This article is your complete guide to 2023 Disney World fireworks schedule! One of the largest appeals of vacationing at Walt Disney World has always been the breathtaking fireworks displays that light up the skies every single day. Best part is, they’re free shows! As long as weather permits, with a valid ticket to either Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios or Epcot! With shows like Fantasmic! and Happily Ever After, there is sure to be a favorite at Walt Disney World.
With three out of the four parks having Disney firework shows, there’s so much that you need to know! From fireworks schedules changing daily, crowds, weather tips and exclusive ticketed fireworks dessert parties – there are so many things! That’s why we are here to breakdown all you need to know about Walt Disney World Fireworks.
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2023 Magic Kingdom Fireworks
NEWS: Brand new fireworks display announced for Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration, “Disney’s Enchantment,” has started as of October 1st, 2021.
The Magic Kingdom is the park that everyone thinks of when they are looking to travel to Walt Disney World.
What are the Disney fireworks at Magic Kingdom?
- NEW Disney’s Enchantment 50th Celebration Fireworks Spectacular
- Once Upon a Time
- Fourth of July Fireworks Display
- Special events – Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular & Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
NEW Disney’s Enchantment – Started October 1st, 2021
Disney is pulling out all the stops when it comes to Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration starting October 1st, 2021. That means, a newly imagined fireworks spectacular dazzling Magic Kingdom park is taking place each night like we have never seen before. For the first time in forever, projections will be played on Cinderella Castle and extended to the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A. creating the most magically immersive experience yet. Guests can experience a captivating musical composition, stunning fireworks and incredible technology during this Magic Kingdom fireworks show.
Once Upon a Time
Once Upon a Time show is the precursor for Happily Ever After using the same state of the art castle projection technology and pyro techniques. This beautiful story is narrated by Beauty and the Beast’s Mrs. Potts as she tells Chip a captivating bedtime story. Running 14 minutes long, this enchanting story sweeps you throughout the Disney universe, with scenes from Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and so much more!
Fourth of July Fireworks Display
Independence Day has always been a crowd favorite at the most Magical Place on Earth. With incredible events that run both July 3rd and July 4th, usually sending Magic Kingdom to maximum capacity. Magic Kingdom park has been home to the “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” Set at 9:15 PM both nights, the sky is emboldened with a beautiful fireworks display running for 14 minutes right above Cinderella Castle. The patriotic musical selection evokes a sense of pride with an exclusive Independence Day score allowing for all who are watching to feel bold with red, white and blue. We also find it important to keep in mind that some of the best places to watch Disney World fireworks during the holidays are at the nearby Disney hotels.
Does Disney World do fireworks every night 2023?
Another popular question we receive is, does Disney World do fireworks every night? And as a general rule of thumb Walt Disney World does have a fireworks show at one of its theme parks every night. The most common Disney World fireworks shows for 2023 are Enchantment at Magic Kingdom park and Harmonious at EPCOT.
What time are Magic Kingdom Fireworks 2023?
Guests also always wonder, what time are the Magic Kingdom fireworks 2023? And as a general rule of thumb, Magic Kingdom fireworks are normally at 9:00 PM each night. However it’s important to keep in mind that this can change on nights when Disney is hosting a special event in which case it will be at 10:00 PM. Disney can also move the 2023 fireworks schedule up as it gets darker earlier in the winter.
Related Page: Best Places to Watch Disney World Fireworks
Magic Kingdom Special Ticketed Events Shows
Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular
During Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party, our host, Jack Skellington, from The Nightmare Before Christmas takes us on a Trick or Treating adventure with our favorites Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy! This spectacular showcases all of our favorite villains, spooky dancing skeletons and ghosts causing eerie fun for our favorite pals. This has always been one of our favorite night time shows with the unique Cinderella Castle projections, in addition to beautiful fireworks and pyrotechnics.
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks
During Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and select days in December, Minnie Mouse takes over Cinderella Castle and gives us a heartwarming spectacular featuring all of our holiday favorites. Cinderella Castle has a wintery makeover projection show, periodically covering the fortress in icicles, wrapping paper, bows, snowflakes and more while listening to our favorites like We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime. As always, there is a dazzling fireworks display to accompany Minnie’s Christmasy cheer.
Related Page: Shop Discount Disney Special Event Tickets
2023 Epcot Fireworks
UPDATE: Harmonious has debuted for the 50th Anniversary Celebration as of October 2021.
