[mickey]

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The power of a wish combines with magical moments from cherished Disney films and dazzling pyrotechnic effects to create "Wishes," a new story-in-the-sky fireworks spectacular debuting October 2003 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Narrated by Jiminy Cricket, who memorably served as Pinocchio's conscience in Disney's animated masterpiece, the new Magic Kingdom show tells a thrilling, heart-tugging story about making wishes come true.

"I bet a lot of you folks don't believe that -- about a wish coming true, do ya?" Jiminy says as "Wishes" begins. "Well, I didn't either. Of course, I'm just a cricket, but let me tell ya what changed my mind. Ya see, the most fantastic, magical things can happen -- and it all starts with a wish!"

At several times the size of "Fantasy in the Sky," Magic Kingdom's previous fireworks show, "Wishes" is the biggest, boldest pyrotechnic display ever staged in the theme park that celebrates fantasy and the fantastic.

The 12-minute spectacle takes guests through treasured tales of adventure and romance from classic Disney films, accompanied by brilliant bursts of color and light above -- and around -- Cinderella Castle.

" 'Wishes' takes us into the heart of Disney storytelling and shows us that wishes can come true if you believe in them with all your heart," said Steven Davison of Walt Disney Creative Entertainment, who created "Wishes" and Disneyland's popular "Believe... There's Magic in the Stars" fireworks spectacular.

"The goal of the show is to move guests in a very special way, to fill them with a magic only Disney can create and, most of all, to give everyone a magical memory to treasure for a lifetime."

The story of "Wishes" blends classic Disney songs and character voices with pyrotechnic effects never seen before in a Disney theme park, including several new sites for launching fireworks that create moments both breathtaking and intimate.

The warmly emotional presentation provides the perfect "kiss goodnight" for Magic Kingdom guests and is a key element of Magical Gatherings, a new program that makes it easier than ever to plan a Walt Disney World vacation for large groups of friends and family.

"What 'Wishes' is created to do is bring everyone together at night," Davison said. "They all may have different experiences during the day but at night we're asking everyone to come to the Magic Kingdom to watch what happens when family and friends all make a wish together and see what happens in the sky."

While "Wishes" replaces "Fantasy in the Sky," which premiered in 1976, one fondly remembered element remains -- a certain mischievous pixie who flies high above Magic Kingdom to demonstrate the power of believing in a wish.

"We'll make people cry, we'll make people laugh," Davison said. "It's a show about emotions, and really what Disney does best."

"Wishes" is presented most nights at Magic Kingdom.

[MickeyMamma]

Sounds great!

Any word on when in October they will begin showing it? (Hoping it's early October!)

[garada3]

I thought I read somewhere that during previous MNSSHP the fireworks were the same as Fantasy in the Sky, but with Halloween music.

Any guesses as to whether the new show "Wishes" will be used during MNSSHP?

Just trying to figure out if I need to plan for the family to be in the MK on another night to see "Wishes" or if we will see it the night we go to MNSSHP.

Thanks!

[DisneyAnne]

Sounds GREAT! Wish I was going sooner than I am... Its good to hear that Tink will still be playing a significant role too... ;)

[DisneyTeacher]

That was my thought too, Anne. As I was reading I kept waiting to read that Tinkerbell would still fly over the MK. I hate to see things change but this sounds like it will be a great show.

[sandanv1]

I love the WDW fireworks show. I will be there till the 5th od Oct. I hope they have the new show.

[jwdj4lfe]

I've been waiting for Disney to release the info on the new fireworks show! Thanks Mickey for posting it! "Wishes" sounds amazing! That artical makes me want to see the show right now! lol. Maybe this is something everyone going to the meet and greet can watch one night?! Maybe on our last night! I gotta talk to you Anne! lol;) . This show is I think 5 minutes longer then FitS! Thats a whole lotta new material! lol. I just cant wait! I wish there was a way for me to hear the music now:whistle: lol.
Joe:)

[mickaholic4077]

That's a great idea,Joe,about us all going one night. Let's just hope that they have during the time we will be there.

[anlashokna]

I heard something somewhere that the new show was starting October 9th...now if i can just figure out where the devil i read that....

[NeilAndr]

Will the show feature Walt's voice at all? I always thought this one of the most poignant and moving moments of the last show.

[baloo]

The 9th would be great, we arrive on the 10th. I love all of WDW fireworks, this sounds even better.

[monorailgoof]

This works out well!
I am going to WDW in October!
I will tell everyone how it goes!
:)
Great post Mickey

[Rob Parsons]

If it's better than " Fantasy in the Sky " then it must be fantastic.

Did anyone else experience the special firework display at Mickey's VM Xmas Party ?. If they did and have a photo to share then please post it here.

I thought they were the best I'd seen............comparable to EPCOT's ............and if this new show is as good as that then we're all in for a very special treat.

[LRTJS]

I saw on the DW site the first night listed for it is the 9. I wrote the ALL EARS and they told me the 8, the same day as Mickey's Philharmagic. Park Hopper (who I think knows all the secrets) told me the 8. Hopefully I can find out for sure when I get there Oct. 4.....just a few weeks!!! How am I going to wait????

[richwdw]

We had a Contemporary tower room, MK side the week of 9/19-26.
We saw a couple of fireworks displays well after the park closed, one was at midnight, the other about 10 PM, with music etc., but we could hear non-disney type ( part of the show ) loudspeaker instructions being broadcast after the fireworks. I could not make out what they were saying, must have been a dry run for castmembers.
The one at midnight did not have music or loudspeaker instructions.
I must say it is great to lay in your bed with the curtains open and watch for things like that. I will have to wait many blue moons before another trip.