THE END OF AN ERA

The “Wishes” nighttime fireworks spectacular debuted in Magic Kingdom in Florida on August 12, 2003.  After a truly spectacular 13 1/2 year run, the amazing “Wishes” display had it’s triumphant finalé last night to a crowd of nostalgic onlookers.

My first view of “Wishes” was in April, 2005, when my wife and I took our then 3 year and 18 month old daughters to their first trip to Walt Disney World and was amazed of the incredible fireworks display that was put on.  My family instantly fell in love with the show that day.  I guess that you could say that it was love at first sight.

Well, let’s fast-forward to 12 years and 10 visits later, my daughters are 15 and 13 years old and are no longer little girls, that is until we would watch “Wishes” in front of Cinderella’s Castle.  Even during our last trip, which was in April, I watched “Wishes” and looked at my girls, they were 3 and 18 months old again!  Even at 13 years old, when Tinkerbell flies out of the castle and I hear my Jess yell “Tink!!!” the memories come flooding back and reminding me no matter how screwed up things were in my life or the world, at that time it did not matter.  At that time, my teenaged girls did not have to worry about homework, boys, rumors, bullies…  No, all they had to worry about was being 3 and 18 months old again.  When watching the show, everything was right with the world, at least for the 20 or so minutes that the show lasted.

I am eternally grateful for the wonderful memories that “Wishes” has given to my family.  Even though I can’t wait to see the new show “Happily Ever After”, “Wishes” will always hold a spot in my heart.