Recent
https://disneytips.com
Menu

Will Tinker Bell Be Replaced in Disney’s Next Fireworks Show?

Posted by: Spencer Beck December 7, 2022

Have you ever noticed the wires crossing overhead above Sleeping Beauty Castle in Southern California? They aren’t there to power all the attractions at Disneyland Park, nor do they connect the cell service for Mickey Mouse.

Disney hikes prices for Disneyland, California Adventure - KESQ

Credit: Disney Parks Blog via KESQ

They’re support rigs, designed to achieve the timeless effect where Tinker Bell flies over the Castle during Disneyland’s nighttime fireworks performances! (Sorry to ruin the magic.) In fact, Disney performers have embodied everyone’s favorite sassy tinker to fly through the sky since 1961 at the Disneyland Resort, and 1985 in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Of course, the preening pixie isn’t the only Disney character to utilize the rigs: Mary Poppins, Dumbo, Pixar’s Nemo, and even (briefly) Indiana Jones have all soared above Main Street, U.S.A. via the wires. However, new images surfacing online imply a new character could soon join this list: Baymax, the lovable caregiver bot first introduced in Big Hero 6 (2014).

gina rock tinkerbell disneyland

Credit: FlyingTinkerbell.com

Allegedly, Baymax could soon take over the Tinker Bell role, jet-propelling himself over the theme park for its upcoming “Wondrous Journeys” show. Wondrous Journeys premieres in January as part of the Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration.

Specifically, Disney Parks has stated the nighttime fireworks display will “ignite the wonder in every Guest visiting Walt Disney’s original Park.” And certainly, you can’t get much bigger than the iconic, plush robot Baymax in his massive set of superhero armor!

baymax big hero 6

Credit: Disney

Twitter user Disney Dan shared an image of Disney Imagineers prepping the potential Baymax figure for flight at the Disneyland Resort. According to the Guest, who caught sight of the robot while riding Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, “you could see the part that controls the motion for Tinkerbell/Nemo sitting right over where Baymax was.”

Dan speculated about Baymax’s purpose at the Disney Park:

Furthermore, the Reddit user mentioned by Dan took to the social media site to share their experience:

I went on Big Thunder Mountain on Thursday, December 1 around 11:30 PM. Going up the 2nd lift hill, something red caught my eye on top of the castle. From my glimpse I was pretty sure I knew what it was, but to be sure I went for a 2nd round, this time with video. Because of all the obstructions and the fact that it was night time, there were only a few usable frames but it’s pretty obvious what it was, Baymax.

How exciting! Guests wishing to see just WHO flies over Sleeping Beauty Castle during Wondrous Journeys can check showtimes via the Disneyland app once it premieres on January 27, 2023.

UPDATE: Disney Parks has since confirmed the inclusion of Baymax.

About Spencer Beck

Spencer is a lifelong lover of theme parks, princesses, and Disney history that recently relocated to Northern California. She completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA, where she was the founder and first president of the campus Disney Club. A former Cast Member still mourning the loss of the Disney Store, she now haunts the halls of the Walt Disney Family Museum, and shares her opinions with anyone who will listen @pinknpurble everywhere.