Something subtle but exciting is happening at Walt Disney World—and it might be the strongest signal yet that the resort is returning to some of its pre-pandemic magic.
Beginning July 6, the nightly Happily Ever After fireworks at Magic Kingdom will move from their usual 9:20 p.m. slot to a later 10:00 p.m. start. On the surface, it seems like a small tweak. But for longtime Disney fans, this change feels like the beginning of something bigger.
It’s no secret that Magic Kingdom’s hours have never quite returned to their full pre-2020 glory. Before the pandemic, summer evenings often included parades, late-night shows, and extended park hours. Guests could wander through a glowing Main Street past 11 p.m., grab one last Dole Whip, and soak in the fireworks as a finale to a full, leisurely day.
That all shifted in 2020 when Disney, like many other companies, had to adapt operations to reduced capacity and staffing changes. But the new fireworks schedule feels like a signal—one that Disney might finally be ready to stretch the nighttime offerings again.
Adding to the speculation is the long-rumored debut of a new nighttime parade: Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. While no official announcement has been made, the fireworks moving to 10 p.m. leaves the 9 p.m. hour wide open—potentially making room for the parade to march through the park as a lead-in to the show. If that’s the case, we could even see a second parade performance at 11 p.m., just like the old days.
If this schedule holds, July 6 could mark a quiet but meaningful turning point.
More than just the return of a parade, this change symbolizes a reawakening of Magic Kingdom nights—something many fans have been patiently waiting for. Extended evenings offer more value for guests, help spread out crowds, and allow for that classic Disney vibe that hits differently when the sun goes down.
For anyone who’s missed the energy of a nighttime parade and the joy of lingering in the park after dark, this feels like a move in the right direction. There’s nothing quite like ending your Disney day with twinkling lights, upbeat music, and a touch of nostalgia.
