With safety and distancing requirements at the parks and resorts rapidly fading, Disney has officially announced return dates for its signature nighttime entertainment.
Beginning July 1, 2021, fireworks will begin to make their return at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. "Happily Ever After" at Magic Kingdom and "EPCOT Forever" at EPCOT will resume nightly presentations on July 1. On the left coast, Disneyland's "Mickey's Mix Magic" is slated to return just in time for Independence Day on July 4. All three shows combine pyrotechnics, music, projections and other effects to bring classic Disney characters and settings to life.
There is no word on the status of Fantasmic! or other nighttime shows. It was previously revealed that Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom would not return.
The news comes as phyisical distancing and face mask requirements have been all but eliminated for vaccinated guests. Effective June 15, masks are only required on Disney transportation including buses, monoaril and Disney's Skyliner. Those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are no longer required to wear masks in other areas including attraction queues and interiors, restaurants and gift shops. Most operating attractions have resumed filling all rows in ride vehicles and theaters. Disney has resumed loading multiple parties in a single Skyliner gondola during periods of peak usage and monorail capacity has been increased.
Guests who have not been vaccinated are required to continue wearing approved facial coverings in all public areas of the Disney parks and resorts.
While select attractions and restaurants have still not reopened from the COVID-19 shutdown, resumption of fireworks is the latest indicator that Disney is moving closer to normal operations. 'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and Sebastian's Bistro at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort are both slated to reopen in the coming weeks.
