I’ll never forget the countless times that, as a little girl, I watched real magic dance before my eyes at Walt Disney World. So many things about the park still make it my favorite place, even as a college sophomore, but what solidified it for me from the beginning was the amazing nightly firework show. Fireworks aren’t everyone’s thing, but the 15-minute combination of lights, sounds and the notion to believe in your dreams all come together to make yet another truly spectacular Disney experience. Here are 11 reasons why “Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams” never fails to lift my spirits.
1. Cinderella Castle; enough said.
The foreground of the firework show is none other than the iconic Cinderella Castle. Not only do the fireworks surround the castle, but it's also involved in the show as a whole, changing colors throughout and having designs projected onto it from time to time to match the themes.
2. The musical track is outstanding.
My personal favorite part of "Wishes" is the musical track that plays as the fireworks are displayed. As you might expect, music from Disney movies is blended throughout. It's not just score, though; it's complete with narration and lyrics that make me feel at peace whenever I hear them. I still get chills when I hear the Blue Fairy say, "We must always believe in our wishes, for they are the magic in the world."
3. The fireworks are coordinated to the music…
As the music plays, the fireworks go off to the beat. Only Disney could coordinate something so well.
4. …and the plot.
One of the coolest and most unique things about "Wishes" is that, unlike most firework shows, it has a plot. The "good side" of magic is encouraging the audience to follow their hearts and believe in their wishes, while the villains have their own agenda. In the end, good triumphs over evil, in true Disney fashion. The fireworks reflect this, with a shooting-star-like firework casting into the air as "When You Wish Upon A Star" plays and red, dangerous-looking "stars" appearing when the villains try to take over.
5. It encourages you to believe in your dreams.
The overall theme of "Wishes" is that you should believe in yourself and your wishes no matter what, and good will always come out on top as long as you keep faith in yourself. This is a reminder you'll need at any time in your life. Every time I watch "Wishes," I feel assured that everything is going to be OK as long as I stay dedicated and motivated.
6. Tinker Bell is there!
In case you've never seen "Wishes," I won't spoil it too much for you, but Peter Pan's fairy sidekick makes a special appearance in the show, and it was totally the highlight of my childhood.
7. The whole crowd comes together.
"Wishes" draws a large crowd every night, and for good reason -- it's a spectacular show. What's more is that during the show, you get the feeling that everyone in the audience is feeling the magic. I love watching the reaction on families' faces when they're seeing it all for the first time.
8. You can see it from almost anywhere in Magic Kingdom.
Just last week, my friends and I were heading to use our FastPasses for a ride at Magic Kingdom when we walked past an outstanding firework viewing spot. We decided to stop for a moment and catch the finale, and all of us were emotional when the fireworks went off right above us. We were pretty much at the other end of the park, or at least it felt like it. We couldn't believe we had such a good view!
I was also recently clued in on a fun Disney tip: During "Wishes," the Magic Carpets of Aladdin ride will time out a "finale ride," so that whoever is riding can go up to the highest point in the air just as the finale fireworks are going off. You can see them really well even though the ride isn't near the castle. Disney never ceases to be the coolest place ever.
9. Jiminy Cricket is me.
The narrator of "Wishes" is Jiminy Cricket, one of my favorite Disney characters. His commentary, much like his role in "Pinocchio," guides the show. My favorite is his line at the finale of the fireworks, "See what a little wishing can do?" Plus, he goes through the show saying stereotypical old-fashioned Dad things like, "Well, I'll be!" Same, Jiminy, same.
10. A perfect ending to a perfect day
Since it's a fireworks show, it has to take place at night. The experience is further enhanced, though, by the fact that it is basically the very last thing to happen in the park at night. It sends you home with a reminder that Disney magic lives on! (Complete with some '90s R&B send-off music as you're walking out of the park, because why not?)
11. It’s always there when I need it.
Disney attractions come and go (Snow White's Scary Adventures, anyone?), but "Wishes" has been there since I started watching the fireworks many years ago, and I hope it stays that way. It never fails to remind me to "dream a dream" and to "set it free"!
