Happily Ever After, a nighttime spectacular featuring thrilling lights, lasers, special effects, and fireworks you already know and love, returns to Magic Kingdom Park. We’ve got your guide to what’s new, what’s the same, and what you can expect. 

If you’re a Walt Disney World fan who was seriously disappointed when Happily Ever After wrapped up its initial run back in September 2021, we’ve got great news: Less than two years later, this beloved fireworks show is back! Happily Ever After will return to Magic Kingdom Park on April 3, 2023, giving Guests the chance to experience its magic in person once again.

This dazzling show combines color, light, and song into an awe-inspiring journey that weaves together plenty of your favorite Disney stories. And as its fireworks, lights, lasers, and other special effects take place, they transform Cinderella Castle into something absolutely amazing. If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of this show, it’s one you’ll want to catch ASAP during its return!

While much of this returning nighttime spectacular will feature the very same special effects you’ve seen before, Happily Ever After did get some significant updates during its downtime. Below, we’re breaking down what’s changed, what to look for, and what you can expect the next time you’re hoping to catch a showing of this fireworks extravaganza at the Magic Kingdom.

What’s New for Happily Ever After

Photo by Danny Shuster

There’s only one big change in the newest iteration of this fan-favorite nighttime spectacular. The projections that illuminate the face of Cinderella Castle during the show now go beyond the castle alone and extend down Main Street, U.S.A. to draw in more Guests and make the show increasingly more immersive.

No matter where you stand, you can capture a view of either the castle projections or the Main Street projections, ensuring you’re never far from the animations and vibrant illuminations. Plus, each showing may differ slightly if you catch multiple nights of Happily Ever After – standing on Main Street offers a different view from different angles!

However, much of Happily Ever After remains the same. If you loved the original, you’ll still love this refreshed and returning version! Beyond the extended projections that stretch down Main Street, U.S.A. and across Cinderella Castle, it’s just the same as it was during its first run (and based on our sneak peek, the crowd was absolutely thrilled by this!). The soundtrack and castle projects are identical, although they may seem even better than you remember.

How to See Happily Ever After

If you’re hoping to catch Happily Ever After while it’s back in action at Magic Kingdom Park, you’ll want to jump on the opportunity! The show officially returns for Guests on April 3, 2023. It’s currently planned for a 9:00 PM performance each night – but keep in mind that each show is subject to changes in showtime or cancellation, depending on weather and park hours. You’ll want to check the daily entertainment schedule and keep an eye on your My Disney Experience app to see the latest updates and official showtimes during your visit.

Thanks to Disney for hosting us on a 2-night #AllTheDisneyThrills Media Event where we were able to conduct interviews, learn about exciting updates at Walt Disney World, stay at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and experience several dining and attraction offerings. #AllTheDisneyThrills