Disney World is now requiring select guests who want to view fireworks to make reservations in advance.
Disney World Fireworks Coming With Reservation System in 2026
There are few places at Walt Disney World Resort that feel truly off-limits — secret perches above the skyline where the outside world fades beneath a symphony of color and sound. One of those places, tucked high above Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, has long been whispered about among Disney Vacation Club Members as a kind of “hidden kingdom.” But as 2026 approaches, that secret is about to get a little easier to experience… or is it?
What change could make this already elusive Villains-themed hideaway even more coveted?
Disney Vacation Club Reveals New Fireworks Access
Starting January 1, 2026, Disney Vacation Club Members will gain a powerful new perk: the ability to reserve complimentary fireworks viewing from the Top of the World Lounge — A Villains Lair up to 60 days in advance. Until now, this exclusive enclave has only granted access on a first-come, first-served basis — a system that could make snagging a seat for Happily Ever After feel as competitive as scoring a boarding group for TRON Lightcycle / Run.
For years, the Top of the World Lounge has been a coveted, members-only retreat perched on the 16th floor of Bay Lake Tower, boasting a panoramic view of Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks. But when the space underwent its hauntingly glamorous transformation in 2022 — themed around Disney’s most infamous Villains — it became something more than just a lounge. It became a statement: Disney magic, from the other side of the mirror.
The change coming in 2026 brings structure to that allure — but also raises a question. Will reservations finally open the door wider for members, or simply make the waiting list longer?
How to Reserve (and What to Expect)
Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members with access to Membership Extras can make the new Top of the World Lounge – Complimentary Fireworks Viewing reservations beginning with arrivals in the new year. Reservations can be made up to 60 days prior by calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800.
Guests who prefer something more indulgent can still opt for the paid Wicked Wind Down experience, priced at $55 per person. That event bundles an appetizer, cocktail, and dessert trio — all served against the glittering backdrop of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks — and remains one of the most adult, atmospheric experiences anywhere on Disney property.
Walk-up entry will continue to be available when space permits, though given the new system, that may become increasingly rare.
Members checking in for reservations or walk-up availability can do so beginning at 6 p.m. each evening at the 16th-floor podium inside Bay Lake Tower. At least one Disney Vacation Club Member in the party must present their digital Membership Card and government-issued photo ID for verification. The lounge operates nightly from 6 p.m. to midnight, though it does observe blockout dates for holidays and special events.
A Perk Fit for Disney’s Most Dedicated
Complimentary parking begins two hours before reservation times, allowing guests to arrive early and perhaps enjoy a stroll through the Contemporary Resort’s iconic Grand Canyon Concourse. Members simply need to show their reservation confirmation, photo ID, and Membership Card at the gate.
This upgrade feels like a small logistical detail on the surface — but for DVC insiders, it’s a major shift in how exclusive access is managed. By bringing reservations into play, Disney Vacation Club may be seeking to ensure a smoother, more controlled guest experience during high-demand fireworks nights. Fewer disappointed guests turned away, more opportunities for long-term trip planners to lock in their dream evening — it’s a move that subtly nods to the growing sophistication (and competition) within DVC membership culture.
And yet… there’s still something romantically unpredictable about walking up to the podium at twilight, hoping for that last-minute chance to enter the Villains’ domain.
The Future of Disney’s Secret Spaces
Top of the World Lounge — A Villains Lair is more than a bar with a view; it’s a symbol of the Disney Vacation Club lifestyle. It gives members something parks can’t always provide: an adults-only refuge where nostalgia meets luxury, storytelling meets skyline.
As Disney continues refining the balance between exclusivity and accessibility, this change might preview how other member spaces could evolve — with advanced bookings replacing long waits, and a growing emphasis on premium, personalized experiences.
So when the next fireworks burst above Cinderella Castle and the Top of the World Lounge flickers with the glow of enchanted cocktails, one thing will be clear: for some Disney fans, membership truly has its privileges.
