FROM: Wandering the World with Wally Published Mondays

Disney World Fireworks

When Wally is around, you know there are always fireworks, but this time the fireworks are for real, as our happy adventurer's wandering take him both to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot on the Fourth of July to watch the spectacles overhead.

- by Walter Octavius March, July 4, 2011

KUNGALOOSH!

And Happy Independence Day, my friend! So glad you could make it over here to my resort this evening.

I know we're getting a late start, but I thought about it and decided that all over the country people are enjoying Firework displays, and so why shouldn't we do the same here at Disney World.

Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom

We'll head over to the Magic Kingdom first. Their fireworks today will be a little different from their regular displays. Instead of Wishes, they'll be presenting 'Celebrate America - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.' They tell me it's an ultra-patriotic pyrotechnic display will make you proud to be an American! Let's go see.

Here we are at the front gates. I wish you hadn't brought that camera bag today, my good friend - the bag check line is rather long. But never fear, I'll take this opportunity to share you with you the time I met President Ronald Reagan...

The President was a delightful man, as well as a fine story teller, and we actually invited him once to the Adventurers Club to compete in the Balderdash Cup. He wasn't able to attend, given his schedule, but he invited a few of us to the White House for some Kungaloosh and an evening of adventurous boasting.

While we were talking that night, the subject of the Berlin Wall was raised, and I told the President that given the chance I'd tell the leaders of East Germany and the Soviet Union to "Tear down that Wall!"

Years later, I heard Ronnie (which is what he asked us to call him) use those very words in a speech directed to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev...

Oh, here we are! "Good evening, officer, how are you tonight? Yes, it does seem extremely busy this evening, but what better place to celebrate America than here at Disney World. Thank you! We will indeed enjoy ourselves."

Come along, chap. I know the perfect spot from which to watch the fireworks. We'll stand on the steps to the Railroad Station right here on Main Street, U.S.A. It's part of my plan!

No, no, come back, let me explain!

After the finale, you see, we'll head right back out and beat the crowds to the monorail, which we'll take to...

Oh, good, the lights are dimming. We timed it perfectly! It's just 9:00 PM.

What's that, my friend? The rest of the plan? I'll tell you later. For now - enjoy!

Fireworks at Epcot

That was amazing, wasn't it? But it's time to leave, quickly, before everyone gets ahead of us. We're bound for the Ticket and Transportation Center aboard the monorail! And here it comes - what excellent timing again!

You sit, I'll stand and let this young mother have my seat.

Did you enjoy those fireworks? I liked the special music they played. What? Why are we going to th TTC? From there we'll switch monorails and head for Epcot, where we'll be justin time to catch IllumiNations. They plan to feature a 5-minute patriotic finale. The show starts at 10:00 PM, and we should make it there right on the dot.

Come along, we're here - down this ramp, then back up the other. Yes, I do know what I'm doing. In fact, I've seen the fireworks displays from Hollywood Studios, the Magic Kingdom, and Epcot all in one night from the balcony of my room at the Caribbean Beach resort. What a night that was! But it took precise timing. Much like we have tonight, as I see the Epcot monorail approaching.

Did you know that Epcot, or the Experimental Community of Tomorrow as Walt Disney himself called it, was to be a city? Did you also know that there were not going to be any roads in the center of the city? Walt was going to build all the roads for delivery vehicles underground, and other automobiles would have to drive around the city. So, the only way to reach the center would be via monorail or people mover (yes, just like the Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover!). It was quite an amazing idea. Quite a shame Mr. Disney didn't live to see his dreams built.

Ah, here we are at Epcot. We must go through the Bag check line again, but it seems much shorter here. "Good evening, officer - yes, for the fireworks, thank you!"

This way, chum, we'll walk past Spaceship Earth and the Fountains of Nations, then onward to Canada to scout some space atop the steps leading up to its pavilion.

Look! At the top of the stairs - enough space for both of us! We'll have a nice view from there. Don't delay, but watch your footing - the lights are going down and the show is about to begin.

Wally's Afterglow

Now, wasn't that beautiful?

No one does fireworks like Disney, but on special days like this, they get even better.

You know what would be a perfect ending for today? How about if we head over to the BoardWalk and stop in at JellyRolls? Yes, that's the place where they have the dueling pianos. We can get a libation and enjoy the show.

You know, the last time I was there they asked me to get up and sing with them...

Wait, you're going the wrong way! Hmmm. He's running, and so he must be in a rush. What a shame he's heading for the main entrance and not the International Gateway near the United Kingdom Pavilion, and the entrance to the BoardWalk. I'm sure he'll realize his mistake nad catch up with me soon. I'll save you a seat, my friend!

Until next time, KUNGALOOSH! And keep your eyes open for Adventure!

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