The Disney Parks Blog today announced that a new nighttime spectacular called “Happily Ever After,” which will combine the magic of Disney storytelling, beloved Disney characters, fireworks and so much more, will debut at Magic Kingdom Park on May 12.
The Disney Parks Blog notes that “the spectacular will inspire guests to seek out and find their own “Happily Ever After” by showcasing some of the greatest adventures Disney characters have taken to achieve their dreams.” Rumors of Wishes’ imminent replacement have been going for a while within the insiders of the Disney Parks community, so this news comes as no surprise.
Over the past few years, Disney has made a number of modifications to Wishes as the park been upgrading the lighting package around the castle, culminating in the new lighting show, “Once Upon A Time.” and adding Rooftop launch locations to bring more depth and precision to the show. The new “Happily Ever After” show will make extensive use of those new lighting systems.
Wishes debuted in October of 2003 and while it’s only 12 minutes long, Disney lately has been looking at ways to increase guests time in the parks as well as exploring new technology to bring into the parks. Happily Ever After will not only fulfill Disneys hopes to increase guests time in the park by clocking in at 18 minutes long. Happily Ever Afte will also bring the nearly the latest in theme park show technology to Cinderellas Castle.
“The Magic, the Memories and You” when it debuted in 2011, brought to the Magic Kingdom brought projection mapping technology into the spotlight and served as a beacon of what could be implemented into the shows later down the road. Walt Disney World touts the show as to feature more lasers, lights and projections than any other fireworks spectacular in the history of Magic Kingdom park.
Walt Disney World also said that the show starts with a dream… and takes you on an unforgettable journey that captures the heart, humor and heroism of many favorite Disney animated films, including:
- Aladdin
- Beauty and the Beast
- Frozen
- The Lion King
- The Little Mermaid
- Moana
- Peter Pan
- The Princess and the Frog
- Toy Story
Happily Ever After will also feature Glow in the Show ears as part of the interaction.
On May 11th, 2017, Wishes will have it’s final performance and will conclude a nearly 13 and a half year run.
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