Disney nighttime show schedule changes

In late July, Walt Disney World announced adjustments to the start times of its flagship nighttime spectacles. The Magic Kingdom’s fireworks show Happily Ever After was moved from its regular 10 p.m. slot to 9:30 p.m. beginning August 31, with the new timing set to run at least through September 21. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Fantasmic! performance was shifted from 9 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting August 23, with an extra 10 p.m. showing added on select nights and a later 9:30 p.m. slot introduced on September 18.

A week later, Disney’s Hollywood Studios confirmed that its nighttime entertainment lineup would continue, with Fantasmic! remaining on the schedule and some dates offering a second performance to ease crowding. The park also announced the return of Disney Movie Magic, a projection-mapping show at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, slated for August 9, 2026, at 8:40 p.m. Additional family-focused stage shows, such as Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! and the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, were highlighted as part of the broader entertainment offering.

Further updates indicate that the Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After fireworks will continue to shift earlier to account for changing daylight hours. Following the August 31 adjustment, the show is scheduled to move to a 9:00 p.m. start time beginning October 5 on select nights. It is noted that the 18-minute performance, which features fireworks, lasers, and projections at Cinderella Castle, does not run on nights when Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is scheduled. Additionally, Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to host ‘Disney After Hours’ events, which are limited-capacity, late-night sessions. For the current year, ticket prices for these events range between $159 and $189, with some options providing a ‘mix-in’ period for entry up to 2.5 hours before the official start.