Disney World Fireworks Shows & Nighttime Spectaculars

When visiting Walt Disney World, there is perhaps no moment more captivating than watching one of world-class fireworks shows at the end of a long night of riding attractions, and it’s right there at the top of the list of what makes a trip here so special.

In this article, we are going to share everything you need to know about fireworks at Disney World, as well as all the other nighttime spectaculars. For example, not all shows are the same, they all have different themes, and some are much more worth waiting for than others.

We’ll cover the basics about the firework shows including showtimes, location, age interest, show length and the best viewing locations for each one. There are also some tricks to getting a better spot without waiting in line (Dessert Parties & Dining Packages), and we’ll cover if those make sense for your family.

Even though we’ve seen each of these shows an uncountable number of times, the fireworks at Disney never get old, and are great for guests of any age. There is something absolutely surreal about gathering in front of Cinderella Castle or around World Showcase Lagoon with your family and friends and this guide will prepare you for those unforgettable moments.

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List of Fireworks Shows at Disney World

Currently, there are four different fireworks shows at Walt Disney World. At Magic Kingdom, there is Happily Ever After. At EPCOT, there is the new Luminous The Symphony of Us. At Hollywood Studios, there are two fireworks shows Fantasmic! and the Wonderful World of Animation. 

Happily Ever After is an 18-minute fireworks and projection mapping show that debuted in 2017 and is a fan-favorite in front of Cinderella’s Castle at the end of Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. It focuses on the most popular of Disney Films, capturing the heart, humor, and heroism of the best of Disney stories. 

Luminous The Symphony of Us is the newest nighttime fireworks show that debuted in December of 2023, replacing the former Harmonious show. It’s a dramatic show designed to bring all of us together set on the World Showcase Lagoon between all of the World Showcase countries. 

Fantasmic! is the longest-running fireworks show in Disney, and debuted in 1998. It takes place off of Sunset Boulevard behind the Terror of Terror attraction inside a 7,900-seat Hollywood Hills Amphitheater.

Fantasmic is a fictional look at Mickey’s dream as the forces of good and evil battle it out in an open-air musical. It’s less fireworks and more a show. 

Wonderful World of Animation is a 12-minute show that takes you on an incredible journey of more than 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation. It is in front of the Chinese Theatre each night, and you’ll see the themes celebrated of magic, family, adventure, romance, and friendship.

Does Disney Have a Fireworks Show Every Night?

Yes! EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom all have fireworks shows each night. Sometimes Fantasmic! will run multiple times a night, and it’s the only show that sometimes happens more than once. 

There are certain times such as special events most notably during the holiday time when they have special events with the parks closing earlier, meaning there aren’t fireworks shows for the general public. 

 But just to be sure, please check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit.

What Time are the Fireworks at Disney World?

These times can sometimes change from season to season so please be sure to check the My Disney Experience app to ensure these times are still accurate. Currently, here are the showtimes. 

• Magic Kingdom: Happily Ever After is either at 8:00 pm or 8:30 pm nightly. 
• EPCOT: Luminous The Symphony of Us is at 9:00 pm every night. 
• Hollywood Studios: 
  • If Fantasmic! has two showtimes they will be at 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm. If they only have one showtime it’ll be at 9:00 pm. 
  • Wonderful World of Animation is at 8:30 pm each night.

Magic Kingdom – Happily Ever After Fireworks

Location: Happily Ever After is a combination of a fireworks show and a projection show at Magic Kingdom. The fireworks are above Cinderella’s Castle and the projections are both along Main Street, U.S.A., and in front of Cinderella’s Castle. 

Time: The time slots change quite frequently for Happily Ever After more so than any of the other fireworks shows. Right now the time slot is either at 8:00 pm or 8:30 pm depending on the night. 

Show Length: The entire show is just over 18 minutes long. 

Show Overview: Happily Ever After is a powerfully moving show that showcases many of the Disney Classic Films. You’ll see favorites such as Frozen, Toy Story, Jungle Book, and Pirates of the Caribbean all brought to life along projections along the castle.

The combination of storytelling, outstanding projection mapping technology, and fireworks makes for an unforgettable show.

Age Interest: All ages but if you or someone in the group is sensitive to loud noises be mindful of where the speakers are. 

Best Viewing Location: This is one of those shows that you want to be as close to the action as possible. Right in front of the castle is ideal, making sure you don’t have any tree lines in your views while looking at the castle. We love the hub grass area which is directly in front of the castle. Directly to the right of the left of the Partners Statue is also a great area. 

