There’s good news for everyone who loves to watch fireworks at Disney theme parks: The parks have announced that fireworks will be back soon.
Fireworks at Disney theme parks have been a nightly tradition since 1957. However, the theme parks stopped those nightly displays during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent visitors from crowding together.
The situation is now changing as vaccination rates climb and communities correspondingly ease restrictions. As a result, Disney World announced earlier this week that face masks are optional for fully vaccinated guests — except they are still mandatory on transportation. Disneyland, likewise, announced that face coverings are no longer required for fully vaccinated guests.
“Nightly fireworks shows are what Walt Disney called the perfect ‘kiss goodnight’ at the close of a magical day, and this summer the skies above Disney theme parks will sparkle with color once more,” Shawn Slater, senior communications manager, Disney Parks Live Entertainment, wrote in a blog post. “Beginning in July, just in time for the nation’s Independence Day celebrations, our incredibly popular nighttime fireworks spectaculars are returning to Disney parks!”
Magic Kingdom Park
Nightly fireworks will begin July 1 at Walt Disney World Resort. Called “Happily Ever After,” the 18-minute show will take place at Cinderella Castle.
“Go on a dazzling journey of color, light, and song that captures the heart, humor, and heroism of favorite Disney animated films,” Walt Disney World explains. “Watch in awe as Cinderella Castle becomes part of the story by magically transforming through amazing state-of-the-art projection technology you have to see to believe. This astounding fireworks extravaganza uses lights, lasers, and special effects — plus a soaring score featuring contemporary versions of beloved Disney songs.”
EPCOT
Meanwhile, nightly fireworks will also resume at EPCOT on July 1. Called “Epcot Forever,” the show over World Showcase Lagoon will highlight “the themes of innovation, exploration, imagination, and celebration at the core of the park’s past, present, and future,” Slater wrote.
“Witness the wonder as the story of Epcot and its next incredible chapter come to life in this new nighttime spectacular,” Walt Disney World explains. “Behold the single ‘spark of imagination’ that started it all. Watch it grow, evolve, and transform into an epic nighttime extravaganza that stirs the senses and captures all you love about Epcot — and all that’s to come — with dazzling fireworks and stunning laser effects set to tunes that have become theme park favorites.”
Pro-Tip: You’ll be able to see “Epcot Forever” from anywhere in EPCOT that has a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon.
Disneyland
The fireworks display at Disneyland will resume on July 4. The 10-minute nightly show — called “Mickey’s Mix Magic” — will be presented nightly through the summer.
“State-of-the-art projections, show lighting, and lasers will transform Main Street, U.S.A.; Sleeping Beauty Castle; and the façade of ‘it’s a small world’ into a dazzling, family-fun dance party that goes sky high with fireworks to celebrate the leader of the club — Mickey Mouse,” Slater explains.
In The Meantime
Don’t worry if you simply can’t wait for the fireworks to resume or if you don’t yet have tickets to the parks. It isn’t the same as being there in person, but you can still watch “Happily Ever After” here.
Know Before You Go
As a reminder, valid park admission and a park reservation are required for park entry — and they must be linked to your account. As you plan your trip, be sure to check public health measures at Walt Disney World Resort and information about Disneyland’s phased reopening.
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