Fireworks & Nighttime Shows at Walt Disney World

For many  who visit Disney World, seeing one--or more!--of the amazing nighttime shows is a huge part of their experience. There are so many opportunities to see evening shows, and there is something in every park! 

Magic Kingdom Park

Happily Ever After – This 18-minute spectacular has fireworks and projections on the castle and is truly breathtaking. Happily Ever After has a new musical score but also features some iconic moments from classic Disney films such as The Little  Mermaid and Aladdin plus modern favorites like Moana, Tangled, and even Pirates of the Caribbean.

Don't forget to watch for Tinkerbell as she soars across the park. Cinderella Castle serves as the backdrop of the show and should NOT be missed!

Once Upon A Time Castle Projection Show – This colorful projection show is hosted by Mrs. Potts and her Chip from Beauty and the Beast. It is a short show that presents a bedtime story with some of our favorite moments from favorite Disney movies.

Epcot

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth– This show combines lasers, leaping flames and fireworks synchronized to music that brings World Showcase Lagoon to life at night. Unlike Happily Ever After, Illuminations has more of a story line with a spinning globe that helps tell the story of the history of humanity and the achievements of our time. Small children will likely find this to be their least favorite show, but it's lovely and has tons of great viewing areas around the lake.

Photo Credit: Walt Disney World

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular – Star Wars lovers should NOT miss this one! It features state-of-the-art projection effects, mesmerizing lighting, lasers and fireworks that light up the night! The music and characters of Star Wars are shown on the Chinese Theater and is a pretty powerful experience.

Photo Credit: Walt Disney World

Disney Movie Magic – This 10-minute projection show also uses the Chinese Theatre as a backdrop to showcase footage from some of Disney’s greatest films including the Indiana Jones and the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series.

Fantasmic! --Held nightly, this 30-minute show takes you into Mickey's dream where the forces of good and evil battle! Mickey, as his character from The Sorcerer's Apprentice, must fight the Evil Queen, Ursula, Cruella de Vil, and Maleficent to save the day. Water effects, music, fireworks, costumed performers, and special affects make this a great way to end your day.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Rivers of Light – This nighttime show celebrates the connection between animals and humans through a story told by live performers, beautiful floating lanterns, glistening fountains, special effects and authentic animal imagery projected on giant water screens. Unlike the other shows, this is a quiet peaceful show--no fireworks or loud music here! Young children may find this less exciting, but it's a lovely show.

Tree of Life Awakenings – After dark, the animals carved into the Tree of Life’s trunk come to life. Every 10 minutes, a new story from the animal kingdom emerges on the tree with vivid colors and animated imagery.

Kilimanjaro Safaris (at Night!) – Seeing the savanna at night with evening safari is a very unique experience. Often we miss seeing those nocturnal animal on a daytime safari, but at night, you may see--and hear!--the lions, elephants, hippopotamuses and hyena.

Pandora – The World of Avatar at Night – At night, this land transforms into a bioluminescence paradise at night. The attractions won't look any different at night, but the whole land glows and is truly a sight to see!

Pandora at night

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park-- In summer 2018, Disney H2O Glow Nights feature glowing beach balls and other lighting effects on select nights beginning June 21, 2018. Typhoon Lagoon will be a nighttime hotspot with a DJ Dance Party on the beach and character meetings with Buzz, Woody and Jessie from Toy Story. Also all attractions at the water park will be open with minimal wait times.

Disney Springs -- There’s so much to do at Disney Springs with shopping and yummy restaurants to try, but don't forget about the outdoor entertainment. Stop by The Edison, a new gothic-industrial hotspot, to enjoy live music, cabaret dancers and breathtaking aerialists; enter Forbidden Lounge,found on top of Morimoto Asia; or hear some live music and dancers at Raglan Road. Don't forget about House of Blues, too, and the little alcoves throughout the area where you can find local bands.