Overall Rating: 4 StarsNo holiday visit to Disneyland is complete without seeing the fireworks show! Now, Disney fireworks shows already have a grand reputation, so I know I won't need to convince you of that. "Believe . . . in Holiday Magic" is a great mix of Disney and the holiday season and is truly - at the risk of sounding super cliche - heart-warming! |
Atmosphere: 3 Stars
The atmosphere at the beginning is much the same as any other fireworks show, so what sets this one apart is the ending. Every night they make it snow! In southern California! Obviously, it isn't real snow, but does it really matter in the moment? I thought it would be cheesy but it made the night very special. It's hard to describe.
Entertainment Quality: 4 Stars
Sometimes Disney has been guilty of making a show way too corny, and in the case of the holiday season that isn't hard to do. Add one too many "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" type songs or orchestra swells during "The Christmas Song" and everyone wants to go home. Other times, though, they hit it right on the mark! Not many of the songs are Disney per se, but they all invoke great memories of the holidays. By the way, both of those things I mentioned happen during the show and I don't care!
Oh, and the snow I mentioned? I've never seen a fireworks crowd turn toward each other after the show with such warmth and kindness. There's something about the snowfall at the end that fills everyone with some indescribable yet unmistakable Christmas "cheer". It is an experience that will stay with me for a long time.
Oh, and the snow I mentioned? I've never seen a fireworks crowd turn toward each other after the show with such warmth and kindness. There's something about the snowfall at the end that fills everyone with some indescribable yet unmistakable Christmas "cheer". It is an experience that will stay with me for a long time.
Time Commitment: 4 Stars
The show is about 15 minutes long, but remember that's actually pretty average for a Disneyland fireworks spectacular. It's even longer if you count the time at the end with the snowfall, which I would!
You won't need to line up very early to get a good view of the show since pretty much everything happens in the sky. This year I also wouldn't be surprised if they continue to pipe the show music by the Rivers of America and "it's a small world", so check there for viewing areas as well if you're worried about the crowds. Main Street, however, is where the snow is! Also, word of advice, plan to see the show on your first night because high altitude winds can cancel the show very easily.
You won't need to line up very early to get a good view of the show since pretty much everything happens in the sky. This year I also wouldn't be surprised if they continue to pipe the show music by the Rivers of America and "it's a small world", so check there for viewing areas as well if you're worried about the crowds. Main Street, however, is where the snow is! Also, word of advice, plan to see the show on your first night because high altitude winds can cancel the show very easily.