Return of Fantasmic?

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World’s entertainment has been slowly but surely been making a comeback. One Disney Park in particular, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, has seemed especially quiet since COVID-19 closed the Parks in March 2020. While yes, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been open since the summer of 2020, we’ve just recently seen the return of entertainment favorites such as Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage now open, as well as Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular reopening later this year. Of course, amidst the excitement of the new nighttime spectaculars at Magic Kingdom Park (Disney Enchantment) and EPCOT (Harmonious), Disney’s Hollywood Studios has yet to see the return of either of their two beloved pre-COVID nighttime experiences – Fantasmic! and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.

Most recently, Disney’s Hollywood Studios welcomed back a projection show on the Chinese Theater called “Wonderful World of Animation“. In addition to that project show, Hollywood Studios has also announced “Disney Movie Magic” will be returning soon. Still… crickets when it comes to the big nightly duo.

While there has been no indication from Disney that either Fantasmic! or Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular will be making a return, we have high hopes for Fantasmic as surely this Disney classic experience won’t go away?! Not too long ago Disney made an update to Walt Disney World digital map, showing Sorcerer Mickey with a refreshed new look standing on top of the Fantasmic mountain as pictured below.

Now, a new aerial photo shows the Fantasmic stage is currently being refurbished. Would Disney put time and money into refurbishing an attraction if it wasn’t in the plans to reopen it in the near future? As reported by @bioreconstruct via Twitter: “Aerial photo of the refurbishment of Fantasmic. The steamboat is behind the mountain, with scaffolding. Oct 1.” Check out the photo below:

If you’ve never experienced Fantasmic! or need a refresher, Walt Disney World describes it as “A Legendary Tale: Featuring more than 50 live performers, massive sets, stunning effects, dazzling pyrotechnics, and rousing music, this larger-than-life show is painted on a grand canvas of dancing water and light like nothing you’ve ever seen. Overflowing with silly and suspenseful surprises, it will leave your entire family smiling from ear to ear!” “A Night When Dreams Come True: Fast asleep, Mickey Mouse dreams that he is a mighty sorcerer’s apprentice with the power to control water, color, and magic. The Disney Villains—including Maleficent in the form of a towering, 40-foot-tall dragon—turn Mickey’s dream into a nightmare, but don’t underestimate the power of Mickey’s imagination! The fantastic fantasy includes Disney Characters from some of your favorite animated classics: Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

Along with the fantastic nighttime show, many Guests took advantage of the dining package or dessert party offers Disney had for Fantasmic. For example, you could dine at one of Disney’s Hollywood Studios restaurants with the dining package, and pay a slight upcharge for VIP reserved seating at Fantasmic. Or, if you had a sweet tooth, Disney offered a Fantasmic Dessert Party which included special seating for the show. Currently, Harmonious Dining Packages are available at EPCOT, as well as Disney Enchantment Dessert Party options at Magic Kingdom. Our hope is special offerings like these would return if/when the Fantasmic nighttime spectacular makes a comeback.

The battle of good vs. evil has been halted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for some time, but we’re hoping these are good signs that Fantasmic has a future. We’re ready to see this classic Disney experience come to life once again at the end of Sunset Boulevard. COT, as well as Disney Enchantment Dessert Party options at Magic Kingdom. Our hope is special offerings like these would return if/when the Fantasmic nighttime spectacular makes a comeback.

Disney Announces Live Streams of New Nighttime Spectaculars

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot, Magic Kingdom

The 50th-anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World is almost here! As part of the celebration, two new nighttime spectaculars are debuting on October 1. However, Disney has announced they will be live streaming early performances of the two shows.

From a Disney Cast Member;

On Oct. 1, two new nighttime spectaculars – “Harmonious” and “Disney Enchantment” – will debut to help kick off our 50th-anniversary festivities during “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” at Walt Disney World Resort. And as a special early 50th surprise, we’re LIVE streaming performances of both ground-breaking shows right on the Disney Parks Blog!

    • Wed, 9/29 – LIVE: “Harmonious” at EPCOT at 9:00 p.m. ET.
    • Thurs, 9/30 – LIVE: “Disney Enchantment” at Magic Kingdom Park at 10:15 p.m. ET.

Beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, join us to see “Harmonious” at EPCOT, one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park. The show, which is a key milestone in the transformation of EPCOT, pays tribute to the stories and songs that unite us all featuring new technical magic that includes special pyrotechnics, moving fountains, special lighting and media.

And as we shared earlier, Disney Live Entertainment and Walt Disney Imagineering have created a transformative experience with “Harmonious” that invites you to travel the globe through new interpretations of classic Disney songs as you’ve never heard them before. The songs are reimagined in more than a dozen languages by a diverse group of 240 artists from around the world.

“Harmonious” is a unique experience that could only happen at EPCOT, a place dedicated to possibility, wonder and global community.

Just about 24 hours after the “Harmonious” event, we’re LIVE streaming the new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment” along with a special celebratory moment, on Thursday at 10:15 p.m. ET from Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.

In “Disney Enchantment,” you’re inspired to believe in magic, with captivating Disney music, enhanced lighting, and immersive projection effects that extend – for the first time – from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A. The evening extravaganza features stunning fireworks as well as an emotional original song, entitled “You Are the Magic,” by eight-time GRAMMY-winner and former Walt Disney World cast member Philip Lawrence.

Today, we’re sharing a new, magical behind-the-scenes look at how everything is coming together to bring “Disney Enchantment” to life at Magic Kingdom Park.

This one-of-a-kind show features characters, moments, and music from dozens of Disney and Pixar animated films. It takes you beyond the ordinary to a land of magic, where we’re swept up in a world of wonder filled with friendship, love and fun. Through it all, we’ll discover we only have to look within to find the power to believe and make dreams come true because the magic was inside us all along!

Be sure to join us on the Disney Parks Blog next week – Wednesday and Thursday – for unprecedented LIVE coverage of both nighttime spectaculars as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” at Walt Disney World Resort.

New Original Song ‘You Are the Magic’ Featured in ‘Disney Enchantment’

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

We’re just over three weeks away from the “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” at Walt Disney World on October 1. Also, debuting on October 1 is the new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment.” Disney has released new details about the song that will be featured in the new fireworks show.

“Disney Enchantment,” the brand-new nighttime spectacular coming to Magic Kingdom Park as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” features dazzling fireworks, beloved Disney music and immersive projection effects that extend from Cinderella Castle down Main Street, U.S.A. The show takes you on an emotional journey, empowering you to believe in yourself and make your dreams come true.

Philip Lawrence who wrote the original song for “Disney Enchantment” has certainly pursued his dreams and made them come true. Philip got his start as a cast member at Walt Disney World Resort, performing in shows like “Festival of the Lion King” and “Tarzan Rocks!” Through hard work and determination, he went on to find success as a songwriter and music producer, receiving 18 GRAMMY nominations and winning seven GRAMMY Awards for his collaborations with Bruno Mars on songs like “Uptown Funk” and “24K Magic.” Now, Philip has returned to where the magic began for him.

Entitled “You Are the Magic,” the song’s powerful lyrics inspire us for the journey ahead and touch our hearts and minds. And they soar to emotional high points during the climactic moments of “Disney Enchantment,” as we discover we only have to look within to ignite the magic that was inside us all along.

Philip Lawrence not only wrote “You Are the Magic” but also performs the song in “Disney Enchantment” along with actor and singer Kayla Alvarez, another former Walt Disney World cast member. Here’s a look at the recording of this incredible new song, as Philip and Kayla’s vocals come together with the sound of a full orchestra and chorus:

You’ll get to hear the complete version of “You Are the Magic” when “Disney Enchantment” Presented by Pandora Jewelry debuts October 1 at Magic Kingdom Park with the launch of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Details Revealed for Magic Kingdom’s New Nighttime Spectacular, “Disney Enchantment”

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

This week has been FULL of Walt Disney World Resort news! Earlier this week we learned about the new Disney Genie and paid “Fastpass” program coming to Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Today, Disney has been sharing loads of Disney food news including the reopening of Boma – Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (the first Disney buffet to open since the pandemic), the return of two more buffets at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, an announcement about a new restaurant coming to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and even new breakfast options arriving soon. Now the theme Park is sharing one of the most exciting pieces of news from today by revealing details about the new Magic Kingdom fireworks and nighttime spectacular called “Disney Enchantment”.

