In Remembrance of the Magic Kingdom’s Wishes Fireworks

In Remembrance of the Magic Kingdom’s Wishes Fireworks

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.

Wishes Fireworks Magic Kingdom

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:

Wishes Fireworks

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

Wishes Fireworks Birthday Cruise

Wishes Fireworks

Watching Wishes while on a fireworks cruise.

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

Wishes from Grand Floridian balcony

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 Fireworks

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!

Wishes from atop Main Street Train Station

Wishes from Main Street Train Station.

And who doesn’t love noshing down on sweets while watching the Wishes fireworks. In 2011, it looks like we were enjoying the dessert party!

Desserts at Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party

Desserts at Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party.

One of our favorite unique views of Holiday Wishes occurred while waiting to enter Be Our Guest Restaurant for an evening dinner reservation.

Wishes Fireworks from Be Our Guest Restaurant entrance.

Wishes Fireworks from Be Our Guest Restaurant entrance.

Check out a little video from that perspective.

We’ve seen Wishes from many different vantage points around the Magic Kingdom.

Watching Wishes fireworks in Magic Kingdom

Wishes from Frontierland.

We highly recommend watching from California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Magic Kingdom's Fireworks from California Grill's Observation Deck

Magic Kingdom Fireworks from California Grill Observation Deck

We hope the new Happily Ever After fireworks show is equally memorable for families planning their Walt Disney World vacations.

What will you miss about Wishes? Share your favorite Wishes memory!

Top Ten Walt Disney World Quotes

Top Ten Walt Disney World Quotes

Our Top Ten Walt Disney World Quotes

First time visitors to Walt Disney World will quickly pick up some of the catchy phrases that make repeat guests smile. My family was thinking of some of our favorite Walt Disney World quotes recently and these are just some of them. Here we go…!

“Off to Neverland”, Peter Pan’s Flight, Magic Kingdom

Exclaimed by Peter Pan.

Peter Pan's Flight, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World. Off to Neverland

Peter Pan’s Flight

“It’s A Small World”

This one may be a little TOO catchy. 😉

It's a Small World, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

It’s a Small World

“Actually, we have 999 happy haunts here, but there’s room for 1000. Any volunteers, hmmm?”, Haunted Mansion, Magic Kingdom

The entire transcript at Haunted Mansion is filled with memorable sayings.

Favorite Walt Disney World Quotes. Haunted Mansion. 999 Happy Haunts.

Happy Haunts

“Paging Mr. Morrow—Mr. Tom Morrow.”, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, Magic Kingdom

I don’t know why; this one just makes us laugh.

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover

“We Wants the Redhead”/”Dead Men Tell No Tales”, Pirates of the Caribbean, Magic Kingdom

A classic attraction — you’ll hear some awesome oneliners on this boat ride.

Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales Favorite WDW Quotes

Dead Men Tell No Tales

“’cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!”, Big Thunder Mountain, Magic Kingdom

A fun quote from the Safety Announcer.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

“Remember how easy it was to learn your ABC’s? Thank the Phoenicians—they invented them.”, Spaceship Earth, Epcot

With a rich transcript, Spaceship Earth is filled with phrases that will stay with you long after the ride.

Spaceship Earth at Epcot in Walt Disney World

Spaceship Earth

“Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas.”, Monorail, Walt Disney World Resort

Even first time visitors will be quoting this phrase by the time they reach their destination!

WDW Monorail - please stand clear of the doors. Favorite WDW Quote

Please Stand Clear of the Doors

“…and it all starts with a wish!”, Wishes, Magic Kingdom

Jiminy Cricket makes me cry. 😉

Wishes Fireworks Show in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World from California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort

Wishes Nighttime Spectacular Viewed from California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

“There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.”, Carousel of Progress, Magic Kingdom

Go ahead and sing the lyrics!

Carousel of Progress, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World. Favorite Walt Disney World Quotes.

Carousel of Progress

Now, I want to plan a trip to Disney World!

Are any of your favorite quotes from WDW attractions in this list?