Alternate Views for Fireworks

[I_heart_Tigger]

I'm lugging my camera to the parks - with various lenses - but I'm drawing the line at bringing a tripod. I would like to get some nice shots of fireworks and won't be able to handhold in the midst of jostling crowds and the lighting conditions.

If you have other areas for watching the MK or Epcot fireworks where I can be a bit away from the crowds please let me know.

Bonus points if there may be a railing or other steady spot for me to brace my camera on. I was thinking I could see the MK ones from TTC or somewhere in Contemporary but honestly haven't ever tried to watch from there.

 

[real mad hatter]

Thinking?

You could book a table at the dessert thing at MK and grab a table at the front of the railings.and I've heard that upper floor of I think Teppan restaurant has great views at Epcot.:shrug:

 

[Bravo 229]

You could book a table at the dessert thing at MK and grab a table at the front of the railings.and I've heard that upper floor of I think Teppan restaurant has great views at Epcot.:shrug:

The second floor of the Japan Pavilion does provide a great view. Also, if you eat at Tokyo Dining during Illuminations and are lucky enough to snag a window seat, you will have a nice view of the fireworks - they dim the lights inside so you can see clearly.

I've viewed Illuminations from next to the Friendship dock in Morocco a few times, and there werent very many people there (even during the holiday season). For the Magic Kingdom, maybe Tomorrowland in the open area between SM and Rocket Tower Plaza. I've stood there a couple of times and the crowds were relatively low in the area.

 

[Hoop Raeb]

You can do Wishes from the Contemporary for a unique perspective. Just take the elevator to a higher floor, walk the hallway out towards MK and go out the fire exit. Beware that the door locks behind you. Here's the view:

You can also go up in front of the train station. There's a balcony up there with a railing. Have to get there early though. Here's the view:

 

[forevermickey]

@ JVRABEL***** Great pictures!!!

 

[marni1971]

Try a few nights watching Wishes from Fantasyland. Some truely unique views and effects for photography.

 

[brifraz]

We just did Wishes from behind the castle last night. I really enjoy that spot and got a couple nice pictures using a local trash can as a tripod.

The best close up views I ever got with makeshift photo set-up were in on the walkway that leads to Crystal Palace from Main Street. There is a green steel railing. If you can find the sweet spot between the trees, there is rarely a crowd and while the angle isn't 'perfect' you can get pretty good shots over the castle. Last trip, I rattled off almost 200 shots during Wishes from that spot.

I have also been quiet friendly with some of the lamp posts along Main Street just off the hub (before the aforementioned turn off to Crystal Palace) that have a cement base which makes a nice tripod - sadly, you will have the shadow of the lamp posts that are still between you and the castle in any shots.

Ideal spot is the train station. Get there early enough for wishes and that railing makes a decent enough tripod.

I can't speak much for Illuminations photo spots - I tend to just watch and enjoy that one more than try to capture photo moments, but to agree with others, the second floor in Japan is a quite nice view.

 

[Cosmic Commando]

Try a few nights watching Wishes from Fantasyland. Some truely unique views and effects for photography.

I completely agree and I discovered this by accident-- walking out of Philharmagic during the finale one night. With the pyro that goes off on/near the castle and the big shells that are launched behind Fantasyland, you really feel surrounded by the fireworks!

 

[Tip Top Club]

Agreed, In front of the Castle is the most classic place to watch, but Fantasyland is a very close second, you really are surrounded, and especially the Villain segment in which there are a LOT of LOUD shells launched from the Fantasyland buildings, it really is immersive in a way that you can't get in front of the castle.

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

You can do Wishes from the Contemporary for a unique perspective. Just take the elevator to a higher floor, walk the hallway out towards MK and go out the fire exit. Beware that the door locks behind you. Here's the view:

You can also go up in front of the train station. There's a balcony up there with a railing. Have to get there early though. Here's the view:

Wow these are beautiful...thanks for the tip about the fire escape door locking behind me. I would totally be that person stuck out there...I've seen the Hangover, I know what chaos that can bring :lol:

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

Try a few nights watching Wishes from Fantasyland. Some truely unique views and effects for photography.

Yes! The last two times I watched were just accidentally from Fantasyland and I was quite impressed by the scene. I may just perch myself near a trashcan there and see what I can do.

 

[Hoop Raeb]

@ JVRABEL***** Great pictures!!!

Should have said these are not my photos. Just grabbed them off Flickr. Although I have captured similar... like this one: