Ok, I’m a sap, but seriously, I cry every time I see the castle for the first time on our visits, AND at every Disney fireworks show. To this day, if I watch Wishes, which was my favorite ever show on YouTube, I cry while watching it. There’s something extra magical about the fireworks at Disney. Maybe it’s because they incorporate the video, maybe it’s because they make Tink fly, maybe it’s the incredible music, or maybe, just maybe, it’s because you are at the Happiest Place on Earth.
And I think Ella enjoys them too – check out her excitement as we walked to a fireworks show on our last trip!
And after watching quite a few fireworks shows this weekend, I thought it would be fun to share all the shows at Disney!
We’ve been a couple times now and my favorites are usually at Magic Kingdom. However, all the parks have their own displays and none are short on charisma and charm!
Happily Ever After (current): Magic Kingdom
While Wishes will probably ALWAYS be my favorite Disney fireworks show, I’m pretty pleased with it’s replacement. Wishes set a really high standard and how could any show really REPLACE that?! Well, Happily Ever After is a beautiful display of projections, and fully shows the magic that is Disney.
A full package display including music, character, fireworks, and lasers all perfectly timed! Happily Ever After is Disney at its best. And of course it will bring out the emotions for any Disney fanatic, or even those who aren’t!
Runs 18 min.
Illuminations (current? retired?): Epcot
Illuminations at Epcot opened in 1999. It’s still a great show, but it’s ready for a refresh. We missed it the first time we visited as a family. It takes place at the World Showcase Lagoon at closing. It’s almost impossible to have a bad spot, unless you get stuck behind a lamp post or kiosk. Every country gets involved in the show as each pavilion gets its own chance to shine during portions of the show while the show conveys a message of world unity.
Runs 12 min.
Fantasmic!: Hollywood Studios
Opening in 1998, Fantasmic! definitely is a full length Walt Disney World nighttime show. It tells a story as we enter Mickey’s dreams and nightmares where Mickey explores many different obstacles. You’ll find many villians around the middle, but of course, Mickey triumphs in the end. The best parts of Fantasmic are the fact that it incorporates a lot of old fvoarites. It runs about an hour long, so be prepared to invest that time in it, but it’s well worth it! The water sprays with images on them, the glow in the dark boats, the music!
Runs 30 min
Rivers of Light: Animal Kingdom
Rivers of Light is not a favorite, but it’s still a great nighttime show that was much overdue for Animal Kingdom. The fact that it’s a NEW show gives it a little bit of edge, but there’s still much to be desired from this show according to many. I’ve heard some of the water projections are really beautiful and while we did skip it last time we were there, I’ve heard there’s been a few changes and can’t wait to get back and check out the show!
Runs 30 min
Star Wars: Hollywood Studios
For those of you who are Star Wars fans, this show is one not to miss! Sharing highlights from all the major films and booming Star Wars music and set on the facade of the Chinese Theater, it’s sure to become a favorite! So many things to take in among the video projections like lasers, fireworks, and explosions!
While this is one of the most intense shows on property, it’s still amazing! Just make sure to know it can be loud for the littles. And even if you aren’t a fan of the Star Wars Empire, I’ve heard you will still enjoy the show! We chose to go to Fantasmic over this show because it’s a fave and will most likely be retired soon so we didn’t want to miss out, BUT with that being said you could see and hear the Star Wars show as we were walking out and it looked awesome!
Runs 14 minutes