.m.

Hi Lisa,

Yes, the current Symphony in the Stars fireworks are expected to continue nightly until the new show in late summer.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Pam Mar 30, 2016 at 6:22 p.m.

We are planning to come to Disney world in September 2016. Our first park will be Hollywood studios. What are your reccommendations to see first? Will both fireworks be going on? Any changes?

FrogBlog Mar 30, 2016 at 3:56 p.m.

Hi Pam,

There will be a new Star Wars fireworks show, and it will replace the existing one, so no worries!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Catherine Jul 9, 2016 at 1:17 p.m.

Hi. We are planning to go to Hollywood Studios the week of the 26th September. Had hoped to go on Monday 26th. Are there going to be daily showings of the starwars show then? I cannot see it in the schedule.

FrogBlog Jul 12, 2016 at 2:12 p.m.

Hi Catherine,

Disney has not yet released the schedule, but we sure hope so!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Heather Mar 18, 2016 at 1:26 a.m.

Thanx for these tips, as there's not much info elsewhere regarding the exit of Fantasmic to watch StarWars Symphony FWs directly after.

These Fireworks have been extended past March, right thru til August when they change to the Galactic Spectacular FWs.

Any details about the "alternate exit" approach from Fantasmic to the Fireworks would be appreciated. Has anyone taken this path in March '16 (our HS day is April 9, & is it a good idea?

FrogBlog Apr 21, 2016 at 3:18 p.m.

Hi Heather,

Yes, the current Symphony in the Stars fireworks show is expected to continue nightly until the new show in late summer.

Keep hopping!

Leap

ross Apr 26, 2016 at 6:23 a.m.

Thanks for the viewing tips, by the way. I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing this show in May. Hopefully I can see the new on in the fall.

FrogBlog Apr 26, 2016 at 8 a.m.

Hi Ross,

Yes! It will be great to see both and see how they differ.

Keep hopping!

Leap

ross Apr 26, 2016 at 6:22 a.m.

Hi, I just wanted to note that the current schedule on Disney World's website only has Symphony in the Stars on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights during May, except that they also have a show scheduled on Saturday, May 28. That's the last show currently on the schedule, though I'd guess you're right that they'll extend it until the next one is ready (which, according to Disney's blog, should start sometime in June.)

Stacie Mar 15, 2016 at 3:34 p.m.

Will the Star Wars fireworks be nightly or only on certain nights. Planning our September vacation now!

FrogBlog Mar 16, 2016 at 2:33 p.m.

Hi Stacie,

We would expect it to be every night, but we shall see!

Keep hopping!

Leap

shandra Mar 11, 2016 at 5:58 a.m.

hey do you know if the new show starting in april will still be arround in november or will renovations stop it?

FrogBlog Mar 16, 2016 at 2:55 p.m.

Hi Shandra,

The new fireworks show is supposed to start some time this summer, and we expect it will still be around in November.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Sheila Mar 2, 2016 at 6:22 p.m.

We saw the fireworks at Hollywood Studios on Feb 24th. We saw Fantasmic and just walked to Main Street and stood and watched them. No huge crowd at the end toward the exit. They were STUNNING better then Wishes at Magic Kingdom in my opinion.

Naomi Coleman Feb 29, 2016 at 4:58 a.m.

Hi we have a 12.5 yr old boy we are not sure what Disney World would be best for him?

FrogBlog Feb 29, 2016 at 1:48 p.m.

Hi Naomi,

All of the parks offer things to do for your son's age. Magic Kingdom is always a good choice, and offers tons of fun rides. If he is into Star Wars, Disney's Hollywood Studios is good too. Tad and Lily both love Epcot, but it's not a traditional theme park and offers more cultural options with just a handful of rides. You might find more help in this post on the best Orlando theme parks by age group:

https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/the-best-orlando-theme-parks-by-age-group/

Keep hopping!

Leap