Don’t Skip the Fireworks!
Disney parks days can be long and leave you feeling exhausted. But don’t skip the fireworks!
No matter how long the day has felt, there is no better way to end your Disney day than one of the amazing nighttime shows.
Photo: Disney
Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom is focused around the animals, nature, and conservation. For this reason, there are no fireworks at Animal Kingdom.
No matter where you are in the park, you are never far from an animal. There is no place in the park to safely set off fireworks without disturbing the animals.
The loud noises from fireworks or a show would cause the animals undue stress.
Epcot
For many years, Epcot hosted Illuminations every evening around the World Showcase. Though it was a favorite of many, Disney World retired this show in 2019.
Once Illuminations concluded, Epcot Forever replaced it. This show continued until the debut of Harmonious.
In honor of Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration, Harmonious first appeared on October 1, 2021.
Credit: Disney
This show pays tribute to Disney movies both old a new, and how they can bring people together.
Now that the 50th Anniversary Celebration is nearing its end, Epcot Forever will return for a limited time on April 2, 2023.
Credit: Disney
What will come next for Epcot? We will have to wait and see!
Hollywood Studios
At Hollywood Studios, there are two nighttime shows for you to enjoy.
Appearing nightly over the Chinese Theatre, Wonderful World of Animation celebrates over 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation.
Combining music, projections, and fireworks, this tribute to animation features classics like Sleeping Beauty, and newer movies like Coco.
At the end of Sunset Boulevard, you will find Fantasmic! in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. Trust us – don’t skip the fireworks (and so much more) here!
Fantasmic! is a an exciting show featuring the stars of countless Disney movies, including villains!
This amazing show features fireworks, water projections, music, and animatronics! But what sets it apart from other evenings shows?
Fantasmic! is the only nighttime show with characters! And a lot of them!
This show is a fan favorite, and has recently undergone some updates to include some amazing new Disney movies!
Image Credit: Disney
Fantasmic! has one or two shows each night. Pro tip: Don’t try to beat the crowds and leave early! The end is the best part!
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom has been home to a number of amazing nighttime shows over the years. A long-standing favorite was Wishes, from 2003-2017.
Despite the sadness of Wishes ending, Disney fans fell in love with Happily Ever After.
Fireworks over Cinderella Castle never disappoint. But with this show, Disney added a new effect: projecting images onto the castle.
Photo: Disney
Besides the fireworks, projections, and incredible theme song, fans of Happily Ever After love watching Tinker Bell fly from the top of Cinderella Castle!
In honor of the 50th Anniversary Celebration, Happily Ever After was temporarily replaced by Enchantment.
Credit: Disney
Enchantment uses the same effects as Happily Ever After, only with projections on the building of Main Street as well!
As the 50th Anniversary Celebration comes to an end, so will Enchantment’s run at the Magic Kingdom.
Happily Ever After fans cheered when Disney announced the return of their favorite show in April 2023!
You Don’t Want to Miss It!
Days can get long. Kids get tired. But find a way to stick around for these amazing shows!
Times for the nighttime shows can be found in the My Disney Experience app each day. Or, you can ask any Cast Member at the park and they will know!
At Magic Kingdom and Epcot, you will want to find a good spot before the show starts. Grab a snack, choose a good view, and relax while you wait for the show to start.
Photo: Disney
For tips and tricks on when to go, where to stand for the best view, and more, use a MickeyTravels agent and let us share our knowledge with you!
But whatever you do, don’t skip the fireworks!
