Walt Disney World is known for its extravagant Disney fireworks shows. Not only do they offer a great show at the classic Magic Kingdom (currently Enchanted), but they also hold them at Hollywood Studios (Fantasmic) and Epcot (Harmonious). These shows are a wonder to watch, and following a few tips throughout this article will make the viewing much more enjoyable.
Does Magic Kingdom do a fireworks show every night?
Magic Kingdom does have a fireworks show every night, even on days when there is a special event. The performances are typically at 9:00 pm, but the special events will force the fireworks to be on display earlier.
Where can you see Walt Disney World fireworks? Viewing tips for Magic Kingdom
The most popular viewing spot for the Magic Kingdom fireworks is front and center, and many people choose to secure the location if they find the best area a few hours before the shows start. Most nights, it is possible to find some decent spots despite arriving late. In addition, there are a few less popular places or side streets to the park to enjoy some good views of fireworks.
Partners Statue
The infamous statue of Walt Disney and Mickey, provides guests the option to be far back enough to view Magic Kingdom fireworks perfectly and close enough to have a great view of the projections. Again, this is a spot to secure well before the fireworks start.
Hub Grass – aka Plaza Gardens
The Hub Grass is a highly coveted location, with one side reserved for the Disney Enchantment dessert parties. The walkway immediately in front of the Plaza Gardens–and behind the fountains is another excellent, publicly available viewpoint. There are talks of having this spot be a Genie+ or Lightning Lanes option, but it is now free for anyone to use.
The Hump
This spot is small but offers a straight-on view, so it is extremely popular. Aside from the perfect distance from the Castle, it also is a high point as Main Street, U.S.A slopes downward. Additionally, this is an accessible location as Cast Members prevent guests from lingering in the area as they direct traffic. Finally, guests can get this spot about 30 minutes before the fireworks start.
End of Main Street
Aside from the elevated view, this option gives the same advantages as The Hump. However, the further back, the harder it is to get the full effect of the fireworks projection show.
Ticket & Transportation Center Dock
This is one of the top locations to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks show. This location does not require admission, is rarely crowded, music plays around the area, and the view is straight-on. However, it may be difficult to view the projections on the Castle.
What is Disney Enchantment?
Disney Enchantment fireworks was launched at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom on October 1, 2020. This was a highly anticipated move as the Happily Ever After fireworks were beloved by most Disney guests. The show uses music and characters from dozens of Disney and Pixar movies for the story. This sequel to Happily Ever After adds even more projected effects on Cinderella Castle and now down Main Street United States, similar to what is on display at Disney Forever Disneyland. The music features two new original songs by Philip Lawrence and Kayla Alvarez titled “I’m the Magician.”
Several new characters feature this show, including Tiana, Miguel, Rapunzel, the Lightfoot brothers (Ian and Barley), Moana, Raya, and Judy Hopps. These new characters join the classic characters from movies like Beauty and the Beast and Toy Story.
Show Scenes
The show starts with Angela Basset welcoming guests to the show with the following phrase: “Good evening, tonight we gather in a most enchanted kingdom, one overflowing with magic. And, once upon a time, it all began with a dream.”. After the announcement, “When You Wish Upon a Star” plays as historical footage projects onto the Castle. After showcasing several infamous attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, The Haunted Mansion, and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.
After the opening scene, 14 scenes, along with the fireworks, are displayed on the Castle and throughout Main Street. In addition, each song features a variety of character projects onto the Castle.
- You are the Magic
- The Second Star to the Right
- Almost There
- Just Around the Riverbend
- We Know the Way
- Epiphany
- Under the Sea
- You’ve Got a Friend in Me
- A Whole New World
- You Can Fly
- Into the Unkown
- Night on Bald Mountain
- I am Moana
- Reprise of You are the Magic
BREAKING: Happily Ever After Fireworks Return to Walt Disney World in 2023!
The Disney Enchantment firework show has mixed reviews and will eventually see its last days on April 2, 2023. Disney announced the show’s conclusion at the annual D23 event in September 2022. This coincides with the conclusion of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.
Happily Ever After includes lasers, lights, and of course, projections. It takes guests on a fantastic journey filled with heart, humor, and emotion. Projections have a variety of Disney characters on an adventure seeking out their destiny, facing adversity, and fulfilling their dreams on the road to their happily ever after.
Scenes of Happily Ever After
Much like Enchanted, Happily Ever After has a variety of scenes that include famous songs and characters, typically from Disney classics. There are more songs in the original Happily Ever After, with 18 songs/scenes during the 23-minute extravaganza.
