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.

Where Are The Best Photo Spots in The Magic Kingdom?

 

Once upon a time, there was an attraction known as the Skyway to Fantasyland/Tomorrowland. Aboard this attraction, which hovered via cable above the Magic Kingdom, one could get some amazing aerial photos of The Magic Kingdom.

That attraction is no more, but many fantastic photos can still be had. You just have to know where to snap. Here are 11 of my favorites.

• In front of the Magic Kingdom entrance - Time tested, guest approved. Often, you will see Mickey and Minnie here throughout the day with a line of guests waiting to have their photo snapped. This setting allows you to have the backdrop of the entrance and that signatory floral Mickey head. 
• The center of Main Street facing the Castle - Just about anywhere along this path provides a great backdrop of Cinderella Castle. Which is why you'll see Photopass photographers stationed all along it. 
• Partners Statue - This iconic statue featuring Mickey and Walt stands in the center of the castle hub. Stand before it and you'll have a great backdrop featuring Walt, Mickey and Cinderella Castle. 
• On board the Tomorrowland Transit Authority - This ride provides some nice shots of Tomorrowland and Cinderella Castle if you have your camera ready as the attraction is, of course, not stationary (when it's not experiencing technical difficulties that is). 
• Before the hearse at The Haunted Mansion - True enough, you can have your picture snapped before the ghostly carriage, but this angle also provides a really nice view of The Haunted Mansion. With a proper zoom, you can even get some great photos of that spooky weathervane.  
• On board the Liberty Belle - Take a spot on the upper deck of The Liberty Belle and you'll find some great angles on The Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Sometimes, you might even get the train as it comes around the bend which is a perfect shot. (Note: I took these when it was raining - you'll have much better pictures when it's not wet!) 
• Splash Mountain's observatory deck (caution: wet!) - Here, you can snap a photo of the logs as they fly down the shoot. Just make sure you don't get your equipment too wet. 
• The Liberty Tree in Liberty Square - This gorgeous tree provides an elegant subject and, at night, is lit up beautifully with the 13 symbolic lanterns and the firefly lighting. 
• Through the gates of Cinderella Castle looking on the Carousel - This is a really nice shot if you can get it. Lately, I've seen WDW get wall happy with this spot, closing it off to guests. However, if you can catch the gate open at night, this makes for a beautiful spot as the carousel is lit up and framed by the castle walls. 
• The Tomorrowland bridge -  Framed by the futuristic sculptures that lead into Tomorrowland, standing on this bridge and facing Tomorrowland allows you a "framed" shot of Tomorrowland. Face the Castle and you have a gorgeous side view. 
• The Cinderella Castle Wishing Well - This pathway allows you some great alternative views of the castle.

These are simply some of my favorites. In the future, I'll be adding more photo spots for Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom so make sure to subscribe.

Haunted Mansion Changes

So, for once in my life, I have refused to be spoiled for changes at Walt Disney World. In the past, I usually find myself gunning for YouTube and waiting to see when someone posts video of the changes (hint: they always do).

My next trip is only a few weeks away and I'm too far gone to give up the game now. However, I just had to look and see if there were any new videos. There appear to be a few and I'll be sure to post my own when I return.

I did find this great two part video on the history of The Haunted Mansion. In the video, they discuss the elevator that descends in the Disneyland attraction. I've heard lots of people talk about this "elevator" at Walt Disney World. Folks, there's no elevator. Disneyland = elevator. Walt Disney World = full on illusion, but no elevator.

Anyway, watch and enjoy: