With the recent announcement that Disney World is permanently closing the flagship nighttime show at Animal Kingdom, Rivers of Light: We Are One, many Disney fanatics are taking the time to sit back and reflect on their favourite nighttime Disney spectaculars of all-time. Let’s face it, when it comes to nighttime theme park entertainment, no one holds a candle to Disney. And while the closures of Stitch’s Great Escape and Primeval World came as no surprise, the abrupt decision to shut down Rivers of Light permanently has come as a bit of a shock. While all nighttime shows won’t be running anytime soon due to the physical distancing conditions put in place to protect guests and cast-members from COVID-19, all of them were expected to return in the not-so-distant future.
However, Rivers of Light will officially be joining the also beloved Epcot nighttime show, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth in the Disney World retirement home. Even though these attractions are no more, and no one will get to see a nighttime spectacular in-person at a Disney park anytime soon, that doesn’t mean we can’t reflect and celebrate the best nighttime shows at Disney World, at least until we get more answers to what will be replacing Rivers of Light (an Avatar-themed spectacular maybe?).
Of course, I will only be ranking the Disney World nighttime shows that I’ve seen in-person, so don’t expect to see Epcot Forever or Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular on this list, because watching them on YouTube doesn’t evoke the same feelings as witnessing them in-person. So, sit back, relax, and please enjoy my totally biased and subjective list of the best nighttime shows present during my Walt Disney World vacation in 2019!
6. Once Upon A Time (Magic Kingdom)
Once Upon A Time is as cute as they come. Mrs. Potts and Chip from Beauty and the Beast narrate a colourful nighttime show that projects Disney classics like Aladdin, Frozen, and of course, Beauty and the Beast, onto Cinderella’s Castle. While it lacks the depth of the show that takes place before it, Happily Ever After, simply due to its shorter run-time and use of less pyrotechnics, it still manages to sweep us away to far off-lands and ends everyone’s night in the Magic Kingdom with a bang.
5. Rivers of Light: We Are One (Animal Kingdom)
While Rivers of Light: We Are One didn’t have the same “wow factor” as the other night shows in Disney World, it still managed to be one of the most visually impressive. What it lacked in pyrotechnics, which of course, weren’t used to avoid scaring the animals, it made up for in storytelling. The celebration of the connection between animals and humans, and the importance of conserving our natural environment is perfectly embodied throughout the show thanks to its combined use of live actors and one-of-a-kind props and set pieces, water effects, projections, and a bold and adventurous musical score. Probably one of Disney World’s most underrated nighttime spectaculars of all-time, it definitely deserved a better send-off and will be missed for years to come!
4. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth (Epcot)
What was once considered a staple of the Epcot Theme Park, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth made its grand debut in 1999 and was officially retired just mere weeks after my most recent trip to Disney World in September 2019. Sure, the show was a little outdated, but it still managed to be breathtakingly beautiful. A celebration of humanity in three acts (The Earth is Born, The Triumph of Life and Hope for the Future), Illuminations is the epitome of what every Disney World nighttime spectacular should strive to be – lasers, fireworks, leaping flames and projections combined with a timeless musical score and a wonderfully compelling story.
The best part about Illuminations was that it was centered around the iconic Earth Globe located at the World Showcase Lagoon, meaning everyone at Epcot, whether you were in the Morocco or France pavilion, could enjoy this dazzling sky display. Hopefully, when Epcot debuts HormoniUS sometime next year, it will include the same elements that made Illuminations so special.
3. Fantasmic! (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
Often, when one is asked about Disney World nighttime spectaculars, Fantasmic is the first that comes to mind. Since 1998, it has been the premier show at Hollywood Studios, and for a long period of time was one of the main draws of the park. Fantasmic tells the story of a fast asleep Mickey Mouse who dreams that he’s a powerful sorcerer’s apprentice, but his dream is quickly turned into a nightmare when our favourite Disney villains infiltrate his mind and try to take over.
Fantasmic features stunning effects, great music, intense pyrotechnics, massive sets, and over 50 live performers. For a really long time, it was the be-all, end-all of Disney nighttime spectaculars, and perhaps because it’s the only nighttime show I’ve seen more than once, it has a special place in my heart for the great nostalgia strings it pulls. Could the show use a few updates? Absolutely. But what it lacks in technical prowess it makes up for in perfect storytelling, character work, and an infinite “wow factor.” It may not be as technically proficient as Disney World’s other nighttime spectaculars, but Fantasmic! will always be one for the ages!
2. Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)
With the addition of the breathtaking Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios has become the dream destination for all Star Wars fans across the globe. One of the biggest treats of all, is the park’s largest fireworks display in history – Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. Between the state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, pyrotechnics, 150-foot tall jets of fire, and of course, the classic John Williams’ musical score, this nighttime show defines the term spectacular.
A Galactic Spectacular is an incredible dedication to George Lucas’ groundbreaking franchise, and just like Galaxy’s Edge, makes us feel as though we are immersed in the middle of the action. Disney truly didn’t hold anything back with this one as it’s definitely the most intense nighttime show at the resort (the number of people who jump and scream when they come off from a ride and unexpectedly hear the show start is nearly as entertaining as the show itself.) Even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan, Disney gives you no choice but to be one with the force when witnessing A Galactic Spectacular first-hand.
1. Happily Ever After (Magic Kingdom)
I might be a little bias about this one. After all, I saw this show on my birthday (probably the best celebration I’ve ever had). Nonetheless, Happily Ever After is by far the absolute best nighttime show at Walt Disney World. Spectacular isn’t even a grand enough word to describe how magical this show truly is. As soon as it starts, you immediately feel enchanted, knowing that you are about to be taken on a remarkable journey that captures the heart and soul of so many of our favourite Disney animated films.
Cinderella’s Castle is the best backdrop for the projection technology Disney has perfected. And the combination of the smash-hit score performed by Angie K and Jordan Fisher, along with the fireworks, lasers, and storytelling is the quintessential recipe for the ultimate extravaganza. (Spoiler Alert), the addition of Tinker Bell floating in the sky midway through is the cherry on top. In what can only be described as the most magical way to celebrate Disney stories, after watching this nighttime show you will leave the Magic Kingdom inspired to find your own happily ever after.
What’s your favourite nighttime spectacular at Walt Disney World? And are you sad to see River of Lights go? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels. And make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs!
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