WATCH, DOWNLOAD, OR LISTEN – The Complete History of Wishes and Magic Kingdom Fireworks

Have you heard this week’s WDW News Today Podcast? If you haven’t, here’s what you can expect:

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Join Tom Corless and a cast of others for a variety show dedicated to the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Plenty of Walt Disney World and Disneyland information and fun awaits you on this edition of the WDW News Today Podcast!

On this week’s show, we blast through 45 years of fireworks at the Magic Kingdom in Back to the Future. Get ready for nearly 2.5 hours of history and discussion of nighttime spectaculars!

To download or listen to the show on-site, go to our podcast download page. You can also download episodes of the show by subscribing to our iTunes feed, or through Stitcher.

You can also watch the segment as a multimedia presentation featuring pictures and video on YouTube:

PHOTO: Full Size Groot, Star Lord and Gamora Meet and Greet Coming to California Adventure for ‘Summer of Heroes’

Beginning May 27th at California Adventure is when the summer celebration ‘Summer of Heroes’ takes off and will provide guests some ‘out-of-this-galaxy’ superhero encounters.

Speaking of the galaxy, Star Lord, Gamora, and the one and only Groot will be making their debut at Disneyland Resort!

You can meet them in the “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!” where you can show the Guardians your dance moves from earth! Groot will only make his appearances towards the end of the dance off. Also, the Groot coming to DCA will be a full ‘adult’ Groot, unlike the baby Groot meet and greet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here’s your first look at the gang:

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Summer of Heroes will also bring more excitement across Hollywood Land, including the Avengers Training Initiative featuring Black Widow and Hawkeye and heroic encounters with Black Widow, Captain America and your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. This includes the opening of the Guardian’s of Galaxy Mission: Breakout ride and the Guardians Dance off which all debuts May 27th at Disney’s California Adventure.

PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 5/12/17 (D-Tech on Demand, Happily Ever After, Dead Men Tell No Tales, Etc.)

Our latest photo report is an amalgamation of my last several trips to the Magic Kingdom, so they may appear to be out of order, but they are actually in chronological sequence. Let’s see what’s been going on at the park over the last few weeks, shall we?

Welcome to the Magic Kingdom

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As you all know by now, security checkpoints were moved out from the front of the Magic Kingdom. If you’re walking over from the Contemporary, you’ll be stopped here for screening.

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Nearby, a new unloading zone for busses coming from the TTC was built for when the Monorail system is down (which is quite often these days).

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Guests coming from the busses are still screened in front of the park, but at these checkpoints farther away from the park entrance.

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No more fences!

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We actually caught a ride on the horse-drawn streetcar! A rare treat!

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This and That

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The price of the chicken waffle sandwich was lowered at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, which is nice given the size of it.

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A more permanent version of this sign finally arrived at the Haunted Mansion, now made of wood rather than plastic.

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A matching skirt was released to go with the ladies Haunted Mansion top. Retail is $46.99.

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There’s also this new wallpaper top for $36.99.

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The Enchanted Rose Sipper cup came to Gaston’s Tavern and left within 3 days, It is unclear if they will return.

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A limited release Disney’s Animal Kingdom MagicBand 2 is now available at the parks.

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The old ferryboat signage is now just for Disney Buses, a product of the security shift.

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The rhino is still missing from the Jungle Cruise.

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Ads for Tiana’s Riverboat Party can be found at Liberty Square Market as it is usually available day-of.

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Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 phone cases are now available at D-Techj on Demand at the Magic Kingdom.

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The on demand MagicBands are now MagicBand 2, but that has limited the number of designs available.

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A new Mickey Mouse hoodie for sale.

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A new photo frame for sale.

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A look at the new security setup at the Contemporary. It’s pretty efficient.

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Some new Star wars branded candy for sale resort-wide.

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The Disney Boutique clothing line now includes a series of keychains.

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Meanwhile back at the Magic Kingdom… or just Magic Kingdom… whatever…

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We made a visit to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe…

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The singular menu continues to exist, now with kids turkey salad available.

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A number of new Stitch items continued to be rolled out…

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Merchant of Venus now has a rather large Star Wars 40th anniversary merchandise display.

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The Last Jedi Force for Change merchandise is now available as well.

