Custom Creations and Travel tips inspired by theme parks and Travel Experiences

Kelsey Kelley 4/22/24 Kelsey Kelley 4/22/24

Magic Kingdom Fireworks

The Magic Kingdom firework display is a spectacle that has captured the imagination of visitors for decades, becoming an iconic end-of-day celebration at one of the most beloved theme parks in the world. Known for its enchanting storytelling, the firework display is not just a show of lights and sounds but a narrative journey that transports viewers to a world filled with hope, dreams, and the magic of Disney.

Set against the backdrop of Cinderella's Castle, the fireworks are choreographed to music. Classic and contemporary Disney songs sync perfectly with the bursts of color above, creating a show that resonates with audiences of all ages. Animation from beloved Disney films complement the music and fireworks through projection mapping on the castle and sometimes down Main Street USA too!

Attending the Magic Kingdom firework display is a must do for many families. It tends to be a moment where time seems to stand still and the worries of the world fade away. It's a testament to the power of imagination and the continuing love of Disney's characters and stories. No matter if it's your first time or your hundredth seeing the display, it promises an unforgettable and magical experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Several viewing locations offer distinct perspectives and experiences of the display, with the main hub in front of the castle being the most popular spot to watch the fireworks. This area can become very crowded, especially on busy park days, resulting in limited standing space. To secure a good view of the projection show, it's advisable to claim a spot approximately an hour before the fireworks start. If it's particularly busy, consider arriving even earlier to check for waiting crowds. Our family often opts to mobile order snacks or drinks from nearby establishments like Casey’s Corner for a hot dog and a mint julep or Friar’s Nook for a corn dog or funnel cake. We then relax with our snacks while waiting for the show to begin. Although options like the popcorn and pretzel carts are available, the lines can become lengthy as more people gather at the hub for the show. Additionally, there is a designated area for individuals and families with mobility challenges or a DAS pass, situated near the back of the hub in front of the reserved viewing section, which is located in front of Casey’s Corner.

I suggest watching the display with the accompanying projections at least once, but if the projections are not a priority for you, you can often get excellent views of the fireworks further down Main Street USA. Near the park exit by the train station, there is usually a smaller crowd. When our family is ready to leave the park but still wants to catch the fireworks, we choose a spot at the end of Main Street USA. The fireworks are still impressive from there, allowing you to enjoy the show and quickly exit the park afterward. We have also viewed them from Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Each area adds its own unique view of the display. One thing we have also learned is that it is often best to check out a shop or hit up one more ride if able after the show ends to avoid the mass exit out of the park. This tactic is very easy to do if you are not in one of the main viewing areas and will lead to a much more enjoyable exit out of Magic Kingdom.

Our family also likes to time riding certain rides during the fireworks for a special view. Once we accidentally found ourselves on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train during the fireworks, making it a ride we will never forget! Rides like Dumbo, the People Mover, and the Astro Orbiter are also fun to ride during the firework show. Besides for the place previously mentioned, there are also paid experiences, such as dessert parties with firework viewing areas, that I will discuss in a future post.

The final viewing areas that I want to mention are actually outside of Magic Kingdom. Each of the hotels on the monorail loop have great views of the fireworks. There are certain spots at each where they play the firework display music in time with the firework display. This lets you enjoy two of the main parts of the show with out having to be in the crowds or at the park. Personally, we have watched the show with the music from a balcony at the Contemporary and from one of the beaches at the Polynesian Resort. The great thing about viewing the fireworks at the resorts is that you do not have to pay theme park admission and you do not actually have to be staying at the resort either!

No matter where you view the fireworks from you are in for a treat and watching the display is one of my favorite activities that I look forward to each and every Walt Disney World Vacation!

Kelsey Kelley 4/2/24 Kelsey Kelley 4/2/24

First Project - Inspired by: The Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom

Find out more about Magic Kingdoms featured parade and the creation I made inspired by it!

Disney park parades are a total blast, even for grown-ups like me! From spotting characters to the dazzling floats, it's a magical feast for the eyes no matter which parade you catch. My top pick at Walt Disney World? The Festival of Fantasy parade - a daily delight (weather permitting)! And if rain crashes the party, the rainy day brigade adds a quirky twist, though nothing beats the original extravaganza. This parade is a lively mix of characters, dancers, mind-blowing floats, and a catchy tune you'll be humming in line for your favorite ride!

Prepare to get starstruck as characters from hits like Tangled, Frozen, Brave, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Mickey and his gang come to life! But hold onto your ears because the real showstopper - my personal favorite - is the Maleficent steampunk Dragon. This fiery beauty steals the spotlight as she goes head-to-head with Prince Phillip, all the way from Frontierland to Town Square. If you're lucky, you might even catch her spitting fire at her nemesis. The dragon is a masterpiece of tiny details, from her colorful scales to intricate gears, and even a mischievous raven “perched” on her tail.

The parade starts in Frontierland then travels up to Liberty Square where it turns and heads towards the castle hub. The festivities proceed to the left at the hub and circle around to head down Main Street USA to end in Town Square. Main street and the middle of the castle hub tend to fill up quickly so if that is where you want to watch the parade from, I would get there at least 30 or 45 minutes before the parade starts to secure a spot. This is especially important on busy park day s. There is often more space and the wait is shorter if you are ok watching the parade near its starting point in Frontierland or even parts of Liberty square. If you are like our family and have someone who needs an electric steed, a wheeled throne, or have a family member with a DAS pass there are special reserved viewing areas. These can be found in Liberty Square, in the castle hub near the Partners statue (the statue of Walt and Mickey), and near the fire station in Town Square. In my experience these spots also fill up quickly so I would plan to arrive early if this is something you or your family need to utilize. At times this parade will run more than once a day and the timing can change so be sure to check the in the My Disney Experience App for the most up to date times and get ready to let the enchantment begin!

This weeks blog and theme park creations muse was my favorite fire breathing fiend. I was inspired by a photo my daughter captured of her during our last trip in December 2023. It has become one of my absolute favorite Disney Park pics. If you are into watching crafting in action like we are then check out the video on my youtube channel (@CastawaywithK) to follow along with me as I craft this creation!