Is it Worth Seeing?: Absolutely! This is one of our favorite nighttime shows of all-time and due to its popular demand, Disney brought back Happily Ever After after attempting to replace it with an inferior show for a short period.

EPCOT – Luminous The Symphony of Us Fireworks

Location: Luminous takes place on the World Showcase Lagoon in between the World Showcase Countries at EPCOT. 

Time: Luminous is currently a nighttime show that runs at 9:00 each evening. During busier time periods they will occasionally push the showtime back to 9:30, most notably during holiday times. 

Show Length: The entire show is about 17 minutes long. 

Show Overview: Luminous The Symphony of Us is designed to utilize music, including classic Disney songs to unite people together with the different countries as a backdrop. In addition to some Disney classics, there is also original composition in the story. The central theme of the show is helping to remind us that we are more alike than different.

Age Interest: All ages. And while kids might not understand the deeper messaging of Luminous, they will enjoy the nods to Disney Classic films as well as the spectacular fireworks. 

Best Viewing Location: Unlike Happily Ever After Ever in Magic Kingdom, Luminous has significantly more places to watch. With the massive amount of viewing areas around the World Showcase, you don’t have to look hard for a decent spot to see the show. 

A few of our favorite places to watch are the World Showcase Plaza, the Italy Isola, either side of the American Gardens Theater, and between Mexico and Norway. 

If you can get into either Rose & Crown, Spice Road Table, or Shiki-Sai Izakaya you can have a great view of the show while eating dinner. 

This isn’t an exhaustive list as there are dozens of great places to watch Luminous. We’ve found these to be the best balance of seeing the fireworks as well as the fountains. 

Is it Worth Seeing?: Yes! We thoroughly enjoy Luminous far more so than EPCOT Forever and Harmonious, the prior two shows. While it’s not perfect, we think most are thoroughly impressed since it’s opened up.

Hollywood Studios – Fantasmic!

Location: Hollywood Hills Amphitheater behind the Tower of Terror attraction at Hollywood Studios. The walkway to enter the amphitheater is before getting to the Tower of Terror on the right side of Sunset Boulevard. 

Time: If Fantasmic! has two showtimes they will be at 8:00 and 9:30 pm. If they only have one showtime it’ll be at 9:00 pm. They only have two showtimes on the busier days. 

Show Length: Fantasmic! is 29 minutes long in total, making it the longest Disney nighttime show. 

Show Overview: Fantasmic! is the only seated Disney World fireworks show, meaning that the majority of guests will be seated on bleachers around the amphitheater. 

This show follows the story of Mickey’s dream as he joins the other good Disney characters in a battle of good against evil classic Disney villains featuring pyrotechnics, projections, and water effects. It isn’t so much a ‘fireworks show’ like in the other parks, it’s more of a full nighttime spectacular.

Age Interest: While it’s good for all ages, we understand it can be a little scary for some smaller kids due to the villains being predominantly featured and some scarier fire scenes. Use discretion when it comes to your kids, and while we think most would be OK, we know some kids do get a little bit scared. 

Best Viewing Location: Depending on when you enter the amphitheater you might not have a whole lot of choice as to where you sit and you’ll just be thrilled with getting a seat. But if you get in early and you have choices, I’d encourage you to find a center section area so that you don’t have any obstructions in your way. 

Make sure wherever you are seated you have a clear view of the stage area and the water. Keep in mind the first few rows you might get a bit wet from the spray of the water. 

Is it Worth Seeing?: Yes! We love Fantasmic! and each time we go we are reminded how great it is. It feels like classic Disney and you can tell the show was built in the 90s and that’s a great thing!

Hollywood Studios – Wonderful World of Animation

Location: A projection show and fireworks show that takes place in front of and around the facade of the Chinese Theatre at the front of Hollywood Studios. 

Time: Currently the show takes place each night at 8:30. 

Show Length: In total, the Wonderful World of Animation show is 12 minutes long. 

Show Overview: Wonderful World of Animation is Hollywood Studios’ version of Happily Ever After. It’s mostly a projection show with some fireworks sprinkled in. The main premise of the show is to take you on a historical journey of 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation.

You’ll follow classic and unforgettable Disney films, helping you appreciate it all started with a mouse! If you enjoy Disney History and Disney classic films, you’ll enjoy this.

Age Interest: A great family-friendly show for all members of the family. 

Best Viewing Location: Similar to Happily Ever After, I’d encourage you to find a spot front and center for this show. You don’t want to be too close to the theater, but you don’t want to be too far back either. 

Find a good place in the center where you can see the entire facade of the Chinese Theatre in addition to the fireworks that will take place above the theater. 

