Fireworks have returned to Walt Disney World, bringing a long-awaited sense of normalcy back to the most magical theme parks in Orlando. The nearly 20-minute-long Happily Ever After fireworks production at Magic Kingdom brings to life Disney’s animated favorites through impressive projection mapping technology that transforms Cinderella’s Castle. Coupled with a soundtrack featuring Disney classics, the show’s message of hope in the face adversity couldn’t be more welcome given the current climate.
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On July 1, the night of its return, fans clamored for a prime viewing spot near Cinderella’s Castle, buzzing with excitement. People cheered and sang along throughout, and it was a truly special moment to be a part of. That same evening also saw the return of EPCOT Forever. This interim show, which replaced EPCOT’s long-running Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, is a celebration of the park’s colorful history. Combining fireworks and laser effects, it honors the past while looking towards the future, encouraging us all to embrace that childlike sense of imagination and wonder.
Both EPCOT Forever and Happily Ever After will take place nightly, weather permitting, until September 30, 2021.
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With Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary just around the corner, October 1 will see the launch of an 18-month resort-wide celebration (“The World’s Most Magical Celebration”) set to include new attractions, exciting dining options, and two brand-new Disney fireworks shows.
Magic Kingdom’s Disney Enchantment fireworks spectacular will paint the sky and streets gold. Featuring new lighting, fireworks, and musical score, it will also be the first time that immersive projection effects will extend from Cinderella Castle down to the shops of Main Street, U.S.A.
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Concurrently, the highly anticipated Harmonious will also be making its debut at EPCOT. Awakening the sky around World Showcase Lagoon, the brand-new production, years in the making, is poised to put global music at the forefront. Beloved Disney songs will be reimagined in more than dozen languages by hundreds of artists from all across the globe.
Recent visitors to EPCOT have enjoyed a front row seat to the staging of the production as large moving fountains have been installed at the center of the lagoon. Disney promises that Harmonious will also include some of the largest firework displays ever presented as the parks.
“The World’s Most Magical Celebration” begins October 1 and will see the premiere of both Harmonious at EPCOT and Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom.