"Happily Ever After" is a Must on Your Disney World Bucket List

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/4″ style=”padding: 10px 10px 10px 10px; border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 1px; “][x_text class=”center-text “]by Danny de la Cruz[/x_text][/x_column][x_column bg_color=”” type=”3/4″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]As a grown man, I’m not ashamed to say it, the “Happily Ever After” fireworks show is a must-see-experience that simply pulls at the heartstrings. It first debuted on May 12, 2017, replacing “Wishes”, but two years later and counting, it remains fresh and timeless. This event should be at the top of your Disney World vacation bucket list.

There are fireworks and pyrotechnics which light up the sky, but when combined with state-of-the-art projection mapping technology on Cinderella Castle, the show soars to a new level of Disney magic.

“With projection mapping technology, you can create an immersive environment for guests, taking them inside the films of Disney,” said Show Director James Silson. “It enables us to flood the palate and give our guests an opportunity to experience many of our characters’ worlds in the same show.” This technology was first used in 2010 with the launch of “The Magic, The Memories & You,” a nighttime show, and then after more advancements, a new show titled “Celebrate the Magic,” debuted in 2012. Since then, this technology has been expanded into other Disney Parks around the world.

But in my opinion, what really makes this nightly show at 9:15 pm memorable, is the original and emotional score interwoven with beloved Disney characters from classic Disney films and modern classics. And, it all starts with the beautiful voices of singers Angie Keilhauer and Jordan Fisher–you’re bound to sing along sometime during the almost 20 minute event.

Know Before You Go

People often stake our their spots in front of Cinderella Castle somtimes hours in advance. But really, at least one hour prior and anywhere within the “Hub” (the area in front of the castle), somewhere down Main Street, USA, or at the elevated train depot platform at the entrance, are all great spots to see everything come beautifully together. The closer you are to the castle though, will give you a better vantage point to enjoy the spectacular projection mapping scenes. Between the fireworks, the music and the continuous visual transformation of the castle, there’s a lot to absorb in this show. But be prepared, it can get very crowded.

Alternate Viewing Locations

If you want a little more space, then watching the show from other areas around Seven Seas Lagoon may be your best bet. A theme-park view room at any of the resorts around the lagoon are a great option. If you time a dining reservation just right at California Grill at the top of the Contemporary Resort, then you’ll have a perfect dinner and show to cap off your day, but know that these are one of the hardest reservations to get. If you can’t score a seating around the 8 o’clock hour, you can always dine earlier at California Grill and come back with your receipt to gain access to the outdoor viewing area, so keep that in mind.

Other locations to consider are the beach area at the Polynesian Village Resort and locations at The Grand Floridian such as the marina or Narcoossee’s restaurant. Just keep in mind that with the distance, you won’t be able to enjoy the projection mapping, so maybe watch “Happily Ever After” the first time within the park and then if you’re able to watch it again during your vacation or during another visit, watch it at some of the alternate areas to avoid the crowds.

Enjoy our full 4K video of the event below and let us know what you think. We dare you not to shed a tear.