There are places and moments in time that will remain in your heart forever. Part of why we love Walt Disney World so much is because it leaves a lasting emotional impression even when we weren’t expecting it to. The Happily Ever After fireworks show at Magic Kingdom has done just that. Time after time it has won our hearts and it finally returned on April 4, 2023 following the completion of Magic Kingdom’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Let’s give you a little back story of our first Happily Ever After Fireworks experience before we dive into why we love it so much. We arrived at Walt Disney World on June 15, 2018 for a family vacation where we had chosen to stay at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, one of our all time favorite resorts to stay at.
This was an extra special day for us as we were also celebrating our 6 year “Happily Ever After.” Prior to our arrival, we made a few special arrangements for that first night so we could celebrate in Disney style. Thank you to Mom and Dad for hanging out with the kids around the resort while we took a boat across Bay Lake to catch an evening reservation at California Grill, our very first and long awaited dinner at this specific location.
There is something about that view from the dining room, with the open kitchen, the upscale feel, and the opportunity to view the fireworks from the balcony while sipping wine that just screamed Disney to us. From the moment we arrived until we stepped onto the elevator at the end of the evening, the amazing cast members made us feel as if we were their top priority. I could rave about this restaurant and the cast members all day but, I’ll fast forward to the Fireworks and save the dining review for another blog in the future.
A few moments before 9:00 PM we noticed people starting to filter out onto the balcony to grab a good spot to watch the fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle. Not only was the view spectacular but, the atmosphere around us was full of magic. There were children laughing, couples hugging their loved ones and for everyone on that balcony, nothing else mattered. Disney has a way of pulling you into the present moment forcing you to forget about all the worry and stress in your life.
From the very beginning of the show, the words of Jordan Fischer and Angie K describe this moment perfectly, “feel it draw you in, watch the moment unfold.” It draws you in and sparks memories that bring happiness to your heart. It was that exact moment when we fell in love with the show and have craved it ever since. Everything about the show from the amazing fireworks to the beautiful projections across Cinderella Castle and the inspiring lyrics, it is nothing short of amazing.
April 4, 2023 was the return of, in my opinion one of the best firework shows Magic Kingdom has offered, Happily Ever After. This show holds a special place in our hearts and has continued to bring tears to our eyes ever since. I’m not sure how to explain it and maybe it’s just that “Disney Magic,” but this show has a way of connecting with people. The words transport you back to memories, lessons and struggles that have shaped us into who we are and how we want to live our lives. As the lyrics perfectly state, “The battles, the stories, the losses and all the glories. We’re changed by the way we live every day. Just look up and reach to the sky. We all have the courage to fly.”
These moments may be different for everyone but, Happily Ever After has a magical way of taking you back to those experiences, reminding you of those precious moments in time, and changing our focus to the important things in life, time shared with loved ones and being present in the moment.