Disney has revealed new details about the previously announced “Disney Enchantment“! Soon enough we will be saying goodbye to “Happily Ever After”, as Magic Kingdom’s newest nighttime spectacular “Disney Enchantment” takes center stage above Cinderalla Castle and throughout Main Street, U.S.A. Check out the latest details below as shared by Disney.

“This all-new spectacular inspires everyone to believe in magic, with captivating Disney music, enhanced lighting, immersive projection effects that extend for the first time down Main Street, U.S.A., and an emotional original song, entitled “You Are the Magic”.

“In “Disney Enchantment,” we join dreamers like Tiana, Miguel, Rapunzel, and brothers Ian & Barley from “Onward,” and we set out on an incredible journey with adventurers such as Moana, Raya, and Judy Hopps. Joe Gardner from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” takes us into “the zone,” where we discover a whimsical world inspired by the style of legendary Disney artist Mary Blair and filled with beloved characters from classic stories like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Alice in Wonderland” to contemporary tales including “Luca” and “Wreck-It Ralph.” Everything builds to a climactic moment, as Tinker Bell takes flight, spreading shimmering gold pixie dust and empowering us all to believe in ourselves and the magic all around us.”

We’re loving the lineup of Disney films involved! It seems like Disney has kept several classics but will really be integrating some of the newer Disney films as well. And yes, it sounds like Tinker Bell will continue to fly through the sky!

Having fireworks back at Magic Kingdom has been fantastic, but “Disney Enchantment” isn’t the only nighttime spectacular we are looking forward to. Another Disney Park is preparing for the big debut of “Harmonious”. That’s right – EPCOT is saying goodbye to EPCOT Forever and preparing for their new nighttime spectacular to light up the World Showcase lagoon. Harmonious is scheduled to debut on October 1.

Music Details Revealed for EPCOT’s “Harmonious”

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Via DisneyFanatic.com

As we inch closer to Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, we are thrilled with all the celebrations and new experiences coming to the Resort with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” beginning October 1, 2021. While we’re excited that Magic Kingdom will be introducing the new nighttime spectacular, “Disney Enchantment“, we are especially thrilled with what’s coming to EPCOT! We have learned so far that EPCOT’s Space 220 Restaurant will be opening in September and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure attraction will also be open in time for the 50th Anniversary. Of course, the most highly-anticipated experience coming to EPCOT is the new “Harmonious” nighttime spectacular!

We have been watching the Harmonious progress closely from the beginning when the barges were under construction. As of recently, Disney revealed a first look at Harmonious. We’ve also learned a favorite from the former nighttime spectacular, Illuminations, is staying put! And now, Disney is giving us a closer look at the music we can expect to hear when Harmonious debuts on October 1.

Disney reveals details about the soundtrack for “Harmonious” as it was produced remotely through more than 100 separate recording sessions in nine different countries and five states. In total, nearly 240 musicians, artists, composers, arrangers, cultural consultants, and vocalists contributed to the unique and wholly authentic sound of the show. “Harmonious” takes us on a journey through new interpretations of familiar Disney songs, performed in more than a dozen languages by a cast of talented singers from around the world. Some are recognizable names, either in the United States or their home country, while others are rising stars being heard by a global audience for the first time.

Here’s a look at some of the amazing work that went on behind the scenes to create the music of “Harmonious.”

“Harmonious” opens with an inspiring medley of “How Far I’ll Go” from “Moana” and “Go the Distance” from “Hercules,” performed by “American Idol” finalist and three-time Grammy nominee Danny Gokey and vocalists Elisha Garrett and Ninet Tayeb. The show builds to a finale that unites everyone around World Showcase and from around the world, as many of the musical artists come together to perform a poignant and powerful song, bringing “Harmonious” to an emotional close.