FeaturedMagic Kingdom

Disney World Guests Pay for 50th Anniversary Magic Kingdom Fireworks Years Later

The Walt Disney World Resort has officially brought back Disney Enchantment, the visually stunning yet polarizing fireworks show, at Magic Kingdom Park.

Disney Enchantment fireworks at Disney World Resort
Credit: Disney

As 2025 begins, Central Florida’s theme park rivalry is heating up like never before. Universal Orlando Resort is just months away from unveiling Epic Universe, its groundbreaking new park that promises to reshape the competitive landscape. With Disney fans voicing concerns over increasing prices and trimmed-down offerings, could this mark the beginning of a serious challenge to Disney’s dominance?

Not one to back down, Disney is already taking steps to solidify its foothold, from marketing campaigns to fan-favorite special offers. Among the most popular ways Disney keeps guests coming back are the much-loved hard-ticketed events that offer the chance to experience the park at lower crowd levels.

A scenic view of the Cinderella castle at Disney World
Credit: Inside the Magic

Walt Disney World Resort is renowned for these exclusive experiences, including Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in the fall and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party during the holidays. This year, Disney After Hours events are once again giving guests an unforgettable way to explore the parks after dark.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Disney After Hours is set to run select nights from January 6 through May 19, 2025. Dates include January 6, 13, 20, and 27; February 3, 10, 17, and 24; March 3, 17, 24, and 31; April 7 and 28; and May 5, 12, and 19. Tickets are priced between $175 and $185 per person, plus tax, depending on the date. While the event officially begins at 10 p.m. and ends at 1 a.m., Guests with tickets can enter the park as early as 7 p.m., allowing for even more magical moments.

Entrance archway to Walt Disney World Resort
Credit: Inside the Magic

This early entry requires no additional ticket or reservation, making it the perfect way to enjoy Magic Kingdom’s attractions alongside daytime guests. Early arrivals can experience must-visit rides like TRON Lightcycle / Run, which offers a standby queue during this time, or watch the beloved Happily Ever After fireworks show before transitioning to the After Hours exclusivity.

Interestingly, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which was previously listed as part of the After Hours offerings, has now been removed from Disney’s official event webpage.

As always, Guests should check the My Disney Experience app for updated schedules and be mindful of weather-related changes to outdoor performances. If all goes as planned, guests arriving early can enjoy both Happily Ever After and the newly returned Disney Enchantment.

Happily Ever After at the Magic Kingdom inside Disney World.
Credit: Disney

Yes, Disney Enchantment lit up Cinderella Castle once again last night, January 6, during the first Disney After Hours event of 2025.

Originally debuting for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, Disney Enchantment introduced cutting-edge projection effects that extended beyond Cinderella Castle to line the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A. However, despite its technical achievements, many guests felt it didn’t live up to its predecessor, Happily Ever After. Fans campaigned passionately for its return, leading Disney to reinstate the show in 2023.

Crowds on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom at Disney World
Credit: Marada, Flickr

Now, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds—two incredible nighttime spectaculars—during their visit to Magic Kingdom Park if they hold After Hours tickets.

Alongside Magic Kingdom, Disney After Hours events are also running at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, ensuring Guests have multiple opportunities to enjoy the parks like never before.

What’s your take on Disney Enchantment making a comeback? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

One Comment

  1. Disney Enchantment was horrible. Should be embarrassed putting this on for the 50th anniversary.
    Should be buried for ever, never to return

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

Back to top button