When Disney Enchantment made its debut in 2021, it was clear that it had big shoes to fill. The show aimed to celebrate the magic, imagination, joy, and hope that Disney is known for, featuring classic Disney music and characters. But for many fans, it didn’t quite resonate the way its predecessor did.
Happily Ever After had built a legacy as the quintessential fireworks show at Magic Kingdom, and the replacement felt, for some, like a missed opportunity to commemorate the park’s rich history and its 50th anniversary.
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The show was ultimately criticized for being more focused on Disney movies than on the Magic Kingdom itself, which left some fans feeling disconnected from the experience.
Despite the initial backlash, Disney didn’t let the controversy fade away. The company made adjustments to Disney Enchantment, adding more images and videos of Walt and Roy Disney to help connect the show to the park’s origins. These changes did improve the reception slightly, but for many, it wasn’t enough to undo the feeling that the show lacked the emotional depth that Happily Ever After delivered.
After the conclusion of the 50th Anniversary celebrations, Disney Enchantment was retired, and the updated Happily Ever After returned to much fanfare. Disney fans were thrilled to see their beloved show back on the schedule, and Magic Kingdom quickly became packed with guests eager to experience it once again.
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However, Disney wasn’t quite done with Disney Enchantment. In 2024, the show made a surprise return—not as a permanent feature, but for Disney’s After Hours events at Magic Kingdom. These special ticketed events, which are held in the late evening, offer a unique, quieter park experience with shorter lines for attractions and complimentary snacks like Mickey Premium Bars, popcorn, and bottled soda.
For guests attending these events, the opportunity to see both Happily Ever After and Disney Enchantment on the same night was a special perk. It gave fans a chance to experience both the classic show and the newer, somewhat controversial fireworks spectacle in a more intimate setting, with far fewer guests in attendance.
Now, Disney has confirmed that Disney Enchantment will be returning for the 2026 After Hours events, taking place on select nights from January through July.
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Tickets for these events will range from $175 to $199 per person, depending on the date, and will allow guests to enter Magic Kingdom as early as 7 p.m., giving them the chance to enjoy both fireworks shows in one night. For many, this marks another opportunity to experience the fireworks show in a more exclusive environment, which may help to improve its overall reception.
After all, the peaceful atmosphere of the After Hours events, with lower wait times and complimentary snacks, might be the perfect setting for Enchantment to shine in a way it couldn’t during the regular crowded park hours.
Are you a fan of Disney Enchantment, or do you still miss Happily Ever After? Will you be attending the After Hours event in 2026 to see the fireworks show live? We want to hear your thoughts! Share your opinion in the comments below, and let us know how you feel about this return to the skies
