Walter Elias Disney never imagined that when he started a small animation studio with his brother Roy O. Disney in 1923 that he would be planting the seeds for one of the largest and most successful entertainment companies in the world.
From bringing classic fairy tales to audiences in new ways, to creating both the happiest and most magical places on earth, The Walt Disney Company is founded on the principles of innovation. It’s a driving force that is breathed into every detail of the company, prompting continuous change.
The most recent decision to retire Magic Kingdom’s Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams is no exception.
Originally debuted in 2003, Wishes was created by Walt Disney Creative Entertainment, a division of Walt Disney Imagineering responsible for all theatrical live entertainment for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Keeping in line with the company’s mission to create happiness, Imagineer Steve Davison designed the show to generate an emotional response from guests as they gathered with family and friends at the end of their day in Magic Kingdom to view the show. Through the art of Disney storytelling and magic, Wishes combined spectacular pyrotechnic displays with a musical montage of popular Disney films to do just that.
For almost 14 years, Wishes has been a staple for Disney vacations, a must-see experience for guests of all ages. Set behind Cinderella Castle, the show aptly features Jiminy Cricket from Pinnochio as narrator and navigator for guests as they are taken on a journey to explore the power behind a wish. Featuring vocal appearances from Cinderella, Peter Pan, Genie from Aladdin, and a host of other Disney characters, guests are invited to “do as dreamers do” and share their heart’s desire. Tinkerbell sprinkles a little extra faith, trust, and pixie dust as she flies over the crowd into Tomorrowland, and Blue Fairy has her own special star-shaped fireworks that never fails to delight. Even The Evil Queen gets to share her wish, albeit the show takes a darker turn during her segment, complete with unique firework cues as she casts her spell to be the fairest of them all.
Powerful musical theme appearances, like composer Alan Menken’s “Go the Distance” from Hercules, create emotional transitions between the different segments of the show. Classic themes, like Menken’s “Prince Ali” from Aladdin and Leigh Harline’s and Ned Washington’s “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinnochio tie-in Disney’s animation legacy. There’s even a nod to Fantasia in the transition to The Evil Queen’s wish as a set of red flares bounce in syncopation to “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” by composer Paul Dukas.
Wishes holds a special spot in the hearts of countless Disney guests, not just because of the magic and awe that it inspired, but because it was the soundtrack for so many milestones. First kisses in front of Cinderella Castle, proposals on Main Street USA, pregnancy reveals, first family trips, and for some – especially guests that visit Walt Disney World in the face of terminal diagnosis – final family trips.
For Cast Members working in Magic Kingdom, the show is a warm reminder that they wished it, they dreamed it, and now they actually get to have a hand in the magic, carrying on Walt’s legacy. Disney College Program interns view Wishes as a traditional farewell serenade. When they finish their time with the company, the YouTube video is saved to their favorites when they need a reminder of their coworkers-turned-ohana now spread out around the globe.
Wishes is a testament to Disney’s passion for timeless entertainment, appearing nightly since its debut, and including holiday variations for events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Enjoyable from up close and personal within Magic Kingdom or from the beach area at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort across Seven Seas Lagoon, the show has brought endless joy and delight to visitors of Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts.
While the decision to retire Wishes has been met with a lot of criticism from Disney fans, it has definitely set the bar high for the show that will be taking its place beginning May 12, 2017: Happily Ever After.
Featuring vocal talent from country music artist Angie Keilhauer and singer Jordan Fisher from the soundtrack of Moana and Broadway’s Hamilton, the show’s sneak peek preview still carries the soul of Wishes. Emotional musical composition blending Disney themes, performance by full orchestral accompaniment, dazzling visual effects, and bringing Disney stories – both classics and new additions, like Tangled and Moana – to life like never before. Lyrics like “every wish that we put into motion/diving in with our hearts wide open” embody previous notions from Wishes for guests to treasure their dreams, and encourage the pursuit of their own “happily ever after.”
The path for Happily Ever After remains uncertain until its official debut, but promises to follow dutifully in its predecessor’s illuminating footsteps. As Walt used to say, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” Imagineer and creative director for the new spectacular, Michael Jung, acknowledges Wishes will be missed, but urges fans to “definitely hang on because we take the great things and make them even better.”
Officially retired as of May 11, 2017, Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams will continue to burn brightly in all the hearts it has inspired since its debut.
