The heartbeat of Walt Disney World is growing stronger, as Magic Kingdom prepares to introduce new experiences that blend storytelling, innovation, and a bit of pixie dust. Several changes—both big and small—are set to unfold in the coming weeks and months.
Kicking things off is a change to one of the park’s most cherished traditions. Beginning July 6, Happily Ever After, the Cinderella Castle fireworks spectacular, will shift from its current 9:20 p.m. slot to a later 10:00 p.m. showtime. While this adjustment adds more magic to the nighttime hours, it may also extend the evening a bit longer for families with little ones. As with all Disney entertainment offerings, weather can impact operations.
Before this timing change takes effect, the sky will light up for a limited-time return of Disney’s Celebrate America! – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky on July 3 and 4 at 9:20 p.m., giving guests two chances to experience the patriotic display.
July also brings a brand-new offering to the parade route. Launching July 20, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away will make its official debut, featuring awe-inspiring floats inspired by beloved tales like Frozen, Peter Pan, and Tangled.
Of course, Happily Ever After’s return has been celebrated by fans since it replaced Disney Enchantment, the limited-time fireworks show introduced during Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. Guest enthusiasm played a major role in the decision to bring back this fan-favorite nighttime spectacular.
Elsewhere in the park, things are heating up with what Disney is calling the “largest expansion in Magic Kingdom” history. Attractions around Big Thunder Mountain Railroad are closing permanently on July 7, and Big Thunder Mountain itself is currently offline. These changes, combined with recent permit activity, hint at progress on long-awaited plans.
Two exciting new areas are on the horizon: Piston Peak National Park, inspired by Pixar’s Cars franchise, is planned for Frontierland, while the Beyond Big Thunder concept will introduce a land dedicated to Disney’s classic Villains. Specific timelines haven’t been revealed just yet, but momentum is clearly building.
And sometimes, even the most magical plans meet Mother Nature. A recent viral moment from Magic Kingdom showed the Festival of Fantasy parade proceeding in a sudden downpour. Characters continued their march soaked but smiling—though in a curious moment, Snow White personally guided Bashful away from the route mid-parade.
Anchored by the grandeur of Cinderella Castle and home to immersive lands like Adventureland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom has long held its title as the world’s most visited theme park. These exciting updates only add more reasons to return.
What are your thoughts on the later start time for Happily Ever After? Let us know in the comments below!
We are coming in August for the first & maybe only time with our 4 young grandchildren (& their parents) and were so looking forward to seeing the fireworks, but the new 10 pm time will not work out for 3 of the four of them. This time change is truly disappointing.