You're standing in the middle of a desert planet. The air smells like grilled meat and space dust. Suddenly, the sky over the Black Spire Outpost explodes in color, but there’s something weird about it. There’s no John Williams' "Main Title" blasting through the speakers. Instead, you hear the haunting, sweeping chants of a civilization tucked away in a galaxy far, far away. This is Fire of the Rising Moons, and honestly, it’s the best way to watch fireworks at Disneyland if you hate crowds.
Most people shove their way onto Main Street, U.S.A. hours before the show. They stand shoulder-to-shoulder, sweating, waiting for the projections on the castle. But if you head back to Galaxy’s Edge, the vibe is totally different. It’s quiet. It’s immersive. It feels like you’ve actually left Anaheim.
What is Fire of the Rising Moons?
Basically, it’s a "B-side" viewing experience. Disneyland takes its current fireworks spectacular—whether that’s Mickey’s Mix Magic, Wondrous Journeys, or the seasonal Believe... In Holiday Magic—and recontextualizes it for the Star Wars setting. You aren't watching a Disney tribute. You’re watching the villagers of Batuu gather to celebrate their history.
The music is the real star here. Disney didn't just recycle the movie soundtracks. They brought in composer William Ross to take themes originally written by John Williams and rearrange them. You’ll hear bits of the "Force Theme" and "Rey’s Theme," but they’re mixed with a sort of ethereal, tribal percussion that fits the lore of the Black Spire Outpost. It’s moody.
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The Best Spots to Stand (And Where to Avoid)
Don’t just stand anywhere in the land. Some spots are basically blind. If you're tucked too far back by the entrance to Rise of the Resistance, the trees and the massive rock spires are going to eat half the pyrotechnics. You want clear sightlines.
The Black Spire 709 Viewing Area is the gold standard. This is the space right in front of the TIE Echelon (the big scary ship where Kylo Ren hangs out). If you stand here, the fireworks frame the ship perfectly. It’s peak "Instagram moment," but it also has the best audio clarity.
Another solid choice is the area near the Millennium Falcon. Watching rockets go off behind the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy is a bucket list item for a reason. Just be aware that the crowd tends to cluster here. If you want a bit more breathing room, try the walkway connecting Galaxy's Edge to Fantasyland. It’s less "thematic," but you get a massive, panoramic view of the higher-altitude shells.
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Why It’s Actually Better Than Main Street
Crowds are a nightmare. Let's be real. Main Street during fireworks is a sea of strollers and glowing headbands. It can be claustrophobic. Galaxy's Edge is sprawling. Even on a busy Saturday, you can usually find a spot for Fire of the Rising Moons about 15 minutes before it starts.
There are no projections here. If you’re a person who needs to see the animations on the castle to enjoy a show, you’ll be disappointed. But if you value atmosphere, it’s a massive upgrade. The lights in the land actually dim. The droids in the workshop might beep along. The "lore" reason for the show is that the locals are watching the "fire in the sky" as a symbol of hope. It’s a very different emotional beat than the usual "When You Wish Upon a Star" sentimentality.
The Tech Behind the Magic
How does Disneyland sync fireworks that are being shot off a mile away with a completely different soundtrack in a different land? It’s all about the digital audio nodes hidden in the "rocks."
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Disneyland uses a sophisticated show control system that triggers the Galaxy’s Edge audio feed the second the main park show begins. The pyrotechnic shells are launched from a site behind Toontown. Because Galaxy’s Edge is physically closer to the launch site than Main Street, the booms are louder. They’re visceral. You can feel the percussion in your chest.
- Location: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (Disneyland Park).
- Showtimes: Usually coincides with the main park fireworks (9:30 PM is standard).
- Magic Band+: Your band will actually vibrate and glow in sync with the Batuuan music.
- Pro Tip: Grab a Cold Brew Black Caf from Docking Bay 7 right before it starts.
Is It Worth It?
If you’ve seen the castle projections a dozen times, yes. Absolutely. It’s the most "grown-up" way to do fireworks at Disney. It’s less about the spectacle of the Disney brand and more about the immersion of the Star Wars world.
The only downside is that if the wind is blowing the wrong way, the fireworks get cancelled. This happens more often than people realize. Since the launch site is so close to residential Anaheim, the "fire marshal" rules are strict. If you see the flags on the spires pointing toward the Mickey & Friends parking structure, there’s a 50/50 chance the show is a wash.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
- Check the Schedule: Open the Disneyland App. Look for the "Fireworks" listing. If it says "with projections," that usually means the full pyro show is happening. If it's just "projections," there won't be any Fire of the Rising Moons because there’s nothing to see from Batuu.
- Timing the Food: Mobile order a Ronto Wrap about 30 minutes before showtime. Eat it while you claim your spot by the TIE Echelon.
- The Exit Strategy: Most people rush out of the land the second the show ends. Don’t do that. Stay for 10 minutes. The music lingers, and the land is beautiful when it's dark and the crowds are thinning. Plus, the line for Smugglers Run usually drops to 15 minutes right after the fireworks.
- Sync Your Gear: If you have a Magic Band+, make sure it’s charged. The haptic feedback during the "Rising Moons" finale is actually pretty cool and adds a layer of tactile immersion you don't get elsewhere.
Skip the Main Street madness at least once. Head to the edge of the galaxy, look up, and realize that sometimes, a different perspective is all you need to make an old show feel brand new.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Download the official Disneyland app and toggle the "Entertainment" filter to see exactly when the next "Rising Moons" sequence is scheduled. If you're staying at a Disney Resort hotel, ask the concierge about "high wind" alerts before you commit to waiting in the land. Finally, head to the Docking Bay 7 outdoor seating area about 20 minutes early for the best uncrowded view of the higher bursts.