Is Happily Ever After Returning to Walt Disney World?

‘Happily Ever After’ debuted in the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World on May 12, 2017, with the show quickly becoming a fan-favorite nighttime spectacular (and that is saying a lot after the popularity of its predecessor, ‘Wishes.’)

Despite the show’s popularity, Happily Ever After had a short run compared to past Magic Kingdom fireworks shows. Wishes ran for 13 years, debuting in 2003 and ending the day before the debut of Happily Ever After, while Fantasy in the Sky ran from the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971 to 2003.

Of course, Happily Ever After’s time was cut short when all Disney Parks and Resorts were forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with only limited time to view the show after that due to related pandemic restrictions on public gathering sizes (ie: crowds for parades and fireworks.)

With the debut of Disney Enchantment on October 1, 2021, lending itself to mixed reviews from fans, especially after learning that Happily Ever After had “permanently” ended, we have to wonder, will this beloved fireworks spectacular return? Here’s what we know so far…

RELATED: Jordan Fisher Joins Disney Fans in Hoping for the Return of ‘Happily Ever After’

A 50th Anniversary Show Was Always Coming

The end of a year that kicked off with a global pandemic was certainly a struggle for every business and industry, and despite its size (and profit margins), this was no different for Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, one of the areas most impacted by the pandemic was the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Walt Disney World Resort.

When we look back to Disneyland’s 50th-anniversary celebration in 2005, we can see how the East Coast celebration likely would have looked if it were not for changes caused by the pandemic. Disneyland debuted ‘Remember… Dreams Come True’ as the Park’s nightly fireworks spectacular just for the occasion. While the show ended when the anniversary celebration ended, it did later come back for limited-time showings in the following years, but it was much more well-received by fans than Disney Enchantment currently is in the Magic Kingdom.

Much like Disneyland, everything we know about how Disney celebrates Park anniversaries, and how Disney Enchantment was initially marketed, leads us to believe that this show was always planned as a limited-time engagement.

RELATED: The One Way Guests Can Still Watch ‘Happily Ever After’ at Walt Disney World

Disney Never Confirmed a Permanent End of Happily Ever After

It’s true! Disney’s announcement for the final chance to see Happily Ever After was vague and perhaps intentionally so as to keep open the option of bringing back the show. Disney broke the news that Happily Ever After was ending quietly in this blog post that focused on other entertainment returning to the Resort following the pandemic.

In the post, Disney stated:

“EPCOT Forever” will conclude its limited-time run on September 28, and you have until September 29, [2021] to take in the spectacle of “Happily Ever After” at Magic Kingdom Park.

Fans Want Happily Ever After

For a show that was only running for about two and a half years, Happily Ever After had a massive following, with many fans continuing to practically beg Disney for its return. Of course, Disney makes some decisions that leave fans puzzled, but given the mixed reviews on Disney Enchantment and the continued love for Happily Ever After, it seems unlikely that Disney would have already retired this Magic Kingdom fireworks show.

RELATED: End Dates Confirmed for Fan-Favorite Disney Parade & Fireworks

So, Will Happily Ever After Return?

Unfortunately, we cannot know for sure if or when Happily Ever After will return until Disney makes an official statement on the matter. But, with the 50th-anniversary celebration coming to an end early next year and with this year’s D23 Expo coming up in September, some fans speculate that we will hear an announcement on the Magic Kingdom fireworks show then.

Disney’s official description of Happily Ever After reads:

Go on a dazzling journey of color, light and song that captures the heart, humor and heroism of favorite Disney animated films. Watch in awe as Cinderella Castle becomes part of the story by magically transforming through amazing state-of-the art projection technology you have to see to believe.

This astounding fireworks extravaganza uses lights, lasers and special effects, plus a soaring score featuring contemporary versions of beloved Disney songs.

Discover the magic of movies—and be inspired to find your own happily ever after.

Either way, we will keep you updated on all upcoming entertainment at Walt Disney World and keep our fingers crossed that we will be back with good news for Happily Ever After fans.