Is it Worth Seeing?: Yes. While it’s not a must-do show for us on every visit to Hollywood Studios, it’s a really cute show that is worth doing if you’re going to be staying in the park.

Seven Seas Lagoon – Electrical Water Pageant

Location: The Electrical Water Pageant takes place nightly along the Seven Seas Lagoon around Magic Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom Resorts. 

Time: Each night the show takes place between 8:25 pm to 10:30 pm. 

Show Length: In total, the show is about 15 minutes long, and that’s how long it stays at each location starting at the Polynesian Village. 

Show Overview: The Electrical Water Pageant is a nighttime show that is essentially a floating parade on the water of the Seven Seas Lagoon. It uses whimsical sea creatures that are lit up in a myriad of beautifully colored lights (50,000 lights) that slowly sail along the lagoon to the sounds of classic Disney tunes. 

The pageant is composed of 14 different 40-foot-long floats featuring several different sea life such as dolphins, serpents, and sea monsters. You watch this parade at the various different MagIc Kingdom-area resorts or even at Magic Kingdom itself.

Age Interest: This show appeals to all members of the family. Kids in particular love the show due to its whimsical floats and brightly lit twinkling lights coming from the creatures. 

Best Viewing Location: Any of the Magic Kingdom-area resorts have great viewing spots such as the Polynesian Village Resort, the Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness, and the Contemporary. You can even watch the parade at Magic Kingdom as it finishes at its end around 10:20 pm if the park is still open. 

Is it Worth Seeing?: If you’re going to be at Magic Kingdom or one of the Magic Kingdom Resorts, then absolutely! It’s part of Disney World History opening just a few weeks after the opening of Magic Kingdom in 1971 making it an even more beloved show.

With fewer and fewer things at Walt Disney World remaining in place since those early days, the Electrical Water Pageant is one of the few things that has lasted the test of time.

Why Doesn’t Animal Kingdom Have Nighttime Shows?

In short, it’s complicated. For a while, Disney’s Animal Kingdom DID have a nighttime show entitled Rivers of Light. With innumerable complications and infrastructural issues, it kept getting delayed and delayed until it finally opened up in February of 2017. 

The problem was that many guests were unhappy with the storytelling of the story being completely devoid of any Disney Characters. The show had little support from spectators and it was later updated and changed to Rivers of Light: We Are One which featured beloved Disney Characters. 

This show only lasted from Memorial Day Weekend in 2019 until the parks closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, since then, no nighttime show has come back to Animal Kingdom, unlike the rest of the Disney Theme Parks. 

There are multiple reasons why Animal Kingdom does not currently have a nighttime show. First of all, the park is only open until 6:00 or 7:00 pm for most times of the year. Current Animal Kingdom demand does not force them to reconsider keeping the park open later, which they would NEED to do to have a nighttime show.

If Rivers of Light or Rivers of Light: We Are One had greater popularity or demand, obviously Animal Kingdom would have considered keeping the park open later after the parks reopened. But sadly, it didn’t despite the changes to the show. 

And with guests frequently leaving the park in the afternoon hours these days, they just fail to have the park attendance to call for a nighttime show again. So many things will need to change for them to need to have a nighttime show again. 

Animal Kingdom despite previous additions is still considerably less attended than the other three parks. For that to change, Disney will need to invest significantly in the park to increase park demand. We expect that to happen since they announced a big expansion for the park in the coming years but in the meantime Animal Kingdom still has some catching up to do!

If Animal Kingdom can add some high-profile attractions there is no doubt that park demand can increase, making them consider adding additional hours to the park once again as they had in 2017-2019. 

If this happens, adding a nighttime show would likely be a guarantee! We expect this to happen, but it is likely going to be a few more years until Animal Kingdom is in the shape they want it to be for making it work creating a new nighttime show.

Fireworks Dessert Parties

Currently, there are five permanent Fireworks Dessert Parties. And they are ALL at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park or just outside. Unfortunately, the ones at EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom are all currently suspended, though we hope they come back soon! 

Fireworks Dessert Parties are an awesome way for guests to enjoy the nighttime fireworks shows and have some terrific food and views! With Magic Kingdom that will be of course enjoying the wonderful nighttime show Happily Ever After. 

The five permanent Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties for 2024 are as follows:

1. Magic Kingdom Fireworks Pre-Party Dessert Party

• Costs for the Pre-Party range from $99-$109 per adult and $59 per child (ages 3 to 9). 

