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

happily-ever-after-1-1

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

happily-ever-after-2

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.”


happily-ever-after-3

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

@disneyparks

We’re giving you a BTS look at Happily Ever After with Katrina, Creative Director from Disney Live Entertainment! 🎇🎆🏰#AllTheDisneyThrills #DisneyCastLife #DisneyParks #Disney #Fireworks #DisneyWorld #Show #Castle #Emotional

♬ original sound – Disney Parks

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


Ready to book your next magical vacation, but don’t know where to start? Want to enjoy a Walt Disney World vacation without the stress of planning, booking, and tracking trip changes and promotions? Contact me today! As an agent with Destinations To Travel who specializes in Disney destinations, I can help you stress less and enjoy your vacation more! The best part? My services are provided at NO ADDITIONAL COST when you book your Disney vacation package through me!

Please note: some posts may contain affiliate links which means our team could earn money if you purchase products from our site

D2T-1

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.

Book With our friends at Destinations to Travel

Name(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
MM slash DD slash YYYY
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. Don't forget to check out the Chip and Company Radio Network too!

YouTube player

Written by:

1,903 Posts

Chris is a Pennsylvania native who escaped the cold and relocated to the Orlando area. Our resident Universal expert, Chris has been visiting the Universal Orlando Resort since the 1990s. Chris is a Universal and Walt Disney World Passholder, and can often be found exploring the parks taking in the sites (and finding new things to write about!).
View All Posts
Follow Me :