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There are now satellite locations for D-Tech on Demand at Merchant of Venus and the exit of Space Ranger Spin where you can order, but you still have to pick-up at the Tomorrowland Light and Power Co.

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The facade of the Sunshine Tree Terrace is under refurbishment.

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Lines have been very short as most guests think that it is closed.

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If you complete A Pirate’s Adventure at the Magic Kingdom, you get a card for each hunt you complete, a simpleton card when you are done with all of them, and a FastPass to ride Pirates of the Caribbean.

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Special Coke bottles exclusive to Disney Parks can now be found all around the resort.

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Some cute Mad Tea Party socks for sale.

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The new lighting installed for Happily Ever After is quite visible in all of the area around Cinderella Castle.

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Prince Charming Regal Carousel is currently closed for refurbishment.

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The Neverland Collection of housewares is now available at Fantasy Faire.

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The Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise in Caribbean Plaza was finally moved away. I never really understood why it was there all these years.

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Gaston’s Tavern now has macarons. You can read our review here.

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We spotted some baby ducks and their mom out for a

VIDEO: Watch & Sing Along to the Final ‘Wishes Fireworks Spectacular’ During Emotional Farewell at the Magic Kingdom

A final ride on a closing attraction can be special, but thousands more can simultaneously share in the farewell of a Disney nighttime spectacular. That’s what happened last night as the Magic Kingdom said goodbye to the definitive nighttime show of Walt Disney World in the new millennium, Wishes – A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams. After 13 years, the Magic Kingdom fireworks show came to an end on the eve of the premiere of “Happily Ever After”, a new show that promises to take the platform to a whole other level. That being said, this evening was about Wishes and an emotional goodbye for so many guests who either grew up with the show, worked as cast members during a “Wishes shift”, or were touched by it in some way over the course of its amazing, and lengthy run.

Watch as guests cheer, sing along with, and say goodbye to Wishes at the Magic Kingdom (and apologies in advance for our terrible voices in the walk-off song sing-along at the end):

Magic Kingdom’s “Happily Ever After” Nighttime Spectacular Full Theme Song Now Available for Download

If there has been one part in particular about the new Happily Ever After nighttime spectacular that guests are most excited about in all of the lead up to the show’s premiere this evening, it has probably been the music. Well, now you can own the show’s theme song.

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A version of the theme sung by Jordan Fisher and Angie Keilhauer is now available for download (purchase) on iTunes. Some of this version of the song will appear in the new nighttime spectacular at the Magic Kingdom.

PHOTOS: Happily Ever After Attraction Poster Brings Disney Animated Classics Together

With Wishes saying goodbye last night and Happily Ever After debuting tonight, the poster for the fireworks spectacular was changed overnight at the Magic Kingdom:

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The new poster features Cinderella Castle transforming into other famous Disney landmarks, surrounded by classic characters.

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Happily Ever After Debuts tonight, May 12th, 2017 at the Magic Kingdom.

D23 Expo 2017: Meet The Stars Of Freeform’s “The Fosters”, “Shadowhunters”, And “Stitchers”, Plus Its New Series “The Bold Type”

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MEET THE STARS OF FREEFORM’S HIT SERIES THE FOSTERS, SHADOWHUNTERS, AND STITCHERS, PLUS ITS NEW SERIES THE BOLD TYPE, AT D23 EXPO 2017

Fans can meet their favorite stars from Freeform’s hit series The Fosters, Shadowhunters, and Stitchers, along with cast from the new series The Bold Type at D23 Expo 2017, taking place July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Members of The Fosters family, as well as cast from the sci-fi series Stitchers, the saga Shadowhunters, and the new series The Bold Type, will appear throughout the weekend in the “Talent Central” autograph area, located in Hall A. Following is the appearance schedule (subject to change, times and cast to be announced at a later date), plus more information on each series.

FRIDAY, JULY 14

Stitchers

The Fosters

SATURDAY, JULY 15

Shadowhunters

The Bold Type

Shadowhunters returns for the second half of season two with Shadowhunters and Downworlders reeling from what happened at the New York Institute in the winter finale. As the rift between the two sides grows larger, the team and their Downworld friends and lovers are put in the middle of the dangerous divide. Torn between the Clave’s rules and what they feel is right, Clary, Jace, Alec, and Isabelle struggle to help forge a new beginning. Relationships will be tested, a new Shadowhunter named Sebastian will join the fray, and the Seelie Queen will step out of the shadows in the summer season. Shadowhunters is produced by Constantin Film and executive produced by Todd Slavkin, Darren Swimmer, McG, Michael Reisz, Matt Hastings, Mary Viola, Martin Moszkowicz, and Robert Kulzer. The series stars Katherine McNamara, Dominic Sherwood, Alberto Rosende, Emeraude Toubia, Matthew Daddario, Isaiah Mustafa, and Harry Shum Jr. Shadowhunters midseason premiere will be MONDAY, JUNE 5, at 8 p.m. EDT.

On the upcoming season of fan favorite Stitchers, Kirsten and the Stitchers team hack into the minds of the recently deceased to investigate diverse and unusual cases spanning from international relations to within their own families. New relationships will develop while others will end, and the true purpose of the Stitchers program will be revealed. Stitchers is executive produced by Jeffrey Alan Schechter, Jonathan Baruch, and Rob Wolken. The series stars Emma Ishta, Kyle Harris, Ritesh Rajan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Allison Scagliotti, and Damon Dayoub. Stitchers will return for its third season on MONDAY, JUNE 5, at 9 p.m. EDT.

The Fosters returns for its fifth season. Winner of a Television Academy Honors Award and GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series, The Fosters follows a multi-ethnic family mix of adopted and biological teenaged kids being raised by two moms. The drama’s fifth season will include the milestone 100th episode. The Fosters is executive produced by Jennifer Lopez and created by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige, who also serve as executive producers and writers, along with Joanna Johnson. Greg Gugliotta, Elaine Goldsmith Thomas, and Benny Medina also serve as executive producers. The series stars Teri Polo, Sherri Saum, Hayden Byerly, Noah Centineo, David Lambert, Maia Mitchell, Danny Nucci, and Cierra Ramirez. The series is produced by Nuyorican Productions, Inc. in association with Freeform. The fifth season premiere of The Fosters will be on TUESDAY, JULY 11, at 8 p.m. EDT.

The Bold Type, inspired by the life of Joanna Coles, chief content officer of Hearst Magazines, reveals a glimpse into the outrageous lives and loves of those responsible for the global women’s magazine Scarlet. The rising generation of Scarlet women leans on one another as they find their own voices in a sea of intimidating leaders. Together they explore sexuality, identity, love, and fashion.  The series stars Katie Stevens, Aisha Dee, Meghann Fahy, Sam Page, Matt Ward, and Melora Hardin as Jacqueline, editor in chief of Scarlet Magazine. The Bold Type is executive produced by Sarah Watson, David Bernad, Joanna Coles, and Ruben Fleischer. Holly Whidden is co-executive producer. The series is a Universal Television and The District production. The Bold Type will have a special two-hour premiere on TUESDAY, JULY 11, at 9 p.m. EDT.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23expo.com.

About D23 Expo 2017

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which will take place July 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2017 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

FIRST LOOK: 2018 Merchandise for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort; Goodbye Tower of Terror

I know that it’s May 2017, but who doesn’t want a preview of the 2018 merchandise for Disney Parks?

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The Walt Disney World Resort will be dropping the Tower of Terror from merchandise in 2018 in favor of the Pan Pacific Auditorium entrance from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I wouldn’t read into this too much as Disney has stated they have no plans to overlay the Florida attraction.

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Both resorts are calling 2018 “The Year to be Here”.

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What do you think of the 2018 merchandise?

CONCEPT ART: New Scenes To Debut in Fantasmic When It Returns to Disneyland This Summer

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It’s hard to believe that Fantasmic! is 25 years old tomorrow. The show premiered at Disneyland’s Rivers of America on May 13, 1992 and quickly became a guest favorite. While the show has undergone upgrades over the years, including a new sound system in 2007, and a completely new lighting package in 2008.

However, the show is currently undergoing its biggest makeover yet. When it returns this summer, the show will still retain its storyline, fanfare, and theme song, but quite a bit will be new. The mist screens will be upgraded and coupled with state of the art projectors to provide brighter, more vibrant visuals with better clarity than ever before. What may be the biggest change, however, is the addition of brand new show scenes featuring Aladdin, The Lion King, Tangled, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

The concept art above shows one of the dazzling new scenes, where Aladdin and Jasmine are floating over a bed of fog on their flying carpet during “A Whole New World.”

A return date for the show has not yet been announced, but stay tuned to WDW News Today for more information about the show’s premiere in the coming weeks.

REVIEW, VIDEO: Happily Ever After Debuts at the Magic Kingdom, The Nighttime Spectacular That Disney World Deserves

Tonight marked the debut of the Magic Kingdom’s new nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After”, which replaced the beloved Wishes show after a 13 year run. So, how was it?

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Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom

Getting straight to the point: I loved it. I felt the same way I felt when I saw Wishes 13 years ago. The show is a technical marvel that ties-in beloved Disney characters and music, modern and classic, with fantastic original arrangements and a theme song that will (I think) live on through the annals of Disney Parks history long after this show is gone. Fantasy in the Sky and Wishes have a more than suitable replacement which will be cherished as much once the nostalgia dies down over the weeks and months ahead.

The inclusion of most of the animated film canon is tastefully done, never feeling forced. This show rips through a lot of IPs, but does so without taking the show into and out of too many songs. You may have not thought it would make sense to throw a mixture of Disney classics into a scene with music from just one, but it works here. Think of it as the bubble scene from Walt Disney World’s Fantasmic, but on steroids, and a copious amount.

The show has so many jaw-dropping effects and such worth noting, but here’s what stuck with me:

  • A shooting star firework zips across the sky and seemingly lands on the facade of Cinderella Castle.
  • Illuminated smoke creates the illusion of fire from cannon blasts.
  • The Castle is attacked by Villains with several really unique lighting and pyro effects.
  • Lasers create a Vegas-style lighting effect on Cinderella Castle.
  • The new spotlights surrounding the Castle are phenomenal. They are used in so many creative ways from start to finish, making the scope of the show seemingly larger than life.
  • There are plenty of new fireworks shells the likes of which we have never seen before, and certainly more pyrotechnics than Wishes ever had.

There are so many great scenes to talk about, but the “I Can Go the Distance” sequence might be my favorite in any fireworks show that I’ve ever seen, maybe even in any nighttime show. It emerges from the Villains portion so perfectly and is fantastically uplifting. It’s a great lead-in to the finale. I would name a few others that I liked, but I quickly realized that the list I created included every other sequence. I’m not kidding, I made a list and all of them were on it. I went through the show video to check, and somehow I remembered all of the scenes and enjoyed them all that much that they all made my list of what I enjoyed. If you forced me to pick a second favorite, my sentimental choice would be “Out There” from the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Disney Dreams may be gone from Paris, but this scene has made it stateside and was everything I dreamt it would be.

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Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom

The narrative of the show is not overstated, but I think resonates more strongly than Wishes. Now, please hear me out before you run to the comments section. Happily Ever After takes us from setting out on adventure, to finding friends and romance, to facing adversity, bringing yourself to the the triumph of learning that you can “go the distance” and “you can fly”, reaching your Happily Ever After. The show shares a theme of many recent Disney animated films: you can have your wishes come true in this world if you work hard enough. “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Now, who said that?

Having only seen the show from one vantage point, I don’t have any tips for viewing just yet, but I can tell you that there are a lot of unique and cool places you’ll likely want to see this from. Up close will give you a better view of projections and lighting effects, but standing farther back will allow you to take in the full scope of the spectacle (which you will see in the video below). I’ll let you know what I think after a few more viewings. I also need to see all the new lighting in the trees to the left and right sides of the Castle, because whatever was going on there at certain points in the show looked really neat.

If Walt Disney World is the flagship of the Disney Parks, and the Magic Kingdom is the pinnacle park for the company, than this is the nighttime show it deserves. Taking what was learned from shows like Disneyland Forever, Disney Dreams, and others to combine so many high tech show elements, Happily Ever After is the next step in nighttime spectaculars and the new crown jewel of evening entertainment at Walt Disney World. It is a must see and will likely remain so for a long time to come.

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Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom