- Disney's Celebrate America: A 4th of July Concert in the Sky
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Disney's Celebrate America: A 4th of July Concert in the Sky Disneyland Theme Patriotic Opening date July 3, 2008 Music Disney's Celebrate America: A 4th of July Concert in the Sky Soundtrack Sponsored by Honda Disney's Celebrate America: A 4th of July Concert in the Sky is a special fireworks show that premiered on July 3, 2008 at the Magic Kingdom theme park at Walt Disney World outside Orlando, Florida, and on July 4 of that same year at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The 15-minute show, produced by Walt Disney Creative Entertainment, under creative director Steven Davison and in house designers Brad Cicotti for the Magic Kingdom's version and Kevin Kelley for Disneyland's version, celebrates the traditions, spirit and music of the United States of America, and is scheduled to be shown in lieu of Wishes on both July 3 and Independence Day at WDW and Magical! at The Happiest Place on Earth annually. While both parks use the same soundtrack, the pyrotechnics are different; giving each park its own unique display.
Two previews of the show at the Magic Kingdom were held on June 29 and July 1, 2008. This show included all perimeter launch zones with the exception of the 7SL site (island site). Both tests, aka rehearsals, were held at the Magic Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort. More than 1500 shells are launched in the shows. Previously, at Magic Kingdom, a special Independence Day themed version of Fantasy in the Sky was held on or around the July 4, while the regular fireworks show was augmented by an additional ten minute show at Disneyland.
During its debut on July 4, 2008, the Disneyland version of the show was canceled 11 minutes into the performance. The reason being debris falling on Ball Rd (behind Disneyland) due to winds at high elevation. This caused disapproval from park guests attending that day as Disneyland only performs a July 4-themed fireworks display once a year. For the 2009 season, Disneyland opted to perform multiple showings of the display. A shortened 9-minute version of the display is shown on July 2 through 5, while the full 15-minute version is shown on July 4 and includes additional pyrotechnics.
Contents
The Show
Introduction
As the lights dim, the sounds of animals and Native American drums can be heard. A male-voice narrates the show.
Narrator: America! A land where eagles soar! Since history began, its people have celebrated the magnificence of this land. Tonight we celebrate America; a land of many people. A country that continues to grow. A nation of courage and independence. America the beautiful!
Music: Celebrate America!
Celebrate Freedom and Independence
Narrator: To honor Independence Day, we welcome you to our Fourth of July celebration as we commemorate the birthday of this great nation. With joy, we celebrate the United States of America; a vast mosaic of individuality and inspiration. A vibrant pallette of cultures and colors. A country whose pioneering spirit continues to live on in the hearts and minds of people who cherish freedom; in this land and around the globe.
Music: God Bless America (Irving Berlin), The Yankee Doodle Boy (George M. Cohan) and This is My Country (Don Raye and Al Jacobs).
American Folk Songs*
Narrator: The Spirit of America continues to inspire those who believe in their dreams. From sea to shining sea, we are proud to share all this great and beautiful nation has to offer. In the words and melodies of beloved American folk songs, that enduring spirit is found in the music of our land.
Music: America the Beautiful (Katharine Lee Bates and Samuel A. Ward), This Land is Your Land (Woody Guthrie), Oh My Darling, Clementine (Percy Montrose), Oh! Susanna (Stephen Foster), She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain, and Oh Shenandoah.
- The section is absent in the shorter version of the Disneyland show.
A Salute to the Red, White and Blue
Narrator: Just as the fifty stars and thirteen stripes are so grandly united upon Old Glory, our nation's flag unites us all. Let us join together to give salute to the red, white and blue. And cheer the hopes and dreams that continue to shine throughout America.
Music: You're a Grand Old Flag (George M. Cohen), Stars and Stripes Forever (John Philip Sousa) and The Star-Spangled Banner (Francis Scott Key).
Following the Star-Spangled Banner, the show ends in a massive display of fireworks.
Show facts
- Grand opening: July 3, 2008
- Show length: 9:25
- Show cost: $9,000 – $12,000
Disneyland
Current Shows
- Magical: An Exploding Celebration In The Sky (2009–present; Summer Nightastic!)
- Halloween Screams (2009–present; October–November)
- Believe... In Holiday Magic (2000–2004, returned 2006–present; Holiday Season December–January)
- Remember... Dreams Come True (2005–present; January–May)
- Grad Night Explosion (Grad Nites May–June)
- Disney's Celebrate America: A 4th of July Concert in the Sky (July 4)
Previous shows
- Imagine... A Fantasy in the Sky (2004–2005)
- Believe... There's Magic In The Stars (2000–2004)
- Fantasy in the Sky (1958–2000) Returns annually for New Year celebrations at Disneyland
Magic Kingdom
Current Shows
- Wishes
- Summer Nightastic Firework Spectacular (2010; Summer Nightastic!)
- Disney's Celebrate America: A 4th of July Concert in the Sky (July 4)
- HalloWishes (2005–present; September and October during "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party")
- Holiday Wishes (2005–present; Holiday season November–December)
- Grad Night Explosion (Grad Nites May–June; defunct after 2011)
Previous shows
- Fantasy in the Sky (1971–2000; returns annually for New Year celebrations)
References
Categories:- Disney fireworks
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