- Happily Ever After – sung by Jordan Fisher and Angie Keilhauer
- The Princess and the Frog – Down in New Orleans Prologue
- The Hunchback of Norte Dame – When You Wish Upon a Star, Part of Your World, Out There
- Brave – Touch the Sky
- Moana – How Far I’ll Go
- Aladdin – Friend Like Me
- Tarzan – Trashing the Camp
- The Lion King – Hakuna Matata
- Toy Story – You’ve Got a Friend in Me
- The Jungle Book – The Bare Necessities, That’s What Friends Are For
- Aladdin – Friend Like Me
- Frozen – Love Is an Open Door
- Tarzan – You’ll Be in My Heart
- Tangled – I See the Light.
- Mulan – Mulan theme
- Disney Villains – Fantasia, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Stampede, He’s a Pirate
- Hercules – Go the Distance
- Happily Ever After
Disney Enchantment vs. Happily Ever After
While both fireworks shows have many fireworks set off, Disney Enchantment has about 40 more. This show has more fireworks even though it is about three minutes shorter. Phillip Lawrence wrote the original song for Disney Enchantment, while Tim Rogerson wrote Happily Ever After. Disney Enchantment also includes projections to go through the Main Street U.S.A.
Does EPCOT do a fireworks show every night?
Walt Disney World does offer fireworks every night at Epcot, known as Harmonious. Harmonious debuted in 2021 at the World Showcase Lagoon, replacing Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. Epcot runs the fireworks show nightly, starting around 9:00 pm. Check the Walt Disney World website for updated times during your stay.
Rundown of Disney’s Harmonious
Harmonious features 15 songs sung in thirteen other languages with an astounding 240 musical artists. The fireworks show is based on a three-act structure, each composed of different music and themes.
Act 1 – Gather
- Gather Medley
- Tulou Tagaloa (Moana)
- Circle of Life (The Lion King)
- The Bells of Notre Dame (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
- Vuelie (Frozen)
- How Far I’ll Go (Moana)
- Go the Distance (Hercules)
Act 2 – Celebrate
- Arabian Nights (Aladdin)
- I Wanna Be Like You (The Jungle Book)
- Reflection (Mulan)
- Hakuna Matata (The Lion King)
- Can You Feel the Love Tonight (The Lion King)
- Prologue (Beauty and the Beast)
- Out There (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
- Touch the Sky (Brave)
- Remember Me (Coco)
- El Mundo Es Mi Familia (Coco)
- Dig a Little Deeper (The Princess and the Frog)
Act 3 – Unite
- Someday (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
- EPCOT Anthem
Best Viewing Spots for Disney’s Harmonious
The lagoon surrounding Epcot’s World Showcase at Walt Disney World is large, meaning several different spots are perfect for those watching the display. Each location offers its advantage, some requiring guests to arrive early or even use a FastPass+.
One of the best spots in the park is at the lakeside veranda of the La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico. Guests must come at least 90 minutes early to snag such a prime spot. The great news is that you can sit and enjoy a drink and snack while waiting for the fireworks to start.
If you prefer food and drinks from Rose & Crown Pub or the Moroccan Spice Road Table, head to those pavilions for more lagoon-side seating. However, the small wall in front of the lagoon means the view could be better than the Cantina de San Angel. Guests could even make a dinner reservation at one of these restaurants and ask for a table outside to view the fireworks.
Short Notice Spots
There are many areas one could choose from if they are looking to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the fireworks:
- International Gateway Island – This is the area of the bridge that crosses the canal near the International Gateway.
- Second-floor Deck of Mitsukoshi Building (Japan) – While an arch blocks your view, the covered deck offers an excellent option for guests. The covered patio is perfect for those rainy nights.
- Gondola Landing in Italy – This waterfront promenade is perfect for guests who want to walk write up to the fireworks show.
- The Boat Dock Opposite Germany – The dock is perfect for viewing Harmonious, but please note that guests in this area may experience some smoke due to the fireworks.
- Waterfront Promenade by Germany – The 90-foot-long walkway along the lagoon is also a great spot to pick from.
Unlike fireworks at Magic Kingdom, there is no reserved seating to view the show. If you are unwilling to give up two hours of your day saving a prime spot, pick from one of the many options highlighted in this list. Avoid sitting under trees, awnings, or anything impeding your views.
Best Spots for Quick Exits after Harmonious
Aside from their view, the place guests stay also plays a factor. Since there is not much to do after the fireworks show, there is a mass scramble to leave the park all at once, causing a significant backup at all exits.
Viewing the show close to the southern half for those staying at an Epcot resort (Swan, Dolphin, Yacht & Beach Club, and BoardWalk Inn & Villas) will offer excellent advantages. In addition, world Showcase Lagoon will give easy access to the exit through the International Gateway.
This plan is similar for those staying at a resort along the Skyliner Hub. This would include Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animation, or the Riviera. The entrance to the Skyliner is right next to the International Gateway, perfect for an easy park exit. Many guests use the Skyliner Hub, so it could have a long line that will move quickly.
Those with a car in the Epcot lot will have to get a spot at the end of the World Showcase, close to Future World. This will help beat the crowds to exit the parks quickly.
Fireworks Throughout the Year
Aside from the regular fireworks every night, Walt Disney World also offers exclusive fireworks. Unique firework displays are typical during particular times of the year, like the Fourth of July or Christmas.
Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular
Mickey’s Not So Spooky Spectacular fireworks are themed after Halloween. This runs during the Halloween party, so guests are required to have a separate ticket. During these party nights, the fireworks will typically start around 10:15 pm.
Disney Fourth of July Fireworks
It is no surprise that Walt Disney World vamps up their fireworks game at the time of year when everyone in America sets off fireworks. These fireworks are held in place of Disney’s Enchantment at Magic Kingdom and are known as Celebrate America. Fourth of July fireworks are on display at the standard fireworks time, so guests with access to Magic Kingdom may enjoy this show.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
The Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World is another ticketed event on select nights in November and December. Firework shows during the parties stars at 10:00 pm, with a great mix of Christmas and Disney feels!
Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks- New Year’s Eve Display
Like the Fourth of July, New Year’s eve fireworks at Walt Disney World are exclusive and exciting! They are only offered four times throughout the year, December 30 and December 31. Despite being offered on two days, they run two different shows each day, once at 6:30 pm and the other at 11:50 pm, to ring in the new year.
Does Hollywood Studios do a fireworks show every night?
Hollywood Studios is the final Walt Disney World theme park that offers fireworks, with Animal Kingdom avoiding them for obvious reasons. So instead, at Hollywood Studios, guests can enjoy Mickey’s journey as he battles through the forces of good and evil in Fantasmic!
Fantasmic is the only fireworks show that occurs twice a night, at 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm. This is held at the amphitheater on Sunset Boulevard and runs for roughly 29 minutes.
Overview of Fantasmic
The electrifying show starts with Mickey Mouse dreaming he is the infamous Mickey sorcerer with the ability to control water, color, and magic. The dream continues as famous Walt Disney World Villains, including the terrorizing Maleficent dragon, turn the dream into a nightmare. Not only does the show have Mickey and villains, but it also includes characters from very famous Disney films:
- Moana
- Frozen 2
- Mulan
- Aladdin
- Pocahontas
- Beauty and the Beast
- The Little Mermaid
- The Lion King
Fantasmic is great for guests of all ages, and since it is in the curved arena, the view is great no matter where you sit! Guests can arrive at the theater up to 90 minutes early, with standing room in the back if no seats are available. Guests sitting in front of the theater have a chance of getting wet during the performance.
Fireworks Viewing Parties
There are a few viewing parties at Magic Kingdom to enjoy the show. One party is the 50th Firework Dessert Party: Disney Enchantment Preparty. The party includes desserts and a fantastic view in a reserved standing area for a more private fireworks show.
Another option is a Sweet Celebration, offered at Tomorrowland Terrace, which includes desserts, cheeses, and even drink selections of beer and wine for guests over 21. These tickets are $99 per adult, ages ten and up, and $59 per child, ages 3 to 9. Remember, the prices of the tickets are in addition to the park ticket, which is also required.
The final viewing party is the Dazzling Nighttime Spectacular at the Plaza Garden. This is a standing area to view the fireworks, but it is unobstructed and great for viewing the fireworks. However, it may be difficult to view the immersive projection effects on the buildings.
Conclusion
Overall, there are several Walt Disney World fireworks shows offered at their theme parks. There are fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom (Enchantment), Hollywood Studios (Fantasmic!), and Epcot (Harmonious). The only park left out is Animal Kingdom due to its proximity to the animals. Each stunning fireworks show offers a spectacular, unique performance that guests want the best view possible. Each park has many different viewing spots, some better than others and some harder to get. No matter where you view the Disney fireworks, you will surely experience Disney magic.
