Walt Disney World Nightime Spectaculars – What You Need to Know
What could possibly compare to starting your day filled with Disney magic in Walt Disney World? Well, ending your night with some Disney magic in Walt Disney World, of course! After spending a fun-filled day at any of the 4 WDW parks, you can enjoy the wonder of Disney after dark through one of the many awesome Nighttime Spectaculars! Each park offers a different experience that will be the perfect way to say goodnight to a magical day…
Magic Kingdom
Happily Ever After
This is Disney’s newest addition to the Nighttime Spectacular lineup. It replaced Wishes, a true favorite for many guests. Although it was sad to see Wishes go, Disney has really outdone themselves with this fireworks and laser projection show that just may bring a tear to your eye! The show starts with a dream, which takes guests through many newer Disney adventures, such as Big Hero 6, Brave, Frozen and Moana, along with classics, like The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Frog and Toy Story (plus so many more!) For 18 minutes, you will watch the castle become part of your favorite Disney stories! You’ll hear a soundtrack of Disney classics that will bring back childhood memories for adults and will have children singing along!
Once Upon a Time
Join Mrs. Potts as she tells Chip a few bedtime stories filled with adventure, love and magic! Scenes from all-time favorite movies are projected onto the castle and some very familiar songs will have you singing away! Just like every child, Chip wants just one more story, so guests get to enjoy the tales of Cinderella, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Winnie the Pooh and Beauty and the Beast (just to name a few!) Once Upon a Time is a 14-minute show that will take you on a magical journey with spectacular special effects and heartwarming music!
Hollywood Studios
Fantasmic!
“Nothing is more powerful than the imagination…” Guests will hear these words during the intro to this 30-minute, good vs. evil show, filled with live action and special effects. You’ll be swept up into Mickey’s dream, where his colorful imagination invokes a variety of characters to take part in this story. Friends from Beauty & the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, The Lion King, Aladdin, and Cinderella take us on a magical adventure until the forces of evil start to turn Mickey’s dream into a nightmare! Beloved villains, such as The Evil Queen, Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Scar and Maleficent do not want to be left out of the party, so they do what they do best and try to add darkness to the evening! Is Mickey’s imagination enough to help good win? You will not want to miss this one!
Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular
Visit a galaxy far, far away with this laser light and pyrotechnics show, bursting with colors and iconic music! You’ll truly be immersed in the Star Wars world during this 14-minute montage of all your favorite galactic moments. Catch a glimpse of Tatooine’s twin suns, enter into a Trade Federation droid battle, be taken through asteroid fields, and pilot, like Luke Skywalker, through the Death Star. You’ll be on your way to becoming a hero after this show!
Epcot
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
Celebrate the history of the earth in this stunning 12-minute fireworks and light show. “Part One: The Earth is Born” begins with an explosion of fireworks, flames and glowing red lighting. Once the fiery beginning settles, “Part Two: The Triumph of Life” turns your attention to the glowing globe reminding guests that no matter where we live or where we come from, we are all connected through the earth. We should appreciate humanity and all that has been accomplished. The show comes to an end in “Part Three: Hope for the Future.” Fireworks, torches and awe-inspiring music bring about feelings of hope and goodwill for all that is to come. The beautiful lighting over the World Showcase Lagoon makes this spectacular a “must-do” to end your night!
Animal Kingdom
Rivers of Light
Animal Kingdom’s newest nighttime show addition is a celebration of animals and nature. A combination of live performances, glowing floats, beautiful lanterns and lighting, gorgeous fountains and an incredible musical score make this show a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience. For 15 minutes, guests will be transported through Asian, African and North American landscapes. Follow along as the storytellers, who speak no words, but instead use dance, music and shadow puppetry, share stories about the amazing and wonderful creatures, who have roamed the earth throughout history. You’ll be amazed as the light has a way of turning into a Tiger, Turtle, Elephant and Owl. You can’t help but to feel one with nature and will likely find this to be a very peaceful ending to your night!
Tree of Life Awakenings
The Tree of Life is Animal Kingdom’s centerpiece and is absolutely beautiful during the day; but you must also take a look at it in the beauty of night! Approximately every 10 minutes from the time it gets dark until the park closes, flickering fireflies majestically awaken the spirits of the carved animals. Watch as the animals come to life through animated projections and vivid colors. Be sure to take a few minutes to experience the wonder of this awakening!
Seven Seas Lagoon
Electrical Water Pageant
A colorful parade across the Seven Seas Lagoon takes place nightly. A bright, green sea monster leads the way for other mythical and natural sea creatures. Watch as these creatures glide across the water and are joined by twinkling stars and flashing American flags. Disney songs and patriotic music accompany the parade. The best viewing spots are at the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Contemporary. So grab a snack or a drink and settle in to watch the lagoon come to life in this lighted spectacular!
*Keep in mind that these shows are outdoor experiences and may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Always be sure to check park schedules for show times.
Kathryn Finkelstein
MickeyTravels, LLC
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner – Platinum Level
1-844-MICKEY-0 (direct)
1-203-982-8961 (cell)
kfinkelstein@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com
Click here to join my Facebook page!
