One of my favorite things about visiting Walt Disney World is the breathtaking nighttime shows. Each theme park has its own unique nighttime show and in the next few weeks, we will take a closer look at each show giving you all the dazzling details for your next visit to Walt Disney World. While some nighttime shows are getting re-imagined, others are ending soon with new exciting shows around the corner. This week let’s check out one of the newest nighttime shows, Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom Park.
Happily Ever After is the perfect way to end your day at Magic Kingdom Park. This nightly show combines spectacular firework displays, dazzling lasers and incredible projections on Cinderella Castle all set to a magical musical score. Happily Ever After is not only technically impressive, but beautiful and inspirational to boot. This 18-minute show highlights some of the best moments from Disney films that encourage you to go and seek out your dreams, face challenges head-on and find your very own Happily Ever After.
Best Viewing Locations:
Since Happily Ever After is not only a firework show but also includes projections that help tell the story, it is important to have a good view of the castle to experience the show. You can see from the picture above some of the best viewing locations highlighted or circled in green with locations highlighted in yellow representing better viewing locations while some of the worst locations are in red. To get some of the better viewing spots you should plan ahead and try to secure your location on the earlier side of the evening (not 5-10 minutes before the show starts). You will notice that closer to the castle is surprisingly not the best view. A prime location is around the Partners statue and behind that … if you are too close to the show your view will not allow for the best view of the projections and fireworks that combine together to create an incredible show. Make sure when picking your viewing spot you are able to see the castle in its entirety.
If you want to see the fireworks but don’t want to experience the crowds that are gathered, there are other viewing locations to check out the fireworks and musical score from the show without seeing the projections. Some of these locations include:
- Fantasyland – a bit back from the back of the castle to see the fireworks all around you.
- Resort Hotels such as Disney’s Polynesian Resort beach or while enjoying your dinner at ‘Ohana, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge by the lake in front of Geyser Point, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at the beach and Disney’s Contemporary Resort (one of the best non-park locations is the viewing deck while dining at California Grill).
- Transportation and Ticket Center
Happily Ever After Dessert Parties:
There are several Happily Ever After Dessert Party options. To start is the Fireworks Dessert Party with seated viewing at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. If you choose this option, you will arrive at the Tomorrowland Terrace prior to the fireworks to enjoy the yummy desserts and you will remain seated at the terrace to enjoy Happily Ever After. This is a great option for you if you want to sit back and relax as you enjoy the fireworks while taking a load off those park-tired feet.
The second option is the Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza Garden Viewing. If you choose this party you will still start at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant enjoying all the amazing desserts before the fireworks, however as showtime nears, a Cast Member will escort you to a reserved viewing area in the Plaza Garden to view the fireworks
The last option is the After-Fireworks Dessert Party. This party is a little different from the others. You will meet a Cast Member at the Tomorrowland Terrace who will escort you to your reserved location in the Plaza Garden area to watch Happily Ever After. After the extraordinary nighttime display, a Cast Member will then take you back to Tomorrowland Terrace to enjoy the desserts. After showtime there tends to be a mass exodus out of the park, so instead, why not enjoy some desserts and relax after showtime.
Happily Ever After Fireworks Cruises:
These nighttime cruises are a perfectly relaxing way to partake in the nighttime show while enjoying the privacy and comfort of your own charter boat as you float in Seven Seas Lagoon. These cruises include a captain as well as snacks and beverages. If you have a special celebration the boat can even be all decked out in style with festive decorations which are all included in the cost of your cruise.
Happily Ever After Firework cruises leave from the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Fort Wilderness, and Wilderness Lodge Marinas. These cruises can be booked by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.
There are a few other cruises that are sure to delight as well as provide a spectacular view of the fireworks display. Climb aboard one of the ferryboats and spend your evening on the Seven Seas Lagoon with The Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise. Enjoy delicious desserts and beverages while the kids enjoy the ultraviolet scavenger hunt before Happily Ever After . Then when the show begins, grab those “Mickey Vision” glasses to see the show in a whole new way. To book call (407) 939-3463.
For the little buccaneers in your family try the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage. Your adventures begin at Disney’s Contemporary Resort where pirates of all ages can enjoy snacks and beverages before boarding your pirate vessel. Make sure to keep those cameras handy to take your perfect picture with Captain Hook and Mr. Smee before your journey. After you set sail your captain, pirate Patch will lead the crew in trivia and entertaining sea chanteys. Then you can enjoy Happily Ever After with the rest of the pirates. After the show, the fun isn’t over, as you head back to the dock keep your eyes open for a special surprise.
On your next visit to Magic Kingdom Park, make sure to end your evening with viewing one of the best nighttime shows on Walt Disney World property. With emotion, beauty and technical advances that are unmatched, Happily Ever After is a must do nighttime show! Follow along next time as we explore Epcot’s Illuminations: Reflections of Earth and look to the future for the next great nighttime show that will soon be making its debut there.
Photo Credit: Disney
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As a travel planner with Key to the World Travel, I get to help families plan their own magical vacations every single day! It's a dream come true! I have a wonderful husband who supports my dream and a spunky daughter who always keeps me on my toes! If I am not planning amazing adventures, I am usually baking or reading a good book.
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