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.

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. :)