Experience Disney movie magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The summer nights are alive in the Orlando theme parks! There's no better way to top off a day of magic and adventure than by catching one last spectacular show under the stars. This summer is shaping up to the best in recent years, offering many all-new shows, as well as a few classics, that are sure to end your night with a bang! Here are some of the hottest fireworks and nighttime shows going on now.

Disney Movie Magic at Hollywood Studios
This brand new projection show takes you on a journey through the greatest live-action movies Disney has ever produced. Brilliantly projected onto the facade of the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theater and surrounding buildings, the show is a cinematic experience sure to bring about feelings of nostalgia and delight in audience members of all ages. It celebrates classic films like Marry Poppins, spotlights new favorites like Guardians of the Galaxy, and pays tribute to all-time greats like Indiana Jones. There's something for everyone in this amazing 10-minute performance. Even some lesser known movies get screen time including That Darn Cat, The Black Hole and The Rocketeer! Your family will have a blast trying to identify them all. Stick around after the show for the "Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular" fireworks display that starts soon after in the same location.

Happily Ever After lights up the sky above Disney’s Magic Kingdom

Happily Ever After at Disney's Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom is known for having incredible nightly fireworks displays, and Happily Ever After is the most incredible to date. This new breathtaking show combines the latest in fireworks, pyrotechnics, original music and more. Cinderella Castle comes alive like never before with state-of-the-art projection mapping featuring all new hand-drawn animation. The real star here are the fireworks though. Happily Ever After features the most fireworks in a Disney World nightly show, ever! The show’s new musical score, classic Disney songs edited into fun mash-up medleys, and an entirely new song created just for this show are beautifully moving and fit the action perfectly. And of course, it's always an emotional moment seeing Tinkerbell make her way down from the castle at the end of the show. It wouldn't be a complete day at the Magic Kingdom without it. 

Ignite at SeaWorld Orlando is the newest nighttime spectacular

Ignite at SeaWorld Orlando
Part of SeaWorld Orlando's Electric Ocean celebration this summer, Ignite is a colorful high-energy display that incorporates fountains, lighting effects, fireworks and more. Taking place over the lagoon in front of Bayside Stadium this exciting new show features a catchy original song that is perfectly synchronized to the dazzling fireworks and special effects. As if the fireworks and dancing colorful fountains weren't enough, the entire sky is illuminated by glowing orange balls of fire throughout the show in a beautiful display of pyrotechnics. Get your seats at Bayside Stadium early for the best view and your kids can dance and play during "Club Sea Glow" while you wait for the show to start. It's a fun dance party for all ages with a live DJ and special performances. Ignite is only running for a limited time during the summer so be sure to catch it before it's gone.

Animal Kingdom creates a unique experience with Rivers of Light 

Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom
The night comes alive at Disney's Animal Kingdom when Rivers of Light begins in the Discovery River near Asia. This new show combines live performers, floating set-pieces, water projections and more in a celebration of animals and nature. Walls of water display never-before-seen footage from the Disneynature documentary series while boats and floating scenery move around in a perfectly choreographed ballet. The show is all about light and it uses innovative technology to illuminate the sky in many different and unique ways. There are more than 50,000 color-changing LED lights on just the four animal floats alone! It's a mesmerizing blend of song, light, and vivid color you'll never forget. Before leaving the park you can also watch the "Tree of Life Awakenings" display. Approximately every 10 minutes after sunset the animals carved into the Tree of Life will come alive through amazing animated imagery.

Cinematic Spectacular at Universal Studios Florida celebrates 100 years of entertainment

Cinematic Spectacular at Universal Studios Florida
This nightly show celebrates over 100 years of Universal Pictures entertainment. Set in the Universal Orlando lagoon at the center of the park, classic movie clips are projected onto huge waterfalls. Colorful fountains and pyrotechnic effects are synchronized with the films as well. Take a trip down memory lane while enjoying montages featuring clips from some of the greatest films of all time. From musicals and comedies to action-adventure to science fiction and fantasy, this show is guaranteed to excite everyone in your family. Of course the mischievous Minions make a few appearances as well. Look above you for a ceiling of impressive laser effects and a climatic fireworks display to top it all off. Universal's Cinematic Spectacular takes place every night this summer, just before park closing, so be sure not to miss it before heading out!

Orlando, FL – 7/17/17

By: Alicia Stella
Photos courtesy of: Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, and Universal Orlando