The Movies and Music of Happily Ever After

“Happily Ever After” (show theme)
“Down in New Orleans (Prologue)” (The Princess and the Frog)
“When You Wish Upon a Star” (Pinocchio)
“Part of Your World” (The Little Mermaid)
Ratatouille
Tangled
“Out There” (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
“Touch the Sky” (Brave)
A Bug’s Life
Cars 3
Up
Finding Dory
“How Far I’ll Go” (Moana)
“Friend Like Me” (Aladdin)
“Trashin’ the Camp” (Tarzan)
“Hakuna Matata” (The Lion King) / “I’ve Got No Strings” (Pinocchio)
“You’ve Got a Friend in Me” (Toy Story)
“The Bare Necessities” (The Jungle Book)
Wreck-It Ralph
Big Hero 6
Zootopia
Inside Out
Monsters University
“That’s What Friends are For” (The Jungle Book)
“Love is an Open Door” (Frozen)
WALL-E
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (The Lion King)
“You’ll Be in My Heart” (Tarzan)
Inside Out
Finding Dory
Up
Dumbo
Zootopia
The Incredibles
“I See the Light” (Tangled) / “A Whole New World” (Aladdin)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Cinderella
Sleeping Beauty
The Little Mermaid
Beauty and the Beast
The Princess and the Frog
Villains Takes Over
Mulan
The Incredibles
The Little Mermaid
“To Die For” (The Lion King)
Aladdin
Sleeping Beauty
“He’s a Pirate” (Pirates of the Caribbean)
Brave
“Go the Distance” (Hercules)
The Lion King
Aladdin
Tarzan
Mulan
Moana
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Cinderella
The Little Mermaid
Wreck-It Ralph
The Princess and the Frog
Frozen
Brave
Toy Story
Beauty and the Beast
Pinocchio
Sleeping Beauty
Alice in Wonderland
Peter Pan
Reprise of “Happily Ever After”
“You Can Fly” (Peter Pan)

Since some of you won’t be heading to the magic Kingdom in the near future, here is one of the best recordings of Happily Ever After that I have ever seen. I hope you enjoy it.

If you would like to plan your own trip to Walt Disney World my planning services are free and I am always happy to help. Just Email Me and we will get started.

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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.

If you would like help planning your next magical Disney vacation, please Email Me and we will get started.

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I LOVE Wishes! At Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The music, the fireworks, the story line it all adds up to my favorite fireworks show ever! I wish I lived closer so that I could see Wishes! more than a few times a year.

Do you have a favorite Wishes! photo? Upload it to your blog and link it in the comments. Do you have a favorite Wishes! memory? Share it in the comments.

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We didn’t go all out with costumes, Jordan and I were pseudo-pirates, Kyle was…Kyle and Ron, the family photographer insisted he was the paparazzi. We entered the park around 6pm and since it was still light out the party atmosphere hadn’t settled in yet. We headed to Tomorrowland so the boys could ride Space Mountain first and while they were doing that we rode the Peoplemover. Next stop Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, where for one, I actually beat hubby! Upon exiting the ride we came upon our first candy stop. We got out the candy bags that were given to us as we entered the park and collected the first of many yummy treats. As we headed out of Tomorrowland we noticed that the Tomorrowland Speedway had only a 5 minute wait so the boys got in line. It was at this time that I realized that we needed a way to distinguish between the 4 candy bags before we tossed them in the backpack. I had bought 2 packages of 15 glow bracelets for $1 each at Target earlier in the week so we each picked a different color bracelet to put around the handle of our candy bag, this resourceful idea worked like a charm!

Next stop was Mickey’s Toon Town Fair. As we entered the area it was crowded…because they were doing FREE face painting! Once we got past the face painting the 3 guys had to ride Barnstormer, because there was no wait! I wandered into the store and noticed there was only a 15 minute wait to see the Fairies! Tinkerbell is one of my favorite Disney characters and I have never gotten my picture taken with her because the line is always so long. Hubby and I joined the line and the boys shopped while they waited. The interaction between the 3 Fairies was wonderful and at first Tinkerbell was afraid of me, because I was a pirate, but after assuring her that I wouldn’t put her in a lamp-she agreed to have her picture taken.

Next we headed to Fantasyland. Crowds were so low that most rides we had less than a 5 minute wait! We were able to ride The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Snow White’s Scary Adventures and Peter Pan’s Flight. As we headed into Liberty Square we were greeted by a more eerie than usual Haunted Mansion. Dark had fallen and the attraction was surrounded in fog which made this a prime spot for photos.  We headed to Frontierland and stopped at the Diamond Horseshoe for Woody’s Happy Harvest Round-Up. Next stop…food! We headed to Pecos Bill’s only to find it closed Upon examining our map, we saw that the restaurant closed at 9pm and it was now…9:01 and the closest restaurant that was open was Cosmic Ray’s in Tomorrowland. We were starving, but not ready to trek to the other side of the park. The boys headed to ride Big Thunder while Ron and I found a spot on the bridge to watch “Happy Hallo Wishes: Grim Grinning Ghosts Come Out to Socialize” Fireworks Spectacular. (click that link and you can watch my video of the entire fireworks show on YouTube). Next we all headed to ride Big Thunder and then walk through Br’er Rabbit’s Candy Canyon.

