Happily Ever After (Magic Kingdom)

Happily Ever After
Magic Kingdom
AreaCinderella Castle
Main Street U.S.A.
StatusOperating
Soft opening dateMarch 14, 2023 (updated)
Opening dateMay 12, 2017 (2017-05-12) (original)
April 3, 2023 (updated)
Closing dateSeptember 29, 2021 (2021-09-29) (original)[1]
ReplacedWishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams
Disney Enchantment (updated)
Once Upon a Time
Replaced byDisney Enchantment[1](original)
Ride statistics
Attraction typeMultimedia and pyrotechnic show
DesignerDisney Live Entertainment
Music"Happily Ever After" performed by Angie Keilhauer and Jordan Fisher
Score arrangement by Tim Heintz
Duration18 minutes
SponsorPANDORA
NarratorTom Kane
Disabled access Wheelchair accessible

Happily Ever After is a fireworks and projection mapping show which debuted at the Magic Kingdom on May 12, 2017.[2][3] Unlike its predecessor, Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams, the show includes projection mapping, lasers, and searchlights, in addition to pyrotechnics,[4] featuring characters from a wide array of Disney films, and music arranged by Tim Heintz.[2] The show's theme song of the same name was written by Adam Watts, Melissa Peirce, and Andy Dodd, and performed by Angie Keilhauer and Jordan Fisher;[5] it is adapted from Hong Kong Disneyland's 10th anniversary celebration (and its subsequent show Mickey and the Wondrous Book) and Shanghai Disneyland's Mickey's Storybook Adventure.

The show was promised to feature the most technologically advanced projection mapping display in Disney Parks history (after the introduction from ElecTRONica at Disney California Adventure).[6] The show was replaced with Disney Enchantment for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration on September 30, 2021.[1]

An updated version of the show, now featuring projection mapping on the facades of Main Street, U.S.A. and new ambient sound effects in the hub and Main Street, U.S.A. that were first used in Disney Enchantment, premiered on April 3, 2023 replacing its successor, which is part of the Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration.[7][8]

  1. ^ a b c "More Entertainment Returning Across Walt Disney World Resort This Summer". Disney Parks Blog. July 21, 2021. Archived from the original on July 21, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Fickley-Baker, Jennifer. "'Happily Ever After' Nighttime Spectacular Will Debut at Magic Kingdom Park May 12". Disney Parks Blog. Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Archived from the original on February 13, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
  3. ^ "Happily Ever After". TouringPlans.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2017. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
  4. ^ Bevil, Dewayne. "Disney sets 'Rivers of Light' debut and replaces 'Wishes' fireworks show". OrlandoSentinel.com. Archived from the original on April 8, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  5. ^ Fickley-Baker, Jennifer. "First Listen: Sneak a Peek at Our 'Happily Ever After' Theme Song". Disney Parks Blog. Archived from the original on April 8, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  6. ^ Fickley-Baker, Jennifer. "'Happily Ever After' To Feature The Most Advanced Projection Mapping Tech Yet". Disney Parks Blog. Archived from the original on September 11, 2017. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
  7. ^ Michaelsen, Shannen (September 11, 2022). "BREAKING: 'Happily Ever After' Fireworks Returning to Magic Kingdom". WDW News Today. Archived from the original on September 11, 2022. Retrieved November 19, 2022.
  8. ^ Bevil, Dewayne (January 10, 2023). "Disney sets dates for 'Happily Ever After' return, 'Harmonious' farewell". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on January 10, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023.