Meet the Disney Cast Members Behind Happily Ever After’s Return

More than 50 digital artists and animators have been working to bring Happily Ever After to life in a new way

Monday, April 3 is a date for the Disney history books, as it marks the return of Happily Ever After to Magic Kingdom. Fans have been calling for the return of the beloved nighttime fireworks spectacular since it was replaced by Disney Enchantment on October 1, 2021. When Happily Ever After again takes over the sky’s above Magic Kingdom, fans will note a new twist, one that is being brought to life through the hard work of over 50 digital artists and animators.

Related: Reservations For Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Parties Opening Next Week

When Disney Enchantment premiered, it brought with it some new tech: projections down Main Street, U.S.A. that allow guests watching from behind the hub to be immersed in the show. The return of Happily Ever After will incorporate this projection technology, which is where the work of these digital artists and animators comes in.

For Lead Animator Ana Beltran, working on Happily Ever After was truly a family experience, as she was able to work on Happily Ever After alongside her father, who is also an animator. Beltran told Disney Parks Blog “To borrow a term from “Inside Out,” working on this show with my dad will always be a core memory for me.”

Katrina Mena Rick, Creative Producer for the nighttime spectacular, noted the projections will be featured on 25 different buildings along Main Street, U.S.A. in a manner that immerses “you in these beautiful character worlds while ensuring that Cinderella Castle remains the main storyteller throughout the show.”

The addition of the Main Street U.S.A. projections also allowed for new characters to be introduced to the show, including Miguel, Mirabel, Raya, Luca, Rapunzel, Elena, and Meilin. Meilin, from Pixar’s ‘Turning Red,’ was artist J.P. Perez’s favorite character to create, since “seeing her story take place in my generation at that age really makes me connect with her.”

Related: Photos & Video: Happily Ever After Returns to the Magic Kingdom in 2023

Rather than grabbing a spot in the hub, you may want to consider enjoying Happily Ever After from further back on Main Street to take in these new projections created by Ana, Katrina, J.P, and all of the other digital artists and animators. No matter where you want to watch, be sure to grab a spot early, as the showings of Happily Ever After are certain to be popular for the next few months!

Photos: Disney Parks Blog

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