We’re excited to see Disney Parks slowly returning to the normal we know and love. Park hours have been extended, fireworks are returning and details regarding the 50th anniversary celebration in 2021 are emerging.
As of November 25th, the very first fireworks have returned to Walt Disney World with low-level bursts added to this year’s new Cinderella Castle holiday projection show. Disney is referring to this as “pyrotechnic pixie-dust moments”. These add occasional bursts of joy each night at Magic Kingdom along with the projection effects that transform Cinderella Castle with holiday cheer.
These are not full-on fireworks but these different bursts go off in 15-minute intervals along with transitions of the four varying castle designs. The projections cycle through every 15 minutes from “as soon as it’s dark enough” until the last guests leave the park that night. Cast Members make sure guests know that there’s no official “show” for the night.
December Park Hours (subject to change):
Magic Kingdom
- December 6, 11-13, 18-19: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM (previously opening at 9:00 AM)
- December 7-10, 14-17: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (previously opening at 9:00 AM)
- December 31: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM (previously 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
EPCOT
- December 31: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (previously 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- December 6-19: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (previously opening at 10:00 AM)
- December 31: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (previously 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
Animal Kingdom
- December 4-6, 11-13, 18-19: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (previously closing at 7:00 PM)
- December 7-10, 14-17: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (previously opening at 9:00 AM)
- December 31: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM (previously 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Planning for Disney’s 50th Anniversary celebration is underway and some preparations are already complete. Disney has already repainted Cinderella Castle, the highway entrance, and the Magic Kingdom parking entrance. More details will be revealed soon but we can expect to see some technology updates that coincide with the celebration. Tilak Mandad, EVP of Digital and CTO of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products also stated during his presentation about the future of Disney technology that Disney hopes “you will join us next year for Walt Disney World’s 50th for a taste of what’s to come.”
We’re so excited to see that visitors are receiving the full experience and we are looking forward to helping our clients experience the magic. If a 2021 Disney parks vacation is part of your plans – we would love to help. Request a quote here.
