Fireworks over Cinderella Castle are an iconic part of a Disney World vacation.

For many people, a Magic Kingdom day just isn’t complete without staying for the nightly fireworks. And the fireworks shows are getting more and more elaborate — going from basic fireworks in the “Fantasy in the Sky” show that ran at Magic Kingdom from its opening day in 1971 to 2003, to the first show with a storyline and music designed to elicit emotion (“Wishes”), to the addition of castle projections and today, projections on the castle and all the way down Main Street, U.S.A., as well as spotlights and other effects in “Happily Ever After.”

But what if the fireworks that have been a part of almost every evening for more than five decades went away? Nearly 1,000 people responded to our question about this on Facebook, so let’s take a look at what YOU said!

Now, here’s the thing. Fireworks are becoming a bit controversial because of air pollution. A recent study reported that fireworks do increase air pollution and decrease air quality. Researchers from the University of Maryland monitored particulate matter in the air at 315 sites around the United States for a few days before and after the Fourth of July — when you’re most likely to have fireworks shows. They found that particulate matter in the air was elevated an average of 42% on July 4th-5th.

In addition, there are fire risks associated with fireworks — and in 2021, there was a small fire near Cinderella Castle in Disney World that was reportedly caused by the fireworks.

And now, we’re seeing drone shows as an alternative to fireworks in many places — including Disney Springs, where the “Disney Dreams That Soar” drone show has just debuted and is set to run nightly throughout the summer. (And we need to note that there are questions about the environmental impact of drones, too — especially if they operate on Lithium-Ion batteries.)

We’ve got a look at how to handle the crowds at the drone show and some of the best places to watch. But this show got us wondering if drones could ever replace the fireworks in Magic Kingdom, and we decided to ask YOU — our experts — on Facebook. We got 1,000 responses, so we know you have some strong feelings about whether or not fireworks should remain.

Bring On the Drones!

Malarie said the environmental impact would be less with drones, so she’s all for them: “Yes. Better for the environment, and honestly what they can do with drones is way more interesting. I understand the sentimental attachment to fireworks, but I absolutely believe this is the right way forward and inevitable and in 5 years after they implement it people will be curious why it didn’t happen sooner.”

Jamie agreed, saying, “I think it would be fine, honestly. I’m sure they’d come up with something magical that still struck and awed us. Plus, the environmental impact of fireworks kinda sucks. I definitely wouldn’t knock it until I saw it.”

And some readers went beyond environmental concerns, saying that the explosions associated with fireworks can have a negative impact on autistic people or those suffering from PTSD.

Drone shows are “far more environmentally friendly, not to mention PTSD-friendly. Easier to configure new shows for more minor holidays, and other special events. I’m not certain, but they might also be more cost-effective in the long run as well. And no loud bangs to frighten the smaller children,” according to Laurie. 

And Annette said it would be “finally a way for kids on the spectrum to enjoy a magical ending to a magical day.”

Keep the Fireworks, Please

But about an equal number of comments advocated for keeping the traditional fireworks in Magic Kingdom.

Derek said he thinks drones are cool, “but I prefer fireworks.”

And Belazco said absolutely not — “Fireworks are prettier and more old school. Not everything needs to change, some things are just classic and need to stay that way.”

“I think that would be cool and more ecofriendly but I think they should stick to the magic of fireworks and maybe do a special drone show once in a while,” said Jillian.

And Josef said he doesn’t want to see a change: “At the risk of sounding like an old white guy, (I’m not old) some things don’t need to change. Like I’m fine with most ride changes, etc, Disney has to keep things fresh. But honestly, the fireworks feel magical when you see them above the castle. Save the drones for something else.”

Add a Drone Show in Another Park

Some of you who were opposed to drones replacing fireworks in Magic Kingdom did say you would like to see drones in another park. The most common suggestion here was Animal Kingdom — because fireworks there would negatively impact the wildlife.

Kristin said, “I think they would be great at Animal Kingdom.”

And Miranda agreed. “The Animal Kingdom might be a great place for a night time drone show. I dont believe they would harm or disturb the animals and it would be great to see the park open late.”

And John made the point that the amphitheater in Animal Kingdom that used to be the home of KiteTails could be a good location. “A drone show at Animal Kingdom would be great. Disney needs to get ROI on the rivers amphitheater they built. They could do Lion King , Jungle Book , so many movies to use. They need a night time show there again.”

But some of you suggested EPCOT as a good drone show location!

Candice said, “at EPCOT they would be cool. I hate the fireworks there.”

And Doug agreed. “…put the drones at Epcot!! Something different at each park!”

Why Not Do Both?

Many of you also suggested that an addition of drones to the fireworks and projections would make a nighttime spectacular at the Magic Kingdom even better.

Sashia said she’s in favor of a compromise. “Drones is great and all but not the same magical feeling!! Maybe incorporate the drones with the Fireworks show!!!”

And Laurence agreed. “…the fireworks should be enhanced with the drone show.”

“Drone show before fireworks like in Paris for the win,” Darren said.

And Edward floated an idea that might help eliminate that post-fireworks crowd crush: “If the drone show happens over the 7 seas lagoon at the same time as the fireworks it will split the crowd. It pleases everybody and helps the congestion that occurs at the hub amd on main street.”

And there you have it — a sampling of the HUNDREDS of responses we got about replacing the Magic Kingdom fireworks with a drone show. Keep following us here at DFB for alllll the Disney news — we go to Disney World every day to bring it to you!

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Fireworks or drones? Where do you fall in this debate? Let us know in the comments!