In Remembrance of the Magic Kingdom’s Wishes Fireworks

by Kimberly LaPaglia | May 12, 2017 | Castles, Disney, Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Wishes Fireworks Ends

During a family dinner this past week, we were lamenting the end of the Wishes fireworks display at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World (WDW). Our teen son, Nic, exclaimed “Wishes has been the fireworks show for my whole life”. Well, then I realized that this goodbye was going to be harder than I thought.

Nic’s first visit to WDW was in 2002. At first, the fireworks were difficult for him to watch as he was sensitive to the noise. But over the years, he grew to look forward to viewing Wishes on every visit. And at 17, he still loves to watch the show. As does our whole family.

Since the show debuted in 2003, technically Nic did see the previous show — Fantasy in the Sky. But by the time of his second visit to Walt Disney World in December 2003, Wishes had become the nighttime entertainment at the Magic Kingdom. Michael and I have watched it as a couple, as parents, with our parents next to us, with friends, with Disney Parks Moms Panel family, and with other family members. That’s a lot of Wishes memories that bind us together with the special people in our lives.

When You Wish Upon a Star is one of my all-time favorite songs. It always makes me tear up. And every time Jiminy Crickett announces the following my eyes got watery and my lip quivered…

You see, the most fantastic, magical things can happen, and it all starts with a wish! -- Jiminy Crickett Click To Tweet

So, today, I’m just going to take a moment to remember Wishes, as well as the holiday variations enjoyed over the years. We’ve watched the show while staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village, Contemporary, and Wilderness Lodge. Sadly, most of my fireworks photos are blurry, but here’s a few memories in honor of Wishes:

2003: Watching Wishes from Polynesian Beach.

One of my favorite memories was when my family surprised me with a Wishes fireworks birthday cruise.

Wishes Fireworks Birthday Cruise

Watching Wishes while on a fireworks cruise.

This slightly obstructed Wishes view was taken from our balcony at the Grand Floridian.

Wishes from balcony at Grand Floridian

During my December 2007 Disney Parks Moms Panel training, we enjoyed watching Wishes from the Train Station.

Watching Wishes during 2007 Disney Parks Moms Panel Training.

And the following year, we went to a private party for the Disney World Moms Panel, and again watched the fireworks from atop the Main Street train station. Stellar view!