Happily Ever After (Magic Kingdom’s Evening Fireworks Spectacular)
Happily Ever After is the evening fireworks spectacular at Magic Kingdom. Performances are held each evening with the exception of holidays and special events like seasonal Halloween and Christmas parties that occur between August and December. We consider Happily Ever After a must-do at least once during a week’s vacation.
Go on a dazzling journey of color, light and song that captures the heart, humor and heroism of favorite Disney stories. Watch in awe as Cinderella Castle is magically transformed through amazing state-of-the art projection technology you have to see to believe.
This astounding fireworks extravaganza uses lights, lasers and special effects, plus a soaring score featuring contemporary versions of beloved Disney songs.
Discover the magic of stories—and be inspired to find your own happily ever after.
The fireworks can best be viewed anywhere from the Cinderella Castle Hub, the area in front of the castle. If you elect to view the fireworks from Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll be privy to seeing special projections that have been added in recent years. It’s a nice touch, but we prefer to view the fireworks from the hub, either to the left or right (slightly behind) of the Partner’s Statue (Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse). This is a widely known “best” fireworks viewing spot, so if you hope to secure it, you’ll want to get a spot early on in the evening. How early will depend on how crowded the park is on the day of your visit. We’ve seen people begin to camp out for the fireworks as early as two hours before they start.
If you want to see the fireworks and prefer not to deal with the crowds, you can get a unique perspective by watching them from behind the castle in Fantasyland. While this location is laid back, the downside is that you will not be able to see the projections on Cinderella Castle.
It’s also important to note that the fireworks are exceptionally loud. If you have a child who has issues with loud noises, you might prefer to bring noise-cancelling headphones or hop on an indoor attraction right about the time the fireworks are about to begin. For example, “it’s a small world” is an excellent option because it takes a little time to experience and is entirely indoors.
Performance Times: Showtimes will vary throughout the year based on the sunset. You’ll want to check the entertainment section of the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for exact times. It’s listed in the app as Happily Ever After, Presented by Pandora Jewelry.
| Happily Ever After | Magic Kingdom |
|---|---|
Location: | Best Viewed from the Hub (Area in front of Cinderella Castle) |
Attraction Type: | Evening Fireworks Spectacular |
Duration: | 18 minutes |
Good For: | Everyone |
Must-Do List: | High Priority |
Perfect For: | Everyone |
Special Mention: | We wouldn’t miss it! |
Additional Info: Guests may remain in wheelchairs or ECVs for this performance. Special viewing areas with limited space are available. Designated fireworks viewing areas for guests with disabilities and mobility devices are located between Casey’s Corner (at the end of Main Street, U.S.A.) and the Hub. The areas are highlighted on the Magic Kingdom’s park map for guests with disabilities. These special viewing areas are first-come, first-served. In order to secure a spot, you’ll want to arrive early.
Final Thoughts
We love Happily Ever After and hope you have the opportunity to see it during your next vacation. If you do decide to watch it, our best advice is to stay put after it’s over and let the crowds clear out. You don’t have to be in a hurry to leave, even if it’s closing time. If you rush out to catch the bus or the monorail, you’re probably going to get stuck in a long line and huge crowds. We prefer to grab a snack or sit on a bench and enjoy the park’s nighttime atmosphere. It’s so much more pleasant to leave when things have settled down, and the buses will still be running to get you back to your resort.
For more things to do during your visit, see our Magic Kingdom Attraction Guide. We’re always exploring what’s new around Walt Disney World! Stop by Resorts Gal again soon for the latest!
In the Comments
What do you think of Happily Ever After? Have you seen it? Let us know in the comments below.
