Showing posts with label Fireworks. Show all posts
Fireworks at Disney's Hollywood Studios - The Rare Disney World Treat
Prior to 2014 fireworks were a very rare treat at Disney's Hollywood Studios, but thanks to Star Wars Weekends and the Frozen Summer Fun events that lasted for most of May through September, guests were treated to fireworks on a much more regular basis.
Fireworks!
When it comes to entertainment and fireworks the folks at Disney World are the masters! For years, Disney World guests have enjoyed nightly fireworks from a number of venues, whether it is Wishes at the Magic Kingdom or Illuminations: Reflections Of Earth at Epcot.
Bringing fireworks to Disney's Hollywood Studios is a challenge with the tight streets and lack of a large central viewing area, but the Disney Imagineers have been able to put together a spectacular treat for those that are lucky enough to witness it.
Typically in the past, fireworks at Disney's Hollywood Studios have been limited to the 4th of July, New Year's Eve, and the rare special event. 2014 brought a welcomed changed and allowed multiple opportunities for guests to witness spectacular fireworks from the confines of Disney's movie themed park.
Witnessing fireworks is a different experience for each Disney World theme park. Wishes at the Magic Kingdom uses Cinderella Castle as the focal point and weaves a story on, above, and around the castle to the astonishment of guests.
Epcot uses the multi-cultural World Showcase as the theme for the spectacular Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. This show that takes place in the center of the World Showcase Lagoon allows guests to line the 1.3 miles of walkway around the lagoon to witness the moving Fireworks, Laser, Water, Fire, and Video show that only Disney could have created.
Hollywood Studios Makes Fireworks Presentation Unique!
At Hollywood Studios, the sight lines are reduced and the crowds are compacted onto Hollywood boulevard as the show takes place in the sky above the giant Sorcerer Mickey hat positioned at the end of the street in front of the recreation of Mann's Chinese Theater that plays host to The Great Movie Ride attraction. This closeness, I believe, adds to the magic of the fireworks here. It makes it hard for large crowds to really enjoy, but the resulting show is amazing.
For the two events this year: Star Wars Weekends, and Frozen Summer Fun, Disney added a stage show element that played into the theme of the fireworks. It is all about the storytelling and Disney does this very well. These aren't just random fireworks shot off for their own enjoyment, but rather parts of a story being told that starts on the stage and continues up into the sky and unfolds in front of the awed audience.
If you have the opportunity to witness fireworks at Disney's Hollywood Studios please take advantage of it. This isn't your typical small town fireworks display, it is part of a magical Disney story that is taking place in the sky that will leave you with memories to cherish long after the show has concluded.
Celebrate Halloween At Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) 2014
With the return of September you have the return of one of the best Disney World Special Events: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. For 26 "Not So Scary" Nights ranging from September 1 to October 31, the Magic Kingdom is the place for the young and old alike to enjoy the fun side of Halloween - Disney style!
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
As the name implies, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is not about scares, horrors, and chills, but rather more so about seeing your favorite Disney Characters in costume, Trick-or-Treating for candy in the Magic Kingdom and seeing one of the best parades and fireworks displays that you will see at Disney World. This hard ticket (meaning separate admission price is required) event has become an annual favorite!
Dates for the 2014 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party:
September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, & 28
October 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, & 31
In addition to having a limited number of people in attendance which shortens lines to your favorite attractions there are 5 reasons to attend Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party:
- Disney World Characters In Costume
- Disney World Guests get to wear costumes (not required, but highly recommended)!
- Trick-or-Treating for candy at the Magic Kingdom
- Boo To You Halloween Parade
- Hallowishes Fireworks
Disney World Characters In Costume
The MNSSHP presents a wide variety of Disney Characters to see during the evening. You will see Mickey Mouse and friends in their Halloween costumes. Snow White is known to make a meet-n-greet appearance with all 7 dwarfs. You may even get to get your picture taken with "A Nightmare Before Christmas" stars Jack Skellington and Sally.
Disney Villains are also out in force and perform a stage show multiple times during the event and stick around after to pose for pictures with guests.
Disney World Guests Get To Wear Costumes
This is one of the very few times the guests are encouraged to wear costumes into the park, so don't pass up this opportunity. There are a few rules including No Full Masks and no dangerous looking weapons. Have fun and be creative or support your favorite characters.
Some of the fun during the night is seeing all of the great costumes that the other guests came up with!
Trick-or-Treating for candy at the Magic Kingdom
There are multiple dedicated trick-or-treating locations throughout the park that are handing out candy continuously throughout the party to EVERYONE.
Boo To You Halloween Parade
The Boo To You Parade is kicked off each evening with a gallop through the park by the headless horseman. Quite an impressive sight to see!
The parade itself is shown twice per night of the party, and we would recommend seeing the parade both times. It is that good! The parade combines classic Disney Characters having fun and some of the darker elements of Disney having their night to shine!
The Haunted Mansion has some great elements for the parade including grave diggers, ballroom dancers, and Hitchhiking Ghosts.
This is about as scary as it gets during this family friendly party.
Hallowishes Fireworks
Disney World certainly know how to do fireworks and the Hallowishes fireworks display is one of their best. This is an absolute must to see in person. Pictures or YouTube videos cannot do it justice.
Must Do Disney World Special Event
If you are considering what Disney World "extra' Event you should do, make sure that Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party is on your list. This is one that every Disney World fan should try to visit at least once. Focus on seeing the characters, the shows, and the parades and don't worry about riding the attractions during this all too fast five hour event.
Fourth Of July Celebrations At Disney World
The Fourth Of July is certainly a time for America to celebrate and if you happen to be at the Walt Disney World Resort you will have a variety of options. There are 3 different fireworks displays for guests to choose from.