The main difference between this party from the Seats & Sweets Party is that you’ll get a different viewing area. Your viewing area will be inside the Plaza Gardens. Guests coming to this party will enjoy their desserts and drinks PRIOR to the show.

2. Magic Kingdom Fireworks Post-Party 

• Costs for the Post-Party range from $99-$109 per adult and $59 per child (ages 3 to 9). 

This is a POST-party show meaning that you will still check in an hour before the show starts at Tomorrowland Terrace. Then right before the show begins, a guest experience cast member will bring you to a private viewing area of the show. 

Then you will enjoy your desserts and treats AFTER the show as a Cast Member ushers you back to Tomorrowland Terrace.

3. Magic Kingdom Fireworks Seats & Sweets Party 

• Costs for the Seats & Sweets range from $119-$129 per adult and $75 per child (ages 3 to 9). 

This party is a little bit more expensive as you will be able to sit inside the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant during the actual show with tremendous views instead of being ushered into a separate area. 

All three of these parties take place at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant where they can enjoy a variety of cheeses, beverages (beer and wine for guests above 21), and of course desserts. The pre and post-parties enjoy a separate standing viewing area whereas the Seats & Sweets Party are able to sit inside Tomorrowland Terrace the entire time.

4. Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle

• Costs for this nighttime party are $129 per adult and child. 

Unlike the other three shows, this party takes place inside the California Grill Restaurant atop the Contemporary Resort. This resort is RIGHT next to Magic Kingdom and is easily walkable. 

Here you are able to enjoy sushi, small bites, and some of your favorite dishes and desserts from California Grill. As showtime approaches you can step out onto the private observation deck to view an incredible view of Happily Ever After. 

After the show, you’ll head back inside to enjoy desserts, cordials, and coffee.

5. Ferrytale Fireworks Party: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise

• This Dessert Cruise costs $130 per adult and $80 per child. (Ages 3 to 9)

While this party isn’t IN the park, it’s a Disney Dessert party at sea. Here you’ll hop aboard an iconic Magic Kingdom ferryboat and learn about the the history and background of these vessels while enjoying desserts and beverages. Your night will end by watching Happily Ever After from your dessert cruise ferryboat!

In addition to the five dessert parties they run throughout the year, there are also seasonal dessert parties that take place around the time of the Disney Holiday Parties. These are:

Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party 

• Costs for the Not-So-Spooky Spectacular Dessert Party range are $119-$129 per adult and $75 per child (ages 3 to 9). Costs for this are another ticket on top of Mickey’s Not So Scary Party Ticket.

This dessert party is of course only held on select nights during the Halloween season. It’s also ONLY offered on nights that the Halloween party is running. Keep in mind, you will be watching Mickey’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular fireworks show NOT Happily Ever After.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party 

• Costs for the Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party range from $109-$119 per adult and $59-$75 per child (ages 3 to 9). The costs depend on whether you want a Tomorrowland Terrace View or the Plaza Gardens View.

Similar to the Halloween Party, this dessert party is only held on select nights during the Christmas Season AND when the Christmas Party is taking place, and it is a separate admission on top of the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event. 

You will be viewing Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks and NOT Happily Ever After for this dessert party. 

Fireworks Dining Packages

In addition to the Fireworks Dessert Parties we just talked about, there are also Fireworks Dining Packages. These dining packages entitle you to a special viewing of the fireworks shows at the different Disney Theme Parks. Currently, these are offered at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. 

For EPCOT, you’ll enjoy an awesome view to be able to enjoy your meal while you’re watching a viewing of Luminous. At Hollywood Studios, you will be able to get a voucher so that you can enjoy a guaranteed spot in a reserved area to watch Fantasmic!

EPCOT

At EPCOT, there are currently two restaurants that are participating in this: Rose & Crown and Spice Road Table. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Rose & Crown
  • Cost $92 per adult including tax and gratuity and $41 per child (ages 3 to 9)
  • You’ll be able to get an appetizer, an entree, a dessert platter, and unlimited beverages (including alcohol) 
  • You’ll be seated on an outdoor patio area to watch Luminous
    
• Spice Road Table
  • Cost $81 per person including tax and gratuity and $31 per child (ages 3 to 9) 
  • Choice of two small plates, a shared tagine and dessert platter for the table, and unlimited beverages.
  • You’ll be seated in the covered outdoor dining room in the Morocco Pavilion to watch Luminous

Hollywood Studios

At Hollywood Studios, five restaurants are participating: 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Hollywood & Vine, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, and The Hollywood Brown Derby. All of these restaurants work the same way, the prices are just slightly different. 

