These Are the Best Views at Walt Disney World

When it comes to fabulous views, Guests at Walt Disney World are spoiled.  

Whether your idea of a great view is gazing out over the scenic Seven Seas Lagoon, enjoying a bird’s eye view of an entire theme park, or simply taking in the iconic view of Cinderella Castle, there are plenty of spots on WDW property that offer the perfect vantage point for an Instagram-worthy shot.

Here are some of our favorite views in Walt Disney World. Which ones make your list for your next WDW vacation?

California Grill

There are several table service restaurants in Walt Disney World that, in addition to offering excellent cuisine, boast some pretty fantastic views. California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is one of them.

Located high up on the 15^th floor and just a stone’s throw away from Disney’s Magic Kingdom, California Grill is the perfect place to gaze out on views of Cinderella Castle and the rest of the Park, along with the beautiful Seven Seas Lagoon.  

Of course, at night, the view only improves with the addition of fireworks as part of the nighttime spectacular Disney Enchantment.

Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood

Another table service restaurant that offers excellent panoramic views is Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, where Guests enjoy a prime top-floor location at Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

This rooftop dining experience reveals scenic views of Disney’s EPCOT and Hollywood Studios Parks, Blizzard Beach, and lovely Coronado Springs Resort itself.  

Oh, and if you’re afraid of heights, just look at the uniquely beautiful color-changing ceiling above you.

Disney Skyliner

Don’t think you have to shell out big bucks for fancy table service meals to enjoy panoramic views at Walt Disney World, though.  

There are also vantage points that offer compelling views you won’t see anywhere else on property, and they’re completely free!

Hop aboard the Disney Skyliner to see Walt Disney World like never before. This is WDW’s newest mode of transportation, and it’s complimentary, so you can ride to your heart’s content!  

Soar in a gondola over the treetops and enjoy stunning views of The World Showcase at Disney’s EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Monorail

Perhaps the most iconic way to travel around Walt Disney World is on a Monorail (bonus points if you start your journey inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where the Monorail zooms through the lobby, providing an unforgettable visual).  

The Monorail has been efficiently transporting Guests for decades, and it’s almost an attraction unto itself at this point!

You can sit back and enjoy close-up views of Disney’s EPCOT theme park and Disney’s Magic Kingdom, or soak up the theming of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Polynesian Village Resort, and Contemporary Resort as you ride Disney’s “highway in the sky”.

Expedition Everest

Fantastic views can also be had at the top of many Disney attractions. While riding Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, if you can manage to keep your eyes open during the ascent up the steep hill, you’ll be perfectly positioned to take in views of not only Animal Kingdom (especially Pandora – The World of Avatar), but also of Disney’s EPCOT and Hollywood Studios Parks.  

While I’ve never been brave enough for this, I’m told if you turn and look behind you at this point on the ride, you can even see Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park!

Disney’s BoardWalk

Whether you’re up for a bite to eat, a bit of shopping, or a night on the town, Disney’s BoardWalk has something for you – including gorgeous views.  

Featuring picturesque water views of Crescent Lake and charming turn-of-the-century Atlantic seaboard architecture, this is a great place for a stroll!

As beautiful as Disney’s BoardWalk is during the day, we prefer it at night, when it comes alive with the glow of warm lights that cast mesmerizing reflections in the lake. Sit for a spell on one of the benches along the BoardWalk, and soak it all in!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 

For views of a completely different sort, Guests can travel to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, which is adjacent to four savannas, each teeming with wildlife you’d expect to see on an African safari. If you’re staying at this Disney Deluxe Resort, you can book a savanna view room to wake up to giraffes, gazelles, and zebras grazing out your window.  

Not quite this lucky? You don’t even have to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge to enjoy the views here! Visit one of the many viewing platforms and see how many animals you can spot. Night vision goggles are available if you want to enjoy the savanna views after dark. Best of all, it’s completely free, even if you’re not staying here!

Space 220

We couldn’t write an article about views at Walt Disney World without including one of the most unique “views” on property – the captivating view of the Earth and stars out the panoramic windows of Space 220 at Disney’s EPCOT theme park.

While you obviously won’t actually travel to space, Imagineers made sure that the projected “views” are an accurate, real-time representation of the time of day and weather outside in Florida.  

Bottom Line

Walt Disney World is so much more than just attractions. The level of detail that Disney Imagineers inject into every space on property is astounding, and every Guest with an eye for beauty will have no shortage of inspiring sights to soak up.  

Whether you’re enjoying a family meal, a thrill ride, date night, or even just hopping on Disney transportation to get to a park, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these spectacular views and photo spots.