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.

Best Places to Watch Wishes in the Magic Kingdom

 

Wishes is one of those must-do events when you visit Walt Disney World. Who hasn't seen the iconic images of fire exploding above the castle?

Wishes also regularly plays a part in big life events. I've personally seen marriage proposals take place during Wishes. And many other guests make Wishes a special event for honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays and the like.

So, obviously, people want the best experience for their Wishes excursion. The fact of the matter is, there are a number of excellent options when it comes to watching Wishes. I'll give you all of the options that I possibly can and try to highlight the pros and cons of each.

It's important to note that there is a location within the Magic Kingdom that dims the lights during Wishes. I've outlined this area on the map below. While there are some not-so-great spots in this area, I'd easily say that the best spots to view Wishes are right within this area:

Where To Find the Villains - Maleficent, The Evil Queen, Cruella and More

Maleficent greets the crowd at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Some of my favorite Disney characters are the Villains and it was years before I could finally hunt down my favorite villains in order to get a snapshot. Yes. I wanted a picture with The Evil Queen and Maleficent. Sue me.

It's understandable why so many people want to find the Villains once they get to Walt Disney World. They're the epitome of cool. Here are a few ways to find your favorite villain so you too can take a photo with your favorite.

• Obviously, the best time to find the villains is during the Halloween season and particularly during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. They even have their own show, The Villains Mix and Mingle, which takes place on the stage in front of Cinderella's Castle. After the show, the villains come down to mingle with the crowd and take photos.
• Disney Hollywood Studios is a hotspot for the villains. During the day, you're very likely to see them hanging out in the courtyard in front of the Chinese Theatre. Um, that's where the big Mickey's Sorcerer's hat resides.
• Cruella can sometimes be found hanging out near Tony's Restaurant just near the entrance at the Magic Kingdom. There are *always* characters around this area and, if you can catch a Character Assistant (they'll be the cast member in the yellow, red and black shirt assisting the character), ask them if they know when Cruella, or any of the other villains, will be making her next appearance.
• The really "hot" villains seem to make random appearances near the Castle. I've heard of impromptu appearances taking place in Fantasyland, near the castle, during nightly Extra Magic Hours.
• Captain Hook is the easiest villain to find. He and Mr. Smee make scheduled appearances near Pirates of the Caribbean throughout the day.
• If you simply want to see the villains, you can find them in a number of shows. Currently, Maleficent and her ilk can be see in the Dream Along With Mickey show at Cinderella Castle's forecourt. You can also see them:
• During the Magic Kingdom's Disney Dreams Come True parade.
• The Evil Queen, Captain Hook and even Ursula make appearances during the nightly Spectromagic parade. This parade doesn't take place all nights, so check the daily schedule. Also, this parade *will* be canceled if weather is inclement.
• Fantasmic at Disney Hollywood Studios is a show centered around the villains and the havoc they can cause within Mickey's dreams.
• The Boo To You parade during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom is a villains fan's dream come true. You'll even see a couple of villains you don't normally see such as Captain Barbossa from The Pirates of the Caribbean.

Unfortunately, one of the best parades in which to see the villains was Disney Hollywood Studios now retired Disney Stars and Motorcar Parade. It was replaced by Pixar's Block Party Bash (grumble). Rumor has it that the parade will resume its "route" at Disneyland Paris (weep!).

Good luck with your villains hunt! Feel free to send me links to your photos.

And if you've had any great villains experiences, post them in the comments below.

How To Get Your Kid Into Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial

Awhile back, I uploaded video of Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial at the Magic Kingdom. The video became instantly popular and has amassed over 20,000 views since uploading it.

One of the most common questions people ask in the comments and via messages on YouTube in response to that video is, "How can I get my kid into the pirate tutorial? Any tips?"

The first thing to remember is that Jack and Mack, Jack's pirate assistant, just can't say no to most kids. However, if you want to really get your kid a one on one "training session" with Jack, here are a few tips that might help you achieve your child's dreams of being a Disney pirate.

• Never hurts to dress the part. If your child already has a pirate hat or one of those nifty sets of Mickey ears with the pirate sash, your chances of taking front and center are much greater. I once saw Jack pay particular attention to a little boy wearing an Aztec Gold pirate necklace. 
• Make sure your child is lively, but not too lively. Tales circulate of little boys and girls who were a little too lively with their plastic swords. These children are almost always returned to their parents post-haste. 
• Get to the show area early. Times are posted at the schedule just in front of the castle hub. Don't get there late and then push your way to the front (or worse yet, push your child to the front). This is just rude and I have seen parents called out for it. Which makes it not only rude, but embarrassing. 
• When Mack and Jack call for pirate volunteers, do NOT shove your child into the open circle. I think I've had to hear Mack tell parents not to shove their children into the open circle a number of times. Don't do it. If your kid is too shy and doesn't want to do it: DON'T MAKE THEM. 
• Peak times mean more people and more spectators for the Pirate Tutorial. Try to visit during a time when visitors aren't in peak attendance. This is not only good for this particular situation, but also just makes your visit more enjoyable in general.

Above all, enjoy it and don't take it too seriously. If you really want to see your kid in the midst of the pirate tutorial and they don't get picked the first time around, try for a second. You'll usually have your wish granted. :)

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!

Holiday Wishes Fireworks - Christmas Party - Video

Finally got this little video uploaded. This is the full show of the Magic Kingdom's Holiday Wishes as seen during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

 

Enjoy!