You’ll be able to order an entree, and then a choice of appetizer OR dessert, along with a non-alcoholic beverage. For Hollywood & Vine, since it’s a buffet, you’ll be able to enjoy the full buffet of course. The costs are as follows:

• 50’s Prime Time Cafe is $54 per adult and $23 per child (ages 3 to 9) 
• Hollywood & Vine is $59 per adult for breakfast and $75 per adult for lunch and dinner
  • Children (ages 3 to 9) are $39 for breakfast and $49 for lunch and dinner
• Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano is $56 for adults and $23 per child (ages 3 to 9) 
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant is $51 for adults and $23 per child (ages 3 to 9) 
• The Hollywood Brown Derby is $77 per adult and $31 per child (ages 3 to 9)

Seasonal Celebrations

Disney routinely runs seasonal celebrations for the holidays. While we mentioned the seasonal dessert parties above, they run four different seasonal fireworks shows in total. 

1. Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular – This special spirited pyrotechnical spectacular runs during the nights of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. Dates for this run from August to October. 
2. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – This Christmas party is a special ticketed event that runs in November and December in Magic Kingdom on select nights. You’ll join Mickey for live entertainment, a holiday parade, and of course themed festive fireworks. 
3. Fourth of July Fireworks – Walt Disney World Resort commemorates Independence Day each year at Magic Kingdom with a patriotic and themed fireworks performance each year on July 4th. 
4. New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Ring in the New Year at Magic Kingdom with a special fireworks presentation each year on New Year’s Eve.

How Much Does Disney World Spend on Fireworks per Night?

It’s a well-known fact that the World Disney World Company is the world’s second-largest buyer of explosives in the country after the Department of Defense. So the question is how much do they spend on fireworks each night? 

While it’s impossible to know the exact number, some recent reports have said that the Disney Company between Disneyland and Walt Disney World spends about $100,000 per night, or $50 million per year on fireworks. 

How this breaks down exactly we don’t know, but since obviously the Walt Disney World Resort is larger and has more shows, IF this number is accurate we’d expect somewhere between $55,000 and $75,000 per night amongst the different shows.

Does Disney Cancel Fireworks for Rain?

While it does get canceled OCCASIONALLY if the storm is really bad and includes lightning, the truth of the matter is, it RARELY does.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stood outside in the pouring rain and the show still went on. 

The one exception to this rule is Fantasmic! This show was canceled more than the other shows in bad weather due to the live actors and the danger of performing on slick surfaces. So if you are planning on seeing this show and the forecast is bad, there is a chance it will get canceled.

Where Can I Watch Disney Fireworks for FREE?

Many think that they will need theme park admission to watch the Disney Fireworks. And while normally the best views are inside the parks, there are some great ‘free’ places to watch the fireworks as well. 

Here are a few of our favorites to watch Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom:

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Watch the fireworks on the 4th-floor observation deck at the Contemporary. Here you’ll have a prime location to get great views of the show! Keep in mind that at times, this deck does get booked as a private event, so you won’t be able to use it. Ask at the front desk to know for sure.
  
• Disney Polynesian Resort Beach – Situated directly opposite the Magic Kingdom along the Seven Seas Lagoon, grab a beach chair and relax on the beach while you enjoy views of the show!
  
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – Take a walk along the grounds of the Grand Floridian and head to the back by the marina and Gasparilla Grill. There are some great views of the fireworks from there or along the boat dock near Narcoossee’s Restaurant.
  
• Boat from Wilderness Lodge – Head to the Wilderness Lodge dock a few minutes before showtime and get on the next boat to Magic Kingdom. If you time it right, you’ll get some INCREDIBLE views of the fireworks without having to pay a dime!

If you want to get a decent view of Luminous at EPCOT, head to Disney’s BoardWalk and walk along the BoardWalk before the start of the show. There are tons of things to do at the BoardWalk, but if you want the best views stay along the bridge that connects the BoardWalk and the Swan and Dolphin Hotels. You’ll get some solid views of the show!

That wraps up our look at all the fireworks shows and nighttime spectaculars at Walt Disney World. We think they are one of the highlights of any vacation and deserve all the attention they get. Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of them and can make them a priority on your next trip.

If you are thinking about going to Walt Disney World in the coming future, here are some other popular articles where you will find all the info and tips you need to plan your trip.

• Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
• Disney World Crowd Calendar
• When are the Best Times to Visit Disney World?

Your Thoughts

I want to know what you think about the Walt Disney World fireworks shows…

• Which is your favorite nighttime spectacular at Disney World?
• Would you like to see a new show come to the Animal Kingdom?

Let us know in the comments section below!

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