Back in February Walt Disney World announced that the beloved “Wishes” fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom was coming to an end. Many of us in the Disney family were sad, “Wishes” is such an emotion show for so many of it that letting go was going to be hard. “Wishes” had an amazing 13 1/2 year run and holds so many memories for me and my family but as hard as it is to let go, I trust Disney to make the next show even better.
That next show is “Happily Ever After”. This show was announced in February with a lot of pomp and circumstance. “Happily Ever After” would include a new score, fireworks, new animation, projection, lasers and other pyrotechnics. The Disney community was cautiously optimistic for 4 long months. Guests made pilgrimages to the Magic Kingdom to say, “goodbye” to “Wishes”. I didn’t get to say goodbye in person, but that is ok, I have many fond memories.
On Friday night, May 12 Walt Disney World debuted “Happily Ever After”, the night after “Wishes” had its closing performance to staggering crowds. On Friday night Disney graciously live streamed “Happily Ever After”, to build the excitement in Disney fans worldwide. I didn’t watch the live stream because I knew I would be seeing the show in person 2 days later and I wanted my first reactions to be pure.
After church on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2017 Ron and I headed to the Magic Kingdom. Our primary purpose was to see “Happily Ever After” but we rode several rides as well. We knew the hub would be crowded so we staked out our prime spot at 7:15pm for the 9pm show. Yes, that may seem crazy to many of you, it does to me too. Honestly by 8:15pm my feet and ankles were hurting so bad from standing around I considered giving up, but I am so glad I didn’t!
I am having trouble putting this show into words. I shared one of the 130+ photos I took on Facebook and I said I had goosebumps, tears, all the feels. This show is so immense and overwhelming I am going to have to see it many more times before I feel like I have taken it all in. I also can’t wait to see it with my two eyes instead of through my iPhone screen. This show covers images and music from movies of all Disney and Disney-Pixar eras. I was excited to see “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” well represented! I plan to write another post soon about this show, with more specifics about the movies and music represented. For now, just heed my advice and plan to see “Happily Ever After” on your next visit to the Magic Kingdom.
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