How much do you think Disney spends on it's firework displays each night?

[RamseyTrio]

I'm sort of curious to know what it costs Disney to set off those fireworks each evening. We went to see some at an amusement park near us and of course they weren't anything great compared to WDW but it got me wondering

 

[stinkerbelle]

I *think* I heard $40k....but I could be totally wrong.
I know for 4th of July the town we saw fireworks in spent about $10k...and even though it was a great show, it was NOTHING compared to Wishes.

 

[liznboys]

I have no idea, but I always wonder things like this too. I'm sure the amount would blow me away!!

 

[rangebob]

They may say $40,000 but it is only about $10,000 at the max. I'm looking at starting up a company and that is about all that it may cost them. I'm sure they also have figured into that amount the cost to pay the pyro techs, insurance and other consumable costs.

 

[Cobra B.]

I think it's safe to say less than they bring in in Admission Tix that day.

 

[NotUrsula]

It would cost them less to do it each night than it would most situations for a one-off kind of show, as they do have economies of scale, and f/t techs onboard as salaried staff.

That said, it still isn't exactly cheap. They must think it is worth it.

 

[Del]

I laughed when i read your question---I've asked myself and dh that one each time we saw Wishes.

Del

 

[cobbler]

Not sure how accurate this is but a CM told me they spend 3500/night on Illuminations.

 

[peter11435]

Not sure how accurate this is but a CM told me they spend 3500/night on Illuminations.

I can guarantee you that figure is very low, 3500 would not by you much when your dealing with high end pyro.

 

[bytheblood]

From the Web:

IllumiNations is simply an awe inspiring and emotional combination of fireworks, music, lasers, and water show.
Each year Epcot's Imagineering team, together with General Electric, creates one of Disney's most mesmerizing fireworks displays. Year after year, with technological improvements, creativity, and more magic; Disney again astonishes guests from around the world. This year, because of the Millennium Celebration, Epcot has increased its fireworks display by 40% from last year. The complexity of the show will permanently inscribe a memory in your heart. The emotions that the show provokes are astonishing.
IllumiNations 2000 is not just a fireworks show, but a music, light, and water show combined. Controlled by 60 computers in 45 locations around Epcot, the IllumiNations 2000 show is one of Disney's most complex and sophisticated events. Every night, Disney spends over $40,000 on fireworks alone for Epcot's show. The globe, which cost over several million dollars to create, is one of the centerpieces of the event. The music, created by Disney artists, was designed to synchronize with the light show, water show, and, of course, fireworks. Every second there's excitement and climax in the air.

I would not doubt that it costs this much as their fireworks are not just shot from the ground, but they are lifted with compressed air.

Our 4th of July fireworks show locally is close to 8K and it does not even come close to Illuminations.

 

[jctwizzer]

When Illuminations opened, an upper level CM told us it was $35,000 nightly; and that was before gas prices went up, so $40,000 is probably a good estimate, based on what we were told. Wishes shouldn't be quite that much, but it is elaborate and requires super timing.
Either way, they are enjoyable...and put most other displays to shame