Magic Kingdom
At the Magic Kingdom guests will get a chance to celebrate the Fourth of July on 2 nights! on both July 3rd and 4th, guests will enjoy Disney's Celebrate America - A Fourth Of July Concert In The Sky fireworks show at 9 pm.Exploding with color, light and sound, this thrilling show is a captivating patriotic extravaganza. Blazing fireworks and fantastic effects ignite the sky over Cinderella Castle, while a magnificent musical score surrounds you with joyous and uplifting songs.
This lively tribute to America’s independence is one of the most elaborate nighttime spectacles ever seen at a Disney theme park, and it will fill you with pride as it awakens your imagination.
Epcot
Singing Patriotic Songs, Disney Characters in special costumes and Holiday Fireworks will greet Epcot guests during this Fourth of July!- The Voices of Liberty will be performing special concert on July 4th in the America Gardens Theater at 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3 p.m.
- Disney Characters in patriotic costumes will be outside the American Adventure Pavilion throughout the afternoon.
- The Spirit of American Fife & Drum Corps will be performing at 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 4:45 p.m.
- Illuminations Reflections of Earth will be at 10:00 pm with a special finale just for the 4th!
Disney's Hollywood Studios
See the sky ignite in a shower of shimmering light at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as The Hollywood Rockers hits the stage for a rock ‘n roll spectacular.- A “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration” at the Sorcerer’s Hat Stage on July 4, features the “Rock Your Summer Side” Dance Party, with a DJ and live band.
- The Hollywood Rockers will take you on a rock ‘n roll road trip across America that culminates with the band playing live during that night’s fireworks spectacular.
- The celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. and continues through 11 p.m., with fireworks at 10:15 p.m.
Disney World Top 6 Night Time Experiences
Top 6 Disney World Night Time Experiences
Fourth Of July Fireworks At The Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World guests are used to seeing incredible fireworks displays every night of the year, so when it comes to the Fourth Of July Disney World works hard to come up with something extra special.
Magic Kingdom
Instead of the normal "Wishes" Fireworks presentation the Magic Kingdom will present “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.” This patriotic fireworks spectacular, paying homage to the hopes and dreams of America’s forefathers, will light the skies at 9 p.m. July 4 – and for guests who would like to begin the Independence Day celebration early, the show also will be presented July 3 at 9 p.m.
Epcot
At Epcot, sky-watchers can check out “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” bursting high above World Showcase Lagoon. IllumiNations is a 14-minute spectacular during which pyrotechnics, lasers, water and music are all used to tell a story about the past, present and future of our planet. On the Fourth of July, the show will be enhanced with "The Heartbeat of Freedom," an overture of traditional Americana themes displayed in a pyrotechnic and laser light event. The show is at 10 p.m.
In addition, Epcot guests may lend their ears to “Voices of Liberty 4th of July Concert” and participate in meet-and-greets with Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross and Disney characters adorned in patriotic dress at American Adventure.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, traditional Fourth of July fireworks take on a different spin when Mulch, Sweat, and Shears perform for the all-new “Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration”! These resident landscapers – with serious rock and roll ambitions – take Disney guests on a musical road trip across America that will highlight each region’s contribution to rock and roll. Fireworks, lighting and special effects – backed by the driving live rock and roll of Mulch, Sweat, and Shears – combine to bring a new twist to celebrating Independence Day. Showtime July 4 is 9:45 p.m. Before or after the show, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can thrill to Disney’s Fantasmic!, performing July 4 at 9 and 10:30 p.m.
Which One To Choose?
It is a tough call to know which one to choose. We would suggest that you consider seeing the Magic Kingdom Show on July 3rd, since it is the only one that is shown twice and then go to Disney's Hollywood Studios to catch their show on the Fourth Of July. The reason we suggest Disney's Hollywood Studios is the fact the Disney rarely does fireworks presentations there any more except for special events, so it is a rare treat to see them there. Also, we are big fans of Mulch, Sweat, and Shears and would not pass up a chance to see them perform this special concert.
Disney World At Night - IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
IllumiNations: Reflections Of Earth is the night time spectacular that closes Epcot each evening with music, fire, water jets, video, lasers, and fireworks. This 14 minute show is truly one Disney World Attraction that is not to be missed.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
IllumiNations first officially appeared at Epcot on October 1, 1999 as part of the Millennium Celebration at Disney World. For over 20 years it has been thrilling crowds at Epcot nightly with a show that is far beyond mere fireworks.The show takes place in Epcot's World Showcase Lagoon with barges positioned within the lagoon to launch fireworks, jets of flames, and fountains of water.
It's All About The Story!
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth tells the story of our planet in 3 unforgettable acts.
•Act 1: Chaos — The show starts by taking you back to the creation of the Earth symbolized by the Inferno Barge that shoots fire 60 feet into the air. No matter where you stand around the World Showcase Lagoon, you can feel the heat given off.
•Act 3: Meaning — In the final act the Globe opens to display a torch and fireworks spew forth throughout the World Showcase Lagoon lighting up the sky to propel us to the future.
IllumiNations: Reflections Of Earth is the perfect way to cap off a day at Epcot. The show is completely different from what you will see each night in the Magic Kingdom during Wishes. The use of fire water, video and music in addition to the fireworks really makes this a memorable experience. The story is fittingly told in Epcot's World Showcase with elements that brings the World together.
The night time show is one of the areas that Disney World excels. It is hard to choose between Wishes, Fantasmic, and IllumiNations: Reflections Of Earth. The important detail to remember is that they are each unique and worthy of your time to see during every visit to Walt Disney World.
