Illuminations & Wishes Changing?

[bonrea]

Anyone know when the two fireworks shows will be changing to a new show design; or if at all? It has been years since they last changed. I know Illuminations was different in 1994.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I have not heard of the shows changing; however, I recently read a TR where the family saw an INCREDIBLE fireworks show from the balcony of their room (they thought it was better than the current Wishes or Illuminations). It seemed to be a vendor putting on a show for Disney. Not saying it was, not saying it will replace anything current, but I did think it was interesting!

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I haven't heard of any changes in the works for Wishes. IllumiNations is supposed to be getting some kind of Celebrate overlay for the new promotion, but there's been no announcement on what exactly the overlay will consist of or when it will begin.

 

[bonrea]

Anyone know how long Disney has been doing the Wishes display?

 

[mitros]

I have not heard of the shows changing; however, I recently read a TR where the family saw an INCREDIBLE fireworks show from the balcony of their room (they thought it was better than the current Wishes or Illuminations). It seemed to be a vendor putting on a show for Disney. Not saying it was, not saying it will replace anything current, but I did think it was interesting!

You sure it wasn't the Epcot Christmas version that they show from Thanksgiving til New Years? It's more spectacular then the regular show.

 

[mitros]

Anyone know how long Disney has been doing the Wishes display?

Wishes started in 2005. Before that the fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom was called Fantasy in the Sky.

 

[mitros]

Anyone know when the two fireworks shows will be changing to a new show design; or if at all? It has been years since they last changed. I know Illuminations was different in 1994.

And Illuminations has changed several times since 1994.

 

[brookelizabeth]

You sure it wasn't the Epcot Christmas version that they show from Thanksgiving til New Years? It's more spectacular then the regular show.

The family went to WDW in either late October or early November, so it wasn't the Christmas show - and they were staying at WL and could see it from their balcony, but it wasn't coming from MK either. Her guess (the writer of the TR) was that it might be for some future show.

But, I have also heard of other fireworks displays going on, by various companies, showing Disney what they can do in hopes to become a vendor for their shows, not necissarly to change the existing show.

 

[cindyfan]

Wishes started in 2005. Before that the fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom was called Fantasy in the Sky.

Wishes actually began in Oct 2003. I remember it very well because we were staying at the Poly. for the first few nights we were there, after the park was closed, they did "practice runs". We watched from the beach! At the time we had no idea what was going on.
Then we asked about it. We were told it was the new fireworks display.
and the best treat.... the last 2 nights we were there, they had the "premiere" of Wishes!!
It was magical!!!!!!!
I can't believe it's been 5 years!!!!!!!!!! I highly doubt they will be changing it... maybe add a few things, but certainly not change the music, etc.

Illuminations on the other hand could use a little updating.... even though it's our favorite (yes, we like it even better than Wishes!)..... a few changes to freshen it up would be good!

 

[mitros]

The family went to WDW in either late October or early November, so it wasn't the Christmas show - and they were staying at WL and could see it from their balcony, but it wasn't coming from MK either. Her guess (the writer of the TR) was that it might be for some future show.

But, I have also heard of other fireworks displays going on, by various companies, showing Disney what they can do in hopes to become a vendor for their shows, not necissarly to change the existing show.

I was under the impression that Disney did all their fireworks shows in-house. They have a whole corporate division just for the fireworks. It could have been Disney themselves testing new shows.

 

[MomofKatie]

The family went to WDW in either late October or early November, so it wasn't the Christmas show - and they were staying at WL and could see it from their balcony, but it wasn't coming from MK either. Her guess (the writer of the TR) was that it might be for some future show.

I believe there was a convention of people that do pyrotechnics/fireworks shows around that time. There was a BIG privately-run show they put on at the lagoon near the Contemporary during the convention. Anyone could come and see it- it was supposedly spectacular, with several new techniques and products (I recall Mickey Head-shaped explosions being mentioned). Wish I was there to see it- I LOVE fireworks shows. Wishes is my absolute favorite Disney show- the P&P party show was also amazing.

 

[Crazy Hakim]

I have not heard of the shows changing; however, I recently read a TR where the family saw an INCREDIBLE fireworks show from the balcony of their room (they thought it was better than the current Wishes or Illuminations). It seemed to be a vendor putting on a show for Disney. Not saying it was, not saying it will replace anything current, but I did think it was interesting!

The "incredible" fireworks show was a private convention and every few years they stay at Disney. Here is some info from back in September:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=27590115

 

[BamaEd1]

I have not heard of the shows changing; however, I recently read a TR where the family saw an INCREDIBLE fireworks show from the balcony of their room (they thought it was better than the current Wishes or Illuminations). It seemed to be a vendor putting on a show for Disney. Not saying it was, not saying it will replace anything current, but I did think it was interesting!

Earlier this year that was actually a firework manufacturer's international convention at WDW. One night, they did Wishes and the convention sponsored another show immediately after it. I heard from a friend that it was shot from all around MK and was incredible. Who knew they had fireworks conventions; what a cool job

 

[Crazy Hakim]

Earlier this year that was actually a firework manufacturer's international convention at WDW. One night, they did Wishes and the convention sponsored another show immediately after it. I heard from a friend that it was shot from all around MK and was incredible. Who knew they had fireworks conventions; what a cool job

I was there, at the Poly to watch. They did not do Wishes that night. The convention finale was set up at the Contemporary. They had a private viewing area set up for attendees. Disney stopped all water transportation for the show to begin. Most of the heavy artillery fireworks were launched from the islands in the middle of Seven Seas Lagoon, and a lot of low stuff was set off near the private viewing area. It was about 20 minutes long, and spectacular. I know they held this convention at Disney 5 years ago, and Disney tried to cash in by having special pre fix menu at California Grill and also brought in Kenny Logins to perform at the finale.
BTW, the buzz about the show got out and there were a lot of people at the Poly specifically there to see the show.
Also, there are some You Tube Video of the convention fireworks if you poke around you should be able to locate them.