From Fantasy in the Sky to Happily Ever After, fireworks have long been an essential part of Disney magic. However, not every nighttime spectacular achieves legendary status. Case in point: Disney Illuminations, which officially bowed out of Disneyland Paris last night.
The History of Disney Illuminations
First introduced in 2017 to replace the fan-favorite Disney Dreams!, Disney Illuminations originally ran until 2023, when it was replaced by its predecessor. Disney later surprised fans by, in turn, canceling Disney Dreams! to bring back Disney Illuminations in May 2024.
While the show featured iconic moments from Walt Disney Animation classics like The Lion King (1994) and The Little Mermaid (1989), alongside blockbuster franchises like Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean, it struggled to capture the same emotional resonance as its predecessor. The 2024 revival further shifted the show’s dynamics by cutting sequences from Frozen (2013) and the live-action Beauty and the Beast (2017), leaving a shorter runtime of just 16 minutes.
A New Beginning with Disney Tales of Magic
Now, less than a year later, the show has been axed once again.
Last night marked the final performance of Disney Illuminations, with a brand-new show called Disney Tales of Magic set to take its place from this evening onwards.
This next-generation nighttime spectacular promises to elevate the park’s fireworks tradition, incorporating drones, pyrotechnics, and—an exciting first for the park—projections along Main Street, U.S.A. As per Disney, this new show “whisks you off on a soul-stirring journey through a myriad of beloved tales and newfound stories, such as Cinderella, Pinocchio, Encanto and Lilo & Stitch.”
The Loss of the Disney Electrical Sky Parade
While Disneyland Paris may be receiving a much-hyped new show, Disney Tales of Magic’s arrival also marks the end of another celebrated nighttime spectacular: the Disney Electrical Sky Parade.
This drone-based pre-show was first introduced in January 2024. Inspired by the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade, it used up to 500 drones to recreate dazzling floats, including memorable tributes to Casey Jr. and Pete’s Dragon. It quickly became a favorite among guests, who marveled at its innovative use of drone technology.
The decision to retire the Sky Parade likely stems from logistical challenges. With Disney Tales of Magic also incorporating drones, operating two such shows nightly may have proven impractical. Still, its departure is bittersweet for fans who appreciated its nostalgic charm and technical brilliance.
Did you ever get a chance to watch Disney Illuminations or Disney Electrical Sky Parade?
