How Much Does Walt Disney World Spend On Fireworks?
If you’ve ever visited Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, you’ve likely experienced the magical and awe-inspiring fireworks displays that light up the night sky above the parks.
These extravagant shows are a signature element of the Disney experience and are beloved by visitors of all ages. But have you ever wondered just how much Disney World spends on these mesmerizing fireworks displays?
According to estimates, the “Wish” fireworks display at Magic Kingdom costs around $40,000 to $50,000 per show.
From the pyrotechnics to the music and choreography, numerous elements go into creating the perfect Disney fireworks show.
How Much Do The Fireworks At Magic Kingdom Cost?
Most estimates believe the cost of the evening fireworks show at Magic Kingdom is between $40,000 and $50,000.
However, that’s only an estimate as nobody inside Disney has been able to confirm, and even if they were the number will change depending on the;
- Number of shows taking place
- Types of shows taking place
- Material & labour cost changes
However, keep in mind that the evening show isn’t the only time that Disney uses fireworks within Magic Kingdom.
For example, a couple of fireworks are included in Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire show while other fireworks shows take place in addition to the night-time spectaculars at select times of the year.
This includes Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show which takes place during the Disney Very Merriest After Hours event, an exclusive after-hours event which takes place inside Magic Kingdom.
This means that during selected times of the year, Magic Kingdom can occasionally have two evening fireworks shows. One for general admission, and another for after-hours guests.
These figures also don’t account for the change in the main fireworks shows. For example; until April 2nd 2023, the evening fireworks performance is Disney Enchantment. However, on April 3rd the incredible Happily Ever After returns.
It’s unknown if there’s a difference in the number of fireworks used in each of these performances, although it is likely.
Having seen both of these performances myself, I wouldn’t be able to tell you which has more or fewer fireworks. Only that I found Disney Enchantment to be incredibly underwhelming when compared to the incredible show that is happily Ever After.
Happily Ever After originally launched back on May 12th 2017 and ended on September 29th 2021 to make way for Disney Enchantment.
This change was highly criticised by the Disney fanbase (myself included) as Happily Ever After had become such an integral part of the Magic Kingdom experience.
Thankfully, cast members at Disney listened and now we’ll be seeing a new, enhanced version of the show when it relaunches later this year.
Unsurprisingly, with different shows taking place throughout the year, the number of fireworks, the amount of money spent on fireworks and the duration of the fireworks display varies.
How Much Do The Fireworks At EPCOT Cost?
The fireworks show at EPCOT is in my opinion not quite as elaborate as that inside Magic Kingdom therefore it’s no surprise that reports suggest only $15,000 is estimated to be spent on the evening fireworks show here.
Again, this is only an estimate as Disney has never disclosed the full cost, and much like at Magic Kingdom the exact cost will vary depending on the;
- Number of shows taking place
- Types of shows taking place
- Material & labour cost changes
That being said the lower cost of EPCOT’s fireworks when compared to Magic Kingdom isn’t surprising considering the estimated footfall and subsequently the revenue generated by each of the parks.
An estimated 57,000 people visit Magic Kingdom daily compared to an estimated 34,000 on average who visit EPCOT.
The current evening fireworks performance at EPCOT is Harmonious. However, much like in Magic Kingdom, EPCOT is also going to be seeing a new show, EPCOT Forever launching on April 3rd.
How Many Fireworks Does Disney Use Each Year?
Nobody knows exactly how many fireworks Disney uses inside the Walt Disney World Resort annually, although it’s estimated to be in the millions.
The theme park is known for its elaborate fireworks displays, which can include hundreds of fireworks each night.
In addition to the nightly shows, Disney’s seasonal and special event displays, such as the Fourth of July celebrations and New Year’s Eve events, often feature even larger and more intricate fireworks displays.
To produce such impressive fireworks shows, Disney has a team of experts who design and implement the displays.
The team includes pyrotechnic specialists who choreograph the shows to music and create intricate displays using innovative technology.
Does Disney Make Their Own Fireworks?
Disney’s commitment to creating unique and unforgettable experiences for its visitors is evident in the company’s approach to creating its own fireworks displays.
Disney has a dedicated team of pyrotechnics experts who design, develop, and produce their own unique fireworks shows.
This team of Imagineers, designers, and technicians works together to create one-of-a-kind fireworks displays that are tailored to specific parks, events, and themes.
Disney’s team begins the process by developing custom fireworks shells that are specifically designed to fit each show’s theme and style. The shells are then assembled, wired, and tested to ensure that they function safely and effectively.
Once the shells are prepared, the team choreographs the show, synchronizing the fireworks display with music, lighting, and special effects to create a spectacular and immersive experience for visitors.
In addition to creating its own fireworks, Disney places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility in their fireworks shows.
The company has developed eco-friendly fireworks that produce less smoke and reduce their impact on the environment.
They also use environmentally friendly materials, such as biodegradable confetti, to minimize the environmental impact of their displays.
Disney’s commitment to safety is another critical aspect of its fireworks shows. The company follows strict safety protocols to ensure that the fireworks displays are safe for both the guests and performers.
This includes implementing safety measures such as using specially designed launch pads, and protective barriers, as well as maintaining a safe distance between the fireworks and the guests.