Farewell to Magic: Disney Announces Permanent Closure of Beloved Nighttime Show

in Disney Parks

Concept art for the new nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Paris featuring fireworks, projections, and drones.

Credit: Disney

Despite overwhelmingly positive reviews, Disney confirmed today that it is set to bid farewell to a popular nighttime show.

Nighttime spectaculars have long been a hallmark of Disney theme parks, captivating audiences with their enchanting displays. From the OG Fantasy in the Sky fireworks at Disneyland Park to Magic Kingdom Park’s beloved Happily Ever After, these shows have become a quintessential part of the Disney experience.

Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

At Disneyland Paris, the current nightly fireworks show—Disney Illuminations—uses a fusion of video projections, lights, pyrotechnics, and fountains to mesmerize guests around Sleeping Beauty Castle. The show first debuted in 2017 before closing in 2023 and reopening on May 31, 2024, after the closure of Disney Dreams!, albeit with some sections removed.

But that’s not the main attraction after sundown. Before Disney Illuminations, guests can enjoy the pre-show, Disney Electrical Sky Parade. Inspired by the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, this features up to 500 drones soaring across the night sky, each one lighting up to represent the iconic floats from its predecessor.

Minnie Mouse on Sleeping Beauty Castle and Casey Jr. in the sky during the Electrical Sky Parade
Credit: Disney

The show was extremely popular upon its premiere in January 2024, with some guests claiming that it left them “weeping.” However, Disney has announced its end today, regardless.

As per a notice on the Disneyland Paris website, the Disney Electrical Sky Parade will host its last performance on January 6, 2025.

The decision to close the Disney Electrical Sky Parade comes as Disneyland Paris prepares for a new nighttime spectacular set to debut in 2025. This upcoming show promises to push the boundaries of previous nighttime displays with its unique blend of projections, fountains, lighting effects, and, as some have theorized today after the announcement of the Disney Electrical Sky Parade’s end (plus its concept art), potentially drones.

Disney Electrical Sky Parade over Sleeping Beauty Castle
Credit: Disney

It will feature an original soundtrack and transform Main Street, U.S.A. into a vibrant backdrop for Disney and Pixar stories, from Pinocchio (1940) to Encanto (2021).

“For this new show, we reimagined the way of telling stories with our Castle as the main attraction,” said Dana Harrel, Executive Entertainment Director at Disneyland Paris (via Disneyland Paris News). “This exclusive experience at Disneyland Paris is a testament to our creative expertise – skill which has been honed over the years.

We are looking forward to dazzling and touching the hearts of our guests by immersing them into breathtaking sequences inspired by their favorite Disney and Pixar movies like never before. This can’t-miss experience will make it possible for guests to end their day in the parks all together in the most unforgettable way.”

Concept art for the new nighttime spectacular at Disneyland Paris featuring fireworks, projections, and drones.
Credit: Disney

While we have yet to receive a start date (or a name) for the Disney nighttime show, it’s been confirmed that it will premiere in January 2025. The end date for Disney Illuminations has also yet to be announced.

What’s your favorite Disney nighttime spectacular?

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