WDW Fans Speak Out, Want To See Fireworks Return Before Anything Else

When Walt Disney World first reopened its theme parks in July 2020, they also implemented a few key changes in order to adhere to new CDC Guidelines. These changes included safety protocols, as well as temporarily eliminating other theme park experiences such as no longer hosting character meet and greets, parades, live shows, or fireworks.

Related: You Can Still See Fireworks on Your Next Disney Vacation

In short, right now, due to safety and guidelines, the theme parks at Disney World currently cannot offer all the experiences they could prior to the pandemic. Though Guests understand why these changes must be implemented, it doesn’t mean they miss the full “Disney experience” any less.

From lack of shows to not being able to hug Mickey Mouse to no parades or fireworks, the theme parks at Walt Disney World are missing a handful of experiences, but which one do Guests miss the most? What do Walt Disney World fans want to see return first? Well, we asked our Inside the Magic audience, and here’s what we found!

Related: Disney World Officially Eliminates Another Theme Park Experience

When polling our audience on Instagram, a majority of people said they miss fireworks and nighttime spectaculars more than anything else, including character dining, character meet and greets, parades, or even shows.

We also posted to our feed on Instagram asking what Disney World Guests miss most and Inside the Magic follower, Alma S. (@peacefroggirl) commented a simple response, saying “Fireworks” with a heart emoji.

Another Inside the Magic follower, Brittney (@brittgarcia919) said “Fireworks or character, just went last week and felt it lacked the magic”.

@snapshots_from_disney commented, agreeing with everyone else about missing the fireworks the most, writing “Fireworks, hands down. Followed by shows”.

But Why?

Though many of our followers didn’t give a reason as to why they miss fireworks the most, we suspect it’s really a simple answer.

Walt Disney World hosts fireworks like nowhere else. In fact, according to Business Insider, Disney uses over one million fireworks annually, and they are the second-largest purchaser of explosive devices, right behind the U.S. Department of Defense.

Additionally, the fireworks at Disney World are extremely unique and each show tells its own story. The nighttime spectaculars incorporate gorgeous views mixed with the iconic Disney characters that we all know and love, all complete with synchronized music and even projections for some shows.

With all of this being said, we think it’s pretty simple as to why Guests most likely miss the fireworks at Walt Disney World more than anything else — They are unique, magical, and are the perfect way to end your day at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

When Could We See Fireworks Return?

At this time we do not know when Disney World will bring back the fireworks spectaculars, though we do know that EPCOT expects to debut their new nighttime spectacular, Harmonious, sometime in 2021.

Walt Disney World Fireworks Shows and Nighttime Spectaculars

Walt Disney World hosts nighttime spectaculars and fireworks shows each and every night. If you aren’t familiar with what the theme parks have to offer, here are the fireworks shows currently listed on the Disney World website, though none are currently operating due to the pandemic.

Happily Ever After

Happily Ever After is the nighttime spectacular at Magic Kingdom. The official Walt Disney World website describes this Magic Kingdom fireworks spectacular as:

Experience a grand finale to your day with the latest—and most spectacular—fireworks show in Magic Kingdom history.

Go on a dazzling journey of color, light and song that captures the heart, humor and heroism of many favorite Disney animated films. 

Watch in awe as Cinderella Castle becomes part of the story by magically transforming through amazing state-of-the art projection technology that you have to see to believe.

This astounding 18-minute fireworks extravaganza uses more lights, lasers and special effects than any other fireworks spectacular in the history of Magic Kingdom park, plus a soaring score featuring contemporary versions of beloved Disney songs. 

Discover the magic of movies—and be inspired to find your own happily ever after.

Harmonious

Harmonious is an upcoming nighttime spectacular that will take place on World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT. Disney Parks Blog describes the upcoming EPCOT nighttime spectacular as:

“Harmonious” will bring to World Showcase Lagoon an innovative toolkit of massive floating set pieces that house a variety of show effects, including custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, colorful lights, lasers, pyrotechnics and more.  

The show is a beautifully crafted nighttime dreamscape of Disney music and images, reimagined by diverse cultural musicians and artists from around the world. It’s a transformative experience, where we can discover how Disney music has the power to inspire and unite us all. You can catch an early glimpse of concepts for the show now by visiting Walt Disney Imagineering Presents the Epcot Experience, located in the Odyssey Events Pavilion. 

Fantasmic

The official Walt Disney World website describes this Hollywood Studios nighttime spectacular as:

A Legendary Tale

Featuring more than 50 live performers, massive sets, stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics and rousing music, this larger-than-life show is painted on a grand canvas of dancing water and light like nothing you’ve ever seen.

Overflowing with silly and suspenseful surprises, it will leave your entire family smiling from ear-to-ear!

A Night When Dreams Come True

Fast asleep, Mickey Mouse dreams that he is a mighty sorcerer’s apprentice with the power to control water, color and magic. The Disney Villains—including Maleficent in the form of a towering, 40-foot-tall dragon—turn

Mickey’s dream into a nightmare, but don’t underestimate the power of Mickey’s imagination!

The fantastic fantasy includes Disney Characters from some of your favorite animated classics:

• Beauty and the Beast
• Sleeping Beauty
• The Little Mermaid
• Aladdin
• The Lion King
• Pocahontas
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

The official Walt Disney World website describes this Hollywood Studios fireworks spectacular as:

Celebrate the saga as iconic movie moments unfold all around you in an epic Star Wars fireworks extravaganza.

As John Williams’ majestic theme fills the air, feel the Force of beloved Star Wars characters, iconic starships and a heroic finale. You’ll be right in the middle of the action during this immersive light show.

State-of-the-art projection effects, dynamic lighting, lasers and pyrotechnics put you right inside scenes from the Star Wars saga—including a new action sequence from Solo: A Star Wars Story.

What better way to celebrate Star Wars than with a show written on the stars!

© Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd.

Want to Visit Disney World This Year?

Do you want to visit Walt Disney World sometime in 2021? If so and you aren’t sure where to begin planning, be sure to get in touch with our friends at Academy Travel. The Authorized Travel Planners are always up-to-date with the safety protocols and what is happening at Disney World so they will be able to help provide advice and help you plan. Get started with a free quote today!

Do you want to see Disney World bring fireworks back? Let us know in the comments below.