Disney debuted its new nighttime fireworks show “Happily Ever After” at the Magic Kingdom on Friday, and simply put, it’s amazing.

  • Disney debuts new fireworks show ‘Happily Ever After’ 
  • Scenes from 25 Disney, Pixar movies projected onto Cinderella Castle
  • Happily Ever After replaces Wishes after 13 year run
  • Attractions Insider

For opening night, thousands of people gathered around Cinderella Castle, filling up Main Street U.S.A. and the surrounding lands.

The new show is an extraordinary technological feat, showcasing the most advanced digital projections and special effects Disney has ever used for a production such as this.

Scenes from at least 25 Disney and Pixar movies are projected onto Cinderella Castle, accompanied by new music, lasers and fireworks--so many fireworks.

Happily Ever After is also longer, coming in at a hefty 18 minutes.

The result is nothing short of spectacular.

The new show includes scenes from “The Little Mermaid,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Toy Story,” “Pocahontas,” “Aladdin,” “Moana” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

Producers were able to weave all the films’ scenes and their music together, integrating “Brave,” “Cars” and “Up” (for example) in one sequence.

One of the highlights of the show is the villain’s sequence which features a larger-than-life Ursula, Scar, and serpent Jafar, who attack the castle. The lightning and pyrotechnics are mesmerizing.

A surprising and emotional inclusion is a sequence featuring “Hercules” and the song “Go the Distance,” which is sure to make any Disney fanatic’s heart swell. I’ll admit, I got a little teary-eyed. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” sequence is a close second.  

One of the most visually stunning elements of the show is the “I See the Light” moment from “Tangled.” Dozens of lanterns lift across the castle.  

Happily Ever After’s theme song--performed by Angie Keilhauer and Jordan Fisher--has an uplifting message.

There are several other surprises throughout the show, but I won’t spoil them here.

The new show replaces Wishes, which ended its 13 year run on Thursday.

Wishes fans need not fret, “Happily Ever After” has some carry-overs from the previous show.

Tinker Bell, in a dazzling new costume, still makes her flight across the night sky.

Also, “dreams” is still a prominent theme despite all the other show changes.

“Happily Ever After” is a worthy successor and exactly the kind of nighttime spectacular the Magic Kingdom needs. It’s definitely a must-see during your next trip to Walt Disney World.

“Happily Ever After” is scheduled for nightly performances starting at 9 p.m.