First fireworks displays take place at Magic Kingdom, Epcot since closures due to COVID

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Get ready to look toward the skies again.

Fireworks returned to Magic Kingdom and Epcot at Walt Disney World Thursday, just in time for the Fourth of July.

“A Disney tradition since 1957, fireworks shows are what Walt Disney called the perfect ‘kiss goodnight’ at the close of a magical day, and this summer the skies above Disney theme parks will sparkle with color once more,” Disney said in a blog post.

READ: Walt Disney World no longer requires face masks for fully vaccinated guests

At Magic Kingdom, the Happily Ever After fireworks show, presented by Pandora Jewelry, transformed Cinderella Castle with lights, projections and pyrotechnics “as moments from favorite Disney stories encourage you to grab hold of your dreams and make them come true,” Disney said.

At Epcot, the show Epcot Forever provided guests with a spectacle of fireworks, music and lightning effects over World Showcase Lagoon while highlighting the themes of innovation, exploration, imagination and celebration at the core of the park’s past, present and future, Disney said.

READ: Central Florida theme parks returning to normal following COVID-19 pandemic woes

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See an announcement video below:

The nighttime spectaculars have been on pause since the parks reopened last summer due to the pandemic.

Guest Rachel Moore said she normally visits the park every summer and was especially excited when she learned this year’s trip coincided with the return of fireworks.

Photos: ‘Happily Ever After,’ ‘EPCOT Forever’ fireworks return to Walt Disney World

“I didn’t know we were going to be here for the first night,” Moore said. “I think for a lot of people right now, it’s hope that things are getting back to normal...brings a little bit of magic. People need a little bit of magic in their lives right now.”

Fireworks will also return to Disneyland in California beginning July 4.

Video: Walt Disney World no longer requires face masks for fully vaccinated guests Starting Tuesday, face mask are optional for fully vaccinated visitors at Walt Disney World resorts and theme parks. (Q McCray, WFTV.com)

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