It was time to head towards Main Street to find our spot for the Headless Horseman’s Ride and Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Parade. While Kyle and I got situated Ron and Jordan went to Cosmic Ray’s to get our dinner. While we were waiting we caught the 10:05pm Disney’s Villains Mix & Mingle show on the Castle stage it was a very short but cute show. As the 10:30pm parade time approach anticipation grew, I had heard a lot about this parade in the past and it didn’t disappoint. We LOVED the parade, especially the grave diggers and the hitch hiking ghosts! Take a look for yourself.

Next it was over to Adventureland for more candy, photo ops and of course, a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean.
The boys wanted one more ride on Space Mountain so we let them head over there as we strolled towards Main Street USA. When the boys returned we headed out of the park. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I can honestly say that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is now my 2nd favorite event at Walt Disney World (if you lump all of the Christmas events into one for 1st place).

The remaining party dates in 2010 are: Sept. 23, 25, 28, 30; Oct. 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, 31; and Nov. 1. Prices are $59.95 (ages 10+) and $53.95 (ages 3-9) for all dates except Oct. 29 and Oct. 31 when tickets cost $64.95 (ages 10+) and $58.95 (ages 3-9).

Have you ever been to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? Are you going this year? Leave me a comment  and let me know your thoughts about this event.

Disclaimer: Disney Events invited me and 3 guests to the party. The opinions in this story are 100% mine.

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At Busch Gardens, fireworks light up the sky over the Tampa theme park on July 3 and 4. That’s in addition to the nightly rock spectacular, Kinetix, each night at 9 p.m. in Busch Gardens’ Gwazi Park. Kinetix brings together live musicians, singers, dancers and artists from around the world for an original, non-stop 30-minute contemporary rock experience that delivers awesome lighting effects, modern music and high-energy performances.

Park hours are extended until 10 p.m. July 3 and until 9 p.m. July 4. Stay to ride coasters in the dark and enjoy spectacular shows, including Jeff Civillico, with his masterful juggling performances.

Fireworks are part of the finale every night during SeaWorld AfterDark, the summer nighttime event that showcases the park in a whole new light. On Independence Day, guests can also enjoy the 13th Army Band, Florida National Guard when it performs at Bayside Stadium prior to the fireworks finale. This 40-piece band, known as the Governor’s Own Band, will entertain the audience with classic and current tunes, gearing them up for the special Fourth of July Reflections show featuring additional fireworks timed to patriotic music.

AfterDark is a nighttime rock n’ roll extravaganza with live DJs, special evening shows – including a high-energy “Shamu Rocks” and a hilarious “Sea Lions Tonite” – plus the fabulous fireworks finale. Experience all that’s awesome day and night at SeaWorld this summer, including Manta, up-close animal encounters and spectacular shows.

Busch Gardens Summer Nights and SeaWorld AfterDark are included with a day’s paid admission or any annual pass. For more information, visit BuschGardens.com, SeaWorldOrlando.com or call 1-888-800-5447.

I have been to Busch Gardens Summer Nights and I really enjoyed it! I hope to be able to take my family to experience SeaWorld AfterDark sometime this summer. Have you been to either Busch Gardens Summer Nights or SeaWorld AfterDark? Leave me a comment and let me know what you thought about the event.

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While many of us focus on fireworks safety each Fourth of July, we also need to keep our roads safe for the drive home after the festivities.

Whether at a family picnic or viewing the local fireworks display, many of us will be on the road this Independence Day. It’s time to spread the word about the dangers of buzzed driving and to remind people that Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving, and the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead.

We need your help in keeping the roads safe for everyone this July Fourth by spreading the word that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

There are four steps you should take to protect your loved ones on the Fourth of July.

1.) Designate a sober driver before you leave for your Fourth of July events.

2.) Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi.

3.) Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.

4.) Call 9-1-1 if you see an impaired driver on the road.

Even if you will not be drinking alcoholic beverages this Fourth of July, keep in mind that over the course of 2008, 1,179 people in other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. And there were a total of 491 motor vehicle traffic fatalities during the Fourth of July Holiday period (Thursday, July 3rd, 6 pm to Monday, July 7th, 5:59 am). And for those who say they don’t plan on over-indulging . . . a buzzed driving crash looks the same as a drunk driving crash.

The post Be Safe July 4th Weekend appeared first on The Mom Maven.

