Disney Confirms Removal of Tinker Bell from New Fireworks Show

A new announcement from Disney Parks addresses fans’ concerns over the removal of the iconic Tinker Bell performer in its latest fireworks show. Wondrous Journeys, the new nighttime spectacular coming to the Disneyland Resort to celebrate the Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary.

In addition to other entertainment such as the Magic Happens Parade and World of Color — One at Disney California Adventure, Wondrous Journeys will “ignite the wonder in everyone and feature nods to all 60 Walt Disney Animation Studios films to date, taking viewers on a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling, and heart.”

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Despite the intriguing introduction of a new original song, “It’s Wondrous,” as well as new performance elements and effects like projection mapping down Main Street, U.S.A., and turning Sleeping Beauty Castle into Casita from Encanto (2021), many fans have already taken issue with the show.

From its runtime to the characters or films featured, not everyone seems ready to embrace the magic of Wondrous Journeys. Specifically, Guests take umbrage with the removal of an iconic character element that has been a tradition at Disneyland Park since 1961.

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Of course, it’s the flight of Peter Pan’s Tinker Bell, the mischievous pixie who makes her way across the Fantasyland skies each night during Disneyland fireworks! First achieved by the legendary Tiny Kline, Tink’s flight has become an iconic part of a Disney vacation for many Guests.

However, Disney Parks recently confirmed fans’ speculations that an animatronic figure (or costumed performer?) of Baymax, from Big Hero 6 (2014) will replace the Disney fairy during Wondrous Journey’s run.

In fact, the mixed reactions to the show before its premiere make it hard to determine its fate once the Disney 100 Years of Wonder Celebration ends in 2024. Will the show continue past its allotted run, like Remember… Dreams Come True did after the end of Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary in the early 2000s, or will it “glow away” quickly at the close like Walt Disney World’s Harmonious and Disney Enchantment fireworks for its 50th celebration?

Disney Guests will have to decide once Wondrous Journeys debuts on January 27, 2023.