Week-long Road closure coming to World Drive close to proposed new Magic Kingdom firework launch site

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Magic Kingdom perimeter firework launch pad road closure - July 2021

Posted: Thursday July 8, 2021 3:41pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has notified Cast Members that it will be closing a section of backstage World Drive alongside the Magic Kingdom later this month in the area of a proposed new firework launch site.

The closure of World Drive between Center Drive and the Pluto parking lot will take place July 17 through July 26 2021.

Magic Kingdom perimeter firework launch pad road closure - July 2021

While it isn't confirmed that the road closure and building of the new fireworks launch site are related, the locations appear to match-up - C-105 in the plans below.

Disney has recently filed permits for a handful of new firework launch pads to be built behind the Magic Kingdom in support of the park's firework shows.

Magic Kingdom perimeter firework launch pad permit plans

The launch sites in the plans above are labeled C-104, C-101, and C-105. (Thanks to @danlb_2000 on the WDWMAGIC Forums for spotting the permit)

Magic Kingdom perimeter firework launch pad permit plans

Each pad consists of a reinforced concrete pad, surrounded by reinforced gravel and enclosed with a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire.

Perimeter launch pads in use for the Magic Kingdom's Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky

The Magic Kingdom uses several perimeter launch locations for its special edition firework shows to surround guests with fireworks. The shows with perimeter fireworks have traditionally taken place on July 4, New year's Eve, and during the Halloween and Christmas Party nights.

Perimeter launch pads in use for the Magic Kingdom's Disney's Celebrate America! - A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky

It isn't clear if these new pads are being installed for a specific show, such as the just-announced 'Disney Enchantment,' or if this is just part of an infrastructure upgrade that multiple shows will be able to make use of in the future.

Discuss on the Forums

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aladdin2007Jul 12, 2021

was this originally MK park expansion land for attractions or not at all? Im thinking not but just wondering. it looks connected or within the park layout but probably too far north?

wdwmagicJul 08, 2021

Yeah could be, but it’s a heck of a coincidence

danlb_2000Jul 08, 2021

I wonder if this is unrelated because the South Florida Water Management District permit has not been approved yet and there still hasn't been a notice of commencement for it.

wdwmagicJul 08, 2021

Week-long Road closure coming to World Drive close to proposed new Magic Kingdom firework launch site https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disney-enchantment/news/08jul2021-week-long-road-closure-coming-to-world-drive-close-to-proposed-new-firework-launch-site.htm

danlb_2000Jun 27, 2021

No, the "Water" in the name refers to storm water management. The South Florida Water Management District permits need to be filed any time you are adding new impervious surfaces, like the concrete pads, or are doing work out wetlands.

spock8113Jun 27, 2021

Considering it's the "Water District" I'm guessing it's for water?????? There are driveways for trucks, possibly chemical deliveries. It could be for a water stripping tower: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/packed-tower# These towers are used to "trickle" off many various pollutants and impurities. Could be for a new pumping station or chemical treatment facility or maybe UV water treatment. My money's on a stripping tower, but hey, I think Goofy rules with Goofy Rules, IMHO.

gerararJun 25, 2021

danlb_2000Jun 25, 2021

210621-6568

wdwmagicJun 25, 2021

I I seem to remember all of the old Studios shows (minus the rooftop launches) were fired from a trailer parked in the backlot tour tram lane. Here is a picture of it loaded up before being moved into position.

ThelazerJun 25, 2021

Lets say that the current pads / sites.. (with the exception of main site) were not all that secure and distance wise had issues. So this should fix some of that. Trailers were used at the studios for there NYE and etc shows.. I don't recall ever seeing them at the kingdom.

enfilmJun 25, 2021

Do you have the SFWMD application number? I was trying to look up the documents but couldn't find them.

WDW MonorailJun 24, 2021

Most recently, a handful of 12’ trailers have been used to launch perimeter effects from areas around the park where semi-permanent sites were not constructed.

wdwmagicJun 24, 2021

Yeah, I think that would make sense. Access needs to be easy, and there are no doubt all kinds of rules and regulations that need to be adhered to.

cranbizