If you’ve ever been to Disney World, chances are you’ve been a witness to one of their amazing fireworks shows. They are explosive (obviously), amazing and quite the spectacle.
Walt originally wanted a fireworks spectacular to bookend the night for his original park, Disneyland in California. A way to give the finale the visitor’s day needed, insure that they guests stayed longer than a few hours and accentuated the center of Disneyland, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.
Inevitably, the fireworks show was copied to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and it became a staple of the theme park experience. Soon, fireworks were exploding all over Walt Disney World across three parks.
Through the years, Walt Disney World has offered a number of different fireworks shows, discontinuing some and adding others. This post chronicles each of them. If I miss out on any, be sure to let me know in the comments.
Fantasy in the Sky – Magic Kingdom
Fantasy in the sky was the original fireworks showcase of the Magic Kingdom. Like Wishes, it took its cue from classic Disney films. The show was a staple of the Magic Kingdom nightly from 1976-2003 until it was replaced by Wishes, the current fireworks display at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
Fantasy in the Sky – 4th of July Edition
This particular edition of the trademark Cinderella Castle show is no more. But thanks to video, we can always remember it fondly.
Wishes – Magic Kingdom
After a long successful run, Walt Disney World finally retired its Fantasy in the Sky show and replaced it with Wishes, which was an instant hit. The show hits on some of the most memorable moments from Disney history as the sky lights up with a brilliant symphony of light and fire.
Happy Hallowishes – Magic Kingdom
Wikipedia cites this as being the only documented Halloween fireworks show in the United States. Whether or not that information is correct is beyond me, but it is one of my personal favorites. Encompassing the best of “Bad Disney”, the show incorporates the infamous Disney Villains, the Nightmare Before Christmas and everyone’s favorite haunt, The Haunted Mansion.
Christmas Wishes – Magic Kingdom
Another version of the popular Wishes theme, you’ll see this one during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Like Wishes, it’s narrated by Jiminy Cricket, only with a Christmas vibe. The standard Disney soundtrack is replaced by a Christmas one and the on-castle projections are as well.
Illuminations – Epcot
Illuminations incorporates the various pavilions in Epcot’s World Showcase. Dowsing Epcot’s World Showcase in lights, the show is a celebration of international scope complete with the world’s first spherical video display system.
Sorcery in the Sky – Disney Hollywood Studios
Once upon a time, Disney Hollywood Studios, then Disney-MGM Studios, closed its park with a movie themed fireworks spectacular which concluded with a large, blow up Sorcerer Mickey atop the Chinese Theater. The show was also narrated by the Late Vincent Price. Featuring the music of Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Superman (obviously, the show as heavy on John Williams scores), the show was the perfect ending for a day at a movie themed theme park.
Note: This particular video was before Price recorded the narration.
Fantasmic – Disney Hollywood Studios
While not technically just a fireworks presentation, this show does have a good bit of fireworks. And, unlike the previously mentioned shows, it has an engaging story and characters. Namely the villains. For as Mickey shows the audience what goes on in his imagination, the villains soon take over Mickey’s imagination. The shows showstopping end, in which Mickey must battle Maleficent in dragon form, has been a park favorite since its debut.
Music, Magic and Mayhem – Magic Kingdom
Music, Magic and Mayhem was a feature of the Magic Kingdom’s Pirates and Princess Party which has now went the way of the DoDo. Still, there’s video evidence that, once upon a time, Pirates did take over Cinderella’s Castle.
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I’ve left out a few holiday specific ones in order to save some space, but these are some of Walt Disney World’s most famous fireworks shows. What’s your favorite and what would you like to see in the future?
It's been so long since I've seen the old Magic Kingdom fireworks, I can't specifically comment on them...but do know I enjoyed it.
Last December, I saw the Christmas Wishes fireworks and thought it was amazing. Fantasmic is fun, but I guess I liked it a little less than the average person.
Posted by: John | June 05, 2009 at 01:36 PM
fabulous shows. there's nothing like them. thanks disney! Illuminations is my fave, i'll c it july 16th! anyone who wants to meet up let me know ASAP! I'll b w/a big group of people wearing pink tinkerbell shirt, pink crocs & mouse ears with my name on them-Tiff.
Posted by: wdwnut4life on all disney forums tiff7/Tiff7 on wdwmagic | June 24, 2009 at 04:01 PM
Fantasy in the Sky is still used for certain times... we saw it just the other night on New years eve 2009/10 at WDW
Posted by: punta gorda bob | January 03, 2010 at 10:15 AM