Epcot has always been the park to celebrate the past, present and future. With amazing innovative rides, celebrations of culture from around the globe and, of course, fireworks shows that appeal to all.
Harmonious
Epcot has always been a representation of human achievement and global connection with its vibrant, cultural festivals and celebrations to it top notch attractions throughout the park. When Epcot’s transformation was set in place, Imagineers and Live Entertainment Cast Member crews knew that a new nighttime extravaganza was in order.
These teams have recently brought the new Walt Disney World Fireworks show Harmonious to life as of October 2021, which tells a story of global connection and celebrate how much power we can all hold if we use our differences to unite. Imagineers have used a story and song from Disney to meld together those from across the globe in this incredible, original fireworks story display.
What is the 2023 EPCOT Fireworks schedule?
The EPCOT fireworks show will take place most nights at 9:00 PM, or at park closing.
What time are the fireworks at EPCOT 2023?
Another very popular question we receive on this topic is, what time are the fireworks at EPCOT 2023? EPCOT is very consistent with the time of its fireworks show which is typically at 9:00 PM every night. It’s important to note that EPCOT can push the time of the nightly fireworks show back to 10:00 PM during the busier times of year such as the holidays at Disney World.
Related Page: The Best EPCOT Quick Service Restaurants
2023 Hollywood Studios Fireworks
UPDATE: Disney has finally announced that Fantasmic will be returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios as of November 2023.
Fantasmic!
Fantasmic! has been a show dazzling Disney guests on both coasts AND across the globe being featured in almost all Disney theme parks in the world! Fantasmic! has been a running show in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios since 1998 and has continued to be a favorite for Disney lovers. Fantasmic! features more than 50 live performers, incredible special effects, with dancing water, pyrotechnics and magical surprises throughout. Mickey Mouse is our main character as he falls fast asleep and becomes a magical sorcerer’s apprentice with brand new exceptional powers to control the water, color and magic! This show features our favorite heroes and villains, like Aladdin, Belle, Ariel, The Evil Queen, Maleficent which includes a 40 foot tall dragon that attempts to vanquish Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey! Fantasmic! only occurs on select nights, so make sure you check your My Disney Experience app for showtimes.
Star Wars Galactic Spectacular
In a galaxy far, far away Disney has created the perfect nighttime show for all Star Wars lovers. Using themes from John William’s original score, this feels like an authentic cosmic Star Wars event. The Galactic Spectacular is one of a kind with its projected show right on the incredible Chinese Theater and surrounding buildings on Hollywood Boulevard. You are right in the center of this majestic event, witnessing our favorite Star Wars characters, star ships, battles, and scenes right out of the movies. You will feel the Force strongly as the state-of-the-art projections, lighting, lasers, pyrotechnics and fireworks display around you. All of our favorites appear, like Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda and so many more. This show only happens select nights in Hollywood Studios so make sure to check the My Disney Experience app for accurate showtimes.
Related Page: Complete Guide to the Star Wars Hotel Prices
2023 Animal Kingdom Fireworks
For the safety and well-being of the animals living within Animal Kingdom park, there are no fireworks shows. Instead, Animal Kingdom has a captivating projection on the Tree of Life called Tree of Life Awakenings as you exit the park.
2023 Walt Disney World Fireworks Schedule
All Disney fireworks schedules are based off of each park’s posted hours, which are typically posted 180 days out. Since the pandemic, park hours have only been posted 60 days out, it can be harder to make plans. The My Disney Experience app or the Walt Disney World website has all park hours and the time of Disney firework shows.
Walt Disney World Dessert Parties
These events have become increasingly popular as many people find the Disney World Dessert party to be the perfect way to end your night. Offered at each of the four Disney World theme parks, Disney dessert parties are a truly magical way to enhance your experiences at the nighttime parades and fireworks shows. Each event offers an exclusive buffet or select desserts, unique experiences and premium viewing of the fireworks.
Each dessert party does offer varying experiences, desserts and viewing areas so to read a more in-depth description of each party, you can read our Ultimate Guide to Every Disney World Dessert Party!
Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties
- Magic Kingdom Dessert Party with Plaza Garden viewing ($59 for adults, $35 for kids)
- Magic Kingdom Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace ($79 for adults, $47 for kids)
- Magic Kingdom After Fireworks Party ($69 for adults, $41 for kids)
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party with Plaza View (prices vary)
- Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Dessert Party with Tomorrowland Terrace view (prices vary)
Epcot Dessert Parties
- Frozen Ever After Dessert Party ($79 for adults, $49 for kids)
Hollywood Studios Dessert Parties
- Star Wars Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party ($79 for adults, $45 for kids)
- Hollywood Studios Fantasmic! Dessert Party ($39 for adults, $19 for kids)
Tips and Tricks for the BEST viewing of Walt Disney World Fireworks
Like any show at Walt Disney World, crowds are the hardest part to navigate if you plan on having a great spot to view the Disney fireworks. This is what we recommend to have the best spot to see any fireworks show inside of Walt Disney World.
Arrive Early
The best way to guarantee a spot to watch the most sought out fireworks shows is to ARRIVE EARLY! The Magic Kingdom fireworks show is displayed directly on Cinderella Castle, meaning the viewing space for guests is directly on the castle hub! This is the relatively small area directly in front of the castle, which fills up very quickly. Our best advice is to arrive to arrive at least one hour prior to your desired show time.
The best part about Disney is that there are never snack booths too far from anything! If you’re worried about wasting time or possibly getting too hungry while you wait for the fireworks display, have one person save your spot and then send the rest of the family to grab some of the best Magic Kingdom snacks, like Mickey pretzels, cotton candy or popcorn! As crowds start filling in closer to the show, it becomes nearly impossible to stake a good spot. Get all of your favorite, must-do rides done beforehand, and then get your fireworks spot! There is nothing like being directly in front of Cinderella Castle watching Happily Ever After with an unobstructed view. Make sure you get the best spot possible.
Check the Weather
Weather is a huge factor if it will be an enjoyable fireworks experience at Walt Disney World. Disney Fireworks displays RARELY get cancelled due to weather in Florida. So, as long as it is safe, fireworks are on. With that being said, many people do not like to view fireworks in a downpour. Make sure you are checking weather apps frequently throughout the day!
Walt Disney World has been known to delay fireworks if there are lightning strikes in the area, but even in a Central Florida downpour, most shows will continue on. But know that, most of the popular shows are done at night and typically longer than 15 minutes. That means for an extended period of time you may get rained on, potentially with a heavy downpour! You may need a poncho, sweater or umbrella to have an enjoyable experience. If there are high winds, Walt Disney World will cancel their displays, so make sure to have the My Disney Experience app downloaded for all changes or delays.
Avoid the Holidays
Walt Disney World may seem like the perfect place to celebrate the holidays with built in fireworks shows. The downfall is that everyone wants to be at the Magical Place on Earth, so almost every holiday comes with extreme crowds. The Fourth of July has specifically always been a holiday that puts the parks at maximum capacity for the dazzling display of patriotic fireworks. Unless this is a bucket list activity for you, we would recommend skipping the parks and choosing a day with less demand and lower crowds. Luckily, there are exclusive ticketed events for some holidays like Halloween (Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party) and Christmas (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party) that offers lower crowds with spectacular fireworks shows that will hopefully returning by 2023.
If you are looking to see what are the best days to visit Walt Disney World in general, you can read about that in our guide for the Best Days to Visit Walt Disney World here.
Past Walt Disney World Fireworks Shows
If you haven’t been to Walt Disney World in a decade, fireworks shows and nighttime displays will be very different! Here is a list of Walt Disney World fireworks from the past.
Magic Kingdom
- Fantasy in the Sky (1971 – 2003)
- Wishes : A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams (2003 – 2017)
Epcot
- Carnival de Lumiere (1982-1983)
- A New World Fantasy (1983-1984)
- Laserphonic Fantasy (1984-1988)
- IllumiNations (1988–1996), IllumiNations 25 (1996-1999), IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth (1999– 2019)
Hollywood Studios
- Sorcery in the Sky (1990-1998)
Walt Disney World Fireworks 2023 FAQs and Facts
Q. What time are the 2023 fireworks shows in Walt Disney World?
A. Fireworks schedules depend on park hours, which Disney typically posts 180 days in advance.
Q. Does Magic Kingdom do fireworks every night?
A. Yes, Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom has a fireworks show scheduled for every night.
Fireworks Fun Facts
- Walt Disney World uses over one million fireworks costing over 18 million dollars a year.
- Walt Disney World uses compressed air to launch their fireworks instead of gun powder! This releases no extra fumes for guests to breath in.
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