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The Best Views in Walt Disney World

It’s no surprise that the Walt Disney World Resort is brimming with beauty thanks to the impressive level of detail curated by the Imagineers in every corner. Depending on where a Guest is, they might feel transported to a country from across the world, another planet in a galaxy far, far away, or even under the sea with Ariel. No matter where a Guest looks or explores, they are bound to find beauty, but there are also several locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort that offer up views that are nothing short of stunning. Whether looking to take photos or simply enjoy the sights and take in the beauty, here are some of the best views that Guests can enjoy at the Walt Disney World Resort.

California Grill

Credit: Disney

One of the best views that Guests can enjoy can be found at California Grill located at the very top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The restaurant itself features floor to ceiling windows that overlook Seven Seas Lagoon with beautiful views of the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and all of the various watercraft that travel between the locations. Once night settles, the view from California Grill becomes even more spectacular as the Magic Kingdom lights up, even more so during the holiday season with Cinderella Castle aglow with the Castle Dream Lights. Any Guest who dines at California Grill is also welcome to enjoy an outdoor viewing deck where their view expands to include Bay Lake and Epcot in the distance, and it is the perfect vantage to enjoy a nightly showing of Disney Enchantment lighting up the sky.

RELATED: Planning A Resort Day At Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Lift Hill on Expedition Everest

Credit: Disney

Thrill seekers who are brave enough for a ride on Expedition Everest in Disney’s Animal Kingdom can enjoy some high speed twists and turns, steep drops, and a run in with the fabled Yeti in addition to a stunning view. When the train begins to climb the steep lift hill, Guests are treated to one of the most unique views in all of Walt Disney World which showcases every corner of the property. To the right Guests can spot the rest of Disney’s Animal Kingdom including a great vantage of Pandora – The World of Avatar and to the left is Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the surrounding resort area including the Boardwalk. Guests who twist to look behind them can even spot Cinderella Castle and the Magic Kingdom as well as Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the distance. It’s a quick window, but the views from Expedition Everest are absolutely worth it!

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Top of the Swiss Family Treehouse

Guests willing to work a little for a great view can find one in the heart of Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom. The Swiss Family Treehouse invites Guests to explore the unique home that the family created after being shipwrecked and has them climb one hundred and sixteen stairs in the process to bring them six stories above the Magic Kingdom. From the very top of the Swiss Family Treehouse, Guests can check out beautiful views of the Jungle Cruise and Adventureland below, Splash Mountain rising up in the distance, and a perfectly framed vantage of Cinderella Castle and Tomorrowland through a series of branches and leaves. It might take a little effort to get to, but the view from the Swiss Family Treehouse can’t be beat.

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Main Street Railroad Station Balcony

Also found in the Magic Kingdom is a beautiful view that puts everything in perspective. Guests who climb the set of stairs just inside of the entrance to the Disney Park can explore the balcony of the Main Street Railroad Station which is charming itself with iron railings, turn-of-the-century details, and warm lighting. The view from the railing looking out over Main Street is a spectacular one as Guests can enjoy a bird’s eye look at the town square, entire length of Main Street, Partners statue, and Cinderella Castle in the distance, and several of the lands in either direction.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

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The beauty of nature is on full display throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but one attraction in particular offers up views that are unbeatable. Kilimanjaro Safaris brings Guests on an authentic safari experience through the Harambe Reserve where they can enjoy several different habitats that are home to many species of animals. The dense forests and elephant watering holes are beautiful in their own right, but it is the savannah that steals the show. After passing by the famed baobob tree, Guests are offered their first expansive view of the savannah where giraffes and various other animals can be found organically grazing. It’s a view that will truly make Guests feel as though they are on an African savannah and not in the middle of Central Florida.

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Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Beach

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is full of beautiful details and views from the open air lobby to the winding walkways lined with palm trees, but the most spectacular view is at the rear of the Disney Resort. As Guests move through the grounds, they come upon pristine white sand beaches that are nestled on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon. The beaches are open for Guests to explore and there are various seating areas with comfortable chairs, swinging benches, and even hammocks to take in the views. Once situated and looking out, Guests can enjoy the gentle breeze from Seven Seas Lagoon, hear the music from the Disney Resort playing in the background, check out the peaks of Cinderella Castle, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Space Mountain, and watch the various watercraft pass back and forth. On quiet days, Guests can even hear the whistle from the Walt Disney World Railroad blow, rounding out this wonderful view at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

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The Boardwalk

Credit: Disney

The Crescent Lake area of the Walt Disney World Resort is a favorite of many Guests as it connects Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The area is beautiful s it features a turn-of-the-century boardwalk that emulates the charm of Atlantic City and the Eastern seaboard with architecture to match and plenty of restaurants and nightlife options. The entire boardwalk features benches and places to simply sit and enjoy the view and Guests who do so are sure to find it both beautiful and relaxing.

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The Top of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Credit: Disney

A blink and you’ll miss it fantastic view can be found at one of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’s most thrilling attractions. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror soars above the Disney Park reaching nearly two hundred feet and Guests who are brave enough to board the elevators to another dimension reach nearly as high. During the randomized drop sequence, there is a brief moment where the elevator pauses in front of the open doors for a photo and Guests can look out at an expansive view of all of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests who take in the sight quickly enough can spot Slinky Dog Dash, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and much more for a great view that cannot be found elsewhere.

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Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight

Credit: Disney

Disney Springs is home to a wonderful experience that offers probably the best view of all of the Walt Disney World Resort. Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight in the West Side area of Disney Springs allows Guests to pay an additional fee and take to the skies in a large hot air balloon for eight minutes. Reaching four hundred feet, Guests can walk completely around the balloon’s observation deck to take in surrounding views of the entire Walt Disney World Resort and even downtown Orlando in the distance. It’s a really fun activity to try to spot various Disney Parks and Disney Resorts throughout the property, and it is well worth the extra cost for the views.

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Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera

High atop Disney’s Riviera Resort is the popular Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, a table service restaurant that serves up a blend of French and Italian cuisine with stunning views. The restaurant features massive windows as well as an outdoor patio with comfortable seating that looks out over the courtyard of Disney’s Riviera Resort, the lake, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in the distance, and Disney’s Skyliner quietly gliding past. This serene view paired with the delicious cuisine served up for both breakfast and dinner is a great way to watch the clouds roll by or sun set each evening and definitely shouldn’t be missed.

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Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane has been visiting Walt Disney World since she was a child and has developed a deep love and appreciation of the Disney Parks with a particular interest in the small details and history that can be found all around. Visiting every chance she gets, Caitlin loves to enjoy the ambiance of the Disney Parks and try something new every time. She can often be found eating and drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, riding the Haunted Mansion, sipping on a Lapu Lapu, pretending Illuminations: Reflections of Earth was still in existence, and enjoying… More »

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