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.

10 Best Photo Spots in Epcot

Of all the parks at Walt Disney World, Epcot may be the one that most lends itself to fantastic photo opportunities. With its World Showcase and amazing Spaceship Earth, it's hard to narrow the photo spots down to ten, but we're going to try anyway.

Spaceship Earth

Photo by Espiox [Flickr]

Easily one of the most recognizable structures at Disney World, you can't put together a photo list without including Spaceship Earth. From all angles, it's a work of art and, as you enter the park, you can't expect those entering not to stop and take photos of this masterpiece.

Bridge between the U.K. and France

Photo by ConspiracyofHappiness [Flickr]

Standing on this bridge provides the Eiffel Tower of World Showcase's France pavilion as a stunning backdrop.

The Torii in Japan, facing Spaceship Earth

Photo by Revo_2059 [Flickr]

One of the most stunning views of Spaceship Earth comes from Japan. Well, the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase that is.

Looking down the Lane at the U.K.

Photo by Moi

Stand here and you get the feeling you might have left Walt Disney World altogether. Well, if it weren't for the heat and the tourists. Seriously, this little taste of charming Britain makes for a fantastic photo spot.

Walking through Morocco

Photo by Moi

I've always just like the feel of World Showcase's Morocco pavilion. It also provides some great scenery for snapshots - be they artistic or to be used for backdrops.

Italy - From Norway

Photo by Moi

There are tons of fantastic photo spots around World Showcase Lagoon, but this is my favorite. Taken while waiting for Illuminations to begin. This is also, in my opinion, one of the best spots for watching the show. And I've tried just about all of them.

Germany at Night

Photo by Donna62 [Flickr]

With the orange light from the windows and twinkling light posts, Germany has a certain charm. Especially at Christmas.

The monorail as it passes Spaceship Earth

Photo by wjarrettc [Flickr]

Walt Disney World's monorail only passes through The Magic Kingdom and Epcot and Epcot is the only park that it truly enters. Catch it as it's making it's way past Spaceship Earth to combine two iconic images of Walt Disney World.

The spires of Journey Into Imagination with Figment

Photo by benostrander [Flickr]

These glass pyramids stand just before Canada as you leave Future World and enter World Showcase. Unique and gorgeous, they make for an interesting subject for photography.

Hidden Canada

Photo by thecrystalskull [Flickr]

It might be tempting to waltz through Epcot's Canada with nary a lingering glance past its impressive architecture. However, when you do, you're missing some of the best photography spots in Epcot. With its rolling guardians and hidden pathways, there's plenty of opportunity for photo ops.

Walt Disney World Attraction Closures - February

In order to keep Walt Disney World working like the well-oiled machine that it is, sometimes, attractions have to close down for repair and refurbishments. Here are the attractions that will be out of commission this February - 2008:

Magic Kingdom

• Liberty Belle - The Liberty Belle, which circles Tom Sawyer's Island, will be closed beginning on February 24. The attraction will reopen in late March.
• Snow White's Scary Adventures - Will reopen February 15.
• Splash Mountain - Will reopen February 17.

Epcot

• The American Adventure - This attraction will only be closed through February 3.
• Journey Into Imagination With Figment - Will reopen on February 24.
• Spaceship Earth - As you may know, Spaceship Earth has been undergoing a facelift. It has been open for awhile but will close again on February 9 and reopen on February 14.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - This attraction will reopen on May 23. As you may know, the next installment of the series will be out this year, Prince Caspian. Expect an update reflecting this. I'm going to miss The White Witch.

That's it, Folks!