This is our new go-to last minute spot, and we typically snag somewhere here at the very last minute right after dining at Katsura Grill. If you don’t care as much about photos, you can easily show up at the last minute and grab a great spot in the open courtyard or even an elevated one on the steps.Īlternatively, ground level back deeper in Japan anywhere between the pagoda and department store provides a great view, with the torii gate in the foreground as an interesting photo-framing element. This location in Japan often fills up 45 minutes before the fireworks, so it does require a bit of a commitment–and one that may not be entirely necessary unless you want the perfect elevated vantage for photos of EPCOT Forever. Word has really gotten out about this location (and it’s incredibly popular with photographers), so even though it’s off the beaten path, don’t expect to be able to show up here at the last minute. The torii at the edge of the water in Japan does obstruct the view a bit, but it also makes for more interesting photos, as does the elevated perspective. This view is available from the second story of the Mitsukoshi Department Store in the Japan pavilion, right outside the Tokyo Dining windows (contrary to popular belief, Tokyo Dining is not a great spot for watching the fireworks). #2 – Mitsukoshi Department Store: This spot is a great combination of great and unique views. In fact, you’re better off towards the back (ignore the crowd that congregates up front) because of the way the area becomes elevated as you move away from the rail. I’m a huge fan of this spot not only because it’s a centered viewing but also because it doesn’t require a front row spot for a great view. That means it’s a great, wide open view for the time being. Thus far, it has not been converted to a Genie+ Lightning Lane or dessert party viewing area, which we keep expecting to happen. Previously, this was the FastPass+ viewing area or reserved seating for special events. Supposedly, this is the view around which the show was designed. #1 – Front of the House: The best view of the show is known informally as the “Front of the House,” and is located between the two gift shops at the entrance to World Showcase. That pretty much covers the basics, now let’s take a look at my favorite specific spots… The other good news is that with IllumiNations (and its globe) gone, there’s really no longer any reason for a “front row” spot along the rails around World Showcase Lagoon. There’s no perspective distortion with the fireworks at EPCOT. It isn’t like Happily Ever After in this regard, as some spots that have good views of Cinderella Castle actually are poor views of the fireworks due to perspective distortion. The good news is that, obstructions and weather aside, since EPCOT Forever takes place in the center of World Showcase Lagoon, if you pick a spot that can see the lagoon, you will be able to see EPCOT Forever. If so, and you still have the time to find a different spot, do so. The first thing you should do when arriving at any potential viewing spot is to survey the area above and around you to see if there are any torches, light poles, or trees blocking your view of the Lagoon. This is because within a span of 10 feet, you might have both an awesome and awful viewing spot, due to trees, food carts, or other obstructions. Unfortunately, unlike my Best Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing Spots post, which contained an easy to follow map with color coded areas of good, bad, and okay spots from which to watch Happily Ever After, the same really isn’t possible for EPCOT. After that, stake out one of these spots, enjoy your meal, as well as the pre-fireworks ambiance along the promenade and in World Showcase lagoon…Ĭhoosing a prime location for EPCOT’s fireworks is actually easier said than done, as certain variables, such as the direction of the wind and where there might be fireworks dessert parties or private events that eliminate potential viewings areas as options for regular park guests change often What we recommend doing is grabbing dinner from one of the best EPCOT counter service restaurants or festival food booths in World Showcase around about 8:15 pm. For this post, I’m going to highlight my 5 favorite spots (see map below), along with some alternatives to those spots, and general discussions about choosing a spot for watching the EPCOT Forever fireworks. I’ve watched and photographed EPCOT’s fireworks way too many times and can say that not all viewing spots were created equally. Here we will provide some general tips about the best locations, and point out the best of these on a map of World Showcase. This viewing guide highlights the best & worst viewing spots for EPCOT Forever fireworks at Walt Disney World, which recently replaced Harmonious.

Illuminations epcot tracks