Walt Disney World Hacks

The History of Walt Disney World’s Fireworks Spectaculars

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.

Walt Disney World's American Idol Attraction

It appears that Walt Disney World has Idol fever. Taking up residence in the old Superstar Television theatre in Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests will be allowed to live out their Idol dreams at Disney's movie-based theme park.

According to an article in the Orlando Sentinel, Walt Disney World visitors will be allowed to try out for the show during the day. Then, they will be allowed to compete before a real studio audience in the new American Idol theater. Winners of the competition will then be allowed to try out for the American Idol tv show.

Alright, so I admit to being a little disappointed by this announcement. But that's because I'm not an American Idol fan. However, no doubt Idol fans will be eating this up and I daresay it will bring even more business into the park. So, on that front, it's a VERY smart move on Disney's part.

Here's the artist's conceptual rendering of the new theater:

Obviously, unless they move Echo Lake, there's not going to be nearly that much room in front of the theater.

Of course, WDWHacks is going to do everything it can to find out the best ways for you to enjoy and to compete in the upcoming attraction, so if you haven't subscribed yet, DO!

No word yet on who the judges will be, but there WILL be judges.

Pixar Block Party Bash Comes to Disney Hollywood Studios

Starting in Spring 2008, Disney Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) will be featuring the Pixar Block Party Bash that debuted at Disney's California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort.

This parade will replace the the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade.

I, for one, am a little sad to see the other parade go. What I liked about the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade was that it was a combination of all the things that made MGM/Hollywood great. There were the Disney/Pixar characters combined with characters from other areas of the park such as Star Wars and The Muppets.

For those wondering about the actual parade, the parade is more mobile entertainment than parade. It encourages guest participation and features a number of dancers, acrobatic artists, etc.

The parade, as you gathered, features the characters familiar to the Pixar name. Characters from Toy Story, A Bug's Life, The Incredibles and Monsters, Inc. all make appearances.

Toy Story Mania Preview

This is on Disneyland's site, but it's still what I understand will be at Walt Disney World as well. The official preview is up and, maybe it's just me, but the site appears to be a little wonky.

Either way, still looking forward to it and I pray that, for awhile, it's the last Pixar addition. *fingers crossed*

Enchanted's Giselle Now at MGM! (I'll Probably Never Stop Calling it MGM, btw)

As I was watching Enchanted yesterday, I instantly found myself wondering (because I'm a Disney World geek) if they would have Giselle at the parks soon.

Guess what? She's already there!

Giselle can be seen at Disney-MGM's Hollywood Holly Day Parade. There's some photos on Flickr as well. I'll add video soon next month.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyspam/2063382311/

And if you can't make it to the parks to buy the new swag, don't worry. All of Disney's new Enchanted merchandise is here.