• Magic Kingdom – “Celebrate America Fireworks” will fill the sky at 9 p.m.  After the fireworks, guests can enjoy Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” of lights, music and magic at 10 p.m. and midnight.  Park hours are 8 a.m.-1 a.m.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Special fireworks set to a rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack will be presented at 9:50 p.m., providing guests with a bonus nighttime entertainment extravaganza to complement “Fantasmic!” (which will be at 9 and 10:30 p.m.).  Park hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Epcot – “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” which features dazzling special effects, colorful lasers, brilliant fireworks and fiery torches all choreographed to a musical score, becomes even more dynamic on July 4 as the normal show is supplemented with a patriotic finale.  The performance begins at 10 p.m.  Earlier in the day, guests will be treated to the Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert – featuring an expanded cast of singers plus the Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps and Disney characters – at 12:30, 1:45 and 3 p.m. on the America Gardens Theatre stage.  In addition, Betsy Ross will be engaging guests inside The American Adventure with storytelling, while Ben Franklin will be making appearances on the promenade near the attraction.  Park hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Guests can enjoy all the regular attractions and shows from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

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Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade…

MAIN STREET ELECTRICAL PARADE HISTORY

• “Summer Nightastic!” 2010 will mark the return of the original Disneyland “Main Street Electrical Parade” to Walt Disney World Resort.
• Previously the parade had a limited engagement in Florida from 1999 through 2001.
• The original “Main Street Electrical Parade” premiered at Disneyland on June 17, 1972.
• The parade was presented at Disneyland nearly every summer until it was “retired” in 1996.
• A version of the “Main Street Electrical Parade” was created for Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in 1977. The Magic Kingdom version was presented until 1991 when it was replaced by “SpectroMagic” (“Main Street Electrical Parade” was refurbished for the opening of Disneyland Resort Paris).
• The original Disneyland “Main Street Electrical Parade” was brought out of retirement and extensively refurbished for a limited engagement at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom from 1999 into 2001.
• Following the conclusion of the parade’s limited engagement at Walt Disney World Resort, it premiered at Disney’s California Adventure in July 2001 as “Disney’s Electrical Parade.”
• The parade has been performed more than 5,000 times at Disneyland Resort.
• The original “Main Street Electrical Parade” floats were “flatter” and less three-dimensional than the current floats.
• The Drum and Train, Pumpkin Coach, Mushrooms 1,2, and 3, Staircase and the Finale floats are all original to the 1972 premiere of the Main Street Electrical Parade
• While new floats have been added through the years, some have been retired: “it’s a small world” float, Briny Deep float, and special anniversary floats for Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary (1980) and Mickey Mouse’s 60th Birthday (1988).
• One of the original floats, the Title Drum Unit near the beginning of the parade, was created using an actual bass drum, one of the world’s largest in 1972. This drum had been used in Disneyland parades in the 1960s, when Mickey Mouse used to beat it using large drumsticks.
• A third version of the parade has been presented at Tokyo Disney Resort (premiering 1985).

NEW FOR 2010

• Tinkerbell Float
• Pinocchio Unit
• Pixie Dust Trails throughout the parade
• LED technology on the title drum
• LED character figures in the Alice unit
• Elliot’s wings are animated
• LED fireworks on the Finale Flag Float
• Updated music throughout the parade

MAIN STREET ELECTRICAL PARADE FUN FACTS

• There are approximatly 575,000 lights in 6 different colors-amber, blue, chartreuse, green, pink and red, plus clear.
• More than 80 performers appear in each presentation of Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade.”
• There are 11,000 lights on the dancers’ costumes alone.
• Thanks to the energy-efficient LED lights, some of the dancers’ costumes now carry only one battery pack instead of two.
• All the floats are battery-powered. More than 500 batteries (weighing over 27 tons) supply power for lighting, propulsion, audio and special effects. Together they could light 32 homes!
• Approximately five miles of wire is used throughout the floats.
• The tallest float in the parade is the Cinderella clock tower, at 18.5 feet tall.
• The Fireworks Finale float, the longest in the parade, has seven cars that span 118 feet.
• Elliot wasn’t the first dragon to appear in the Main Street Electrical Parade. The parade opened in 1972 with the Sleeping Beauty Dragon.
• Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) is used to provide the smoke effects for the Drum and Train, the Pirate Ship and Elliot.
• Approximately 3500 feet of green LED string is used to create the leaf fields on the new Tinkerbell float.
• There are 128 lighting dimmers on board the new Tinkerbell float.
• Just under 10,000 new pixie dust stobes have been added to the parade

Close up of the leaf field on the Tinkerbell float

SHIPPING THE PARADE

• All floats were loaded onto trucks, then crates were built around them to protect the floats during transport
• It took 26 trucks to move the parade floats across country
• The costumes were packed onto 31 pallets and loaded into 2 trucks for transport
• On average, it takes the trucks 5 days to make the cross country trip

Here is some video of the shipping process:

I hope you have enjoyed the “Summer Nightastic” Sneak Peek Series:
Part 1-Overview
Part 2-Behind the Scenes video
Sounds Like Summer-concert series at Epcot
Part 3-Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Part 4–Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular

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Today we are headed to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for the premiere of “Summer Nightastic”. I know it is going to be crazy crowded and we aren’t planning on getting on many rides our goals for today are simple…finally get my birthday Dole Whip, see “Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade” and see the “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular”.

photo courtesy of Disney

I am so excited to be a part of tonight’s premiere and I’ll be tweeting the event live using hashtag #disneymedia so please join the fun on Twitter. I’ll have a full report for you in Wednesdays Walt Disney World Wednesday blog post.

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