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Fan-favorite nighttime fireworks spectaculars are returning to Walt Disney World this spring, and later this year, a brand new show will open at EPCOT!
In the Magic Kingdom, Happily Ever After will once again light up the skies above Cinderella Castle beginning April 3, 2023. The return of this beloved fireworks and projection experience is not the only show that will be back at the Resort on April 3, though, as EPCOT Forever will return for the first time since 2021 on the same evening.
EPCOT Forever will return to the Park as an interim show, just as it did previously in between the end of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth and the Park’s current fireworks, Harmonious, which debuted on October 1, 2021, for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World.
Harmonious, Credit: Paula K
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Both Harmonious, the Disney Enchantment (the Magic Kingdom’s 50th-anniversary fireworks show) received mixed reviews from fans who largely preferred both predecessors, Happily Ever After in the Magic Kingdom, and IllumiNations in EPCOT.
While Happily Ever After is returning to Disney World’s original theme park very soon, IllumiNations remains a permanent closure as Disney has previously shared that a new show is in the works for EPCOT.
Credit: Disney
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EPCOT Forever
The return of EPCOT Forever on April 3, 2023, is sure to be a nostalgic experience for Guests. Whether they remember seeing this limited-time show during its last run or if they have fond memories of the musical numbers featured in the show that come from moments in EPCOT’s history, the show is sure to offer an enjoyable interim experience while work on the Park’s next nighttime spectacular continues.
When EPCOT Forever restarts its nightly performances on April 3, the show is currently scheduled to take place at 9:00 p.m. In early April, EPCOT closes at 9:00 p.m. most nights (with the exception of extended evening hours for Guests staying at Deluxe Disney Resorts, which keeps the Park open until 11:00 p.m. on select dates.) As such, seeing the show at closing time can extend your time in the Park while also bringing back memories through classic EPCOT music in a fireworks spectacular over World Showcase Lagoon.
Credit: Disney
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What’s Next for EPCOT’s Fireworks?
Disney has not yet confirmed the name or music that will be featured in EPCOT’s next fireworks show, but the latest press release from the company on March 15, 2023 notes:
Guests will be treated to the debut of an all-new EPCOT nighttime spectacular later this year. A dazzling display of music, pyrotechnics, lasers and lighting, the show will feature an original composition and evocative selections from the Disney songbook – all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different.
Disney also revealed new concept art for the nighttime spectacular (pictured above). With the closing of Harmonious this spring, we are able to confirm that the barges from show will soon be removed as well, which should be welcome news for fans who considered them an “eyesore” on World Showcase Lagoon during daytime hours.
Along with the update on EPCOT’s next fireworks show, Disney also shared that this PArk will be the center of Disney100 celebrations at the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney100 recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, founded in 1923, with a series of festivities in Disneyland Park and around the world.
