The music also includes a new original song from Philip Lawrence and Kayla Alvarez. The show has received mixed reviews; while some have praised it for its technological advancements, others have criticized it for its lack of focus on the past and present of Walt Disney World or classic Disney movies, although its reception has improved with recent efforts to include Walt Disney and his older brother Roy in the show more.
On September 11, 2022 at the D23, Disney announced that the show's predecessor, Happily Ever After, was to return in the year 2023. Disney later confirmed on January 10, 2023 that Disney Enchantment will play for the final time on April 2, 2023, two days after the end of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration with Happily Ever After taking back its place the night after. In October 2023, Disney Parks announced that Disney Enchantment would make a limited return during after hours events at the Magic Kingdom beginning on January 11, 2024.
In Disney Enchantment, we join dreamers like Tiana, Miguel, Rapunzel, and Lightfoot brothers, Ian and Barley from Onward, and we set out on an incredible journey with adventurers such as Moana, Raya, and Judy Hopps. Joe Gardner from Soul takes us into “the zone”, where we discover a whimsical world, inspired by the style of legendary Disney artist Mary Blair, and filled with beloved characters from classic stories, like Beauty and the Beast and Alice in Wonderland to contemporary tales including Luca and Wreck-It Ralph. Everything builds to a climactic moment, as Tinker Bell takes flight, spreading shimmering gold pixie dust and empowering us all to believe in ourselves and the magic all around us.
Show scenes[]
Introduction (added from August 22, 2022)
The show begins with an opening fanfare that includes the movement of searchlights across Cinderella Castle and the park hub, ending with two large firework bursts. Narration from Angela Bassett welcomes guests with the following words:
"Good evening, tonight we gather in a most enchanted kingdom, one overflowing with magic. And, once upon a time, it all began with a dream."
An instrumental version of “When You Wish Upon a Star” plays as historical footage and images from the announcement of Walt Disney World's construction in Florida, including Walt Disney from EPCOT film appear across the castle. A large blueprint canvas is then spread out across the castle, cycling between stylized characters, designs, and music from select attractions:
After showcasing of the attractions, Roy O. Disney's opening day speech and dedication follows, the castle slowly transforming into its original color scheme to complement its history and Partners statue was illuminated in the segment. As Roy's dedication ends, a large swarm of Mickey-shaped balloons begins to float from beneath the castle, ascending into the sky. Mickey Mouse, holding onto the final set of balloons, appears and lets go of them, leaping down onto the castle balcony and greeting the guests, reminding them that “they are the magic”.
Then, an instrumental version of “The Second Star to the Right” plays while Angela Bassett narrates the following words.
"Now the magic of dreams come true is calling out to you. Inspiring each of you to wish upon a star, follow your hearts, and discover a world full of wonder. Like those who have answered the call, if you allow your dream to be your guide, you may be surprised by what you discover. So long as you simply believe."
On the day of the opening night, Disney released the Walt Disney World Resort's 50th anniversary rededication on YouTube. The rededication is followed by the full fireworks show of Disney Enchantment.
On August 22, 2022, the introduction to the show was modified to include archive footage of Walt and Roy O. Disney, to better honor the resort's 50th anniversary. The show's reception was improved somewhat as a result.
As part of the show's revamp on August 22, 2022, Pirates of the Caribbean is the only non-animated Disney film that appeared in the show as the film being a part of the attraction, whereas It's a Small World, The Haunted Mansion, and Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress are the only non-film Disney properties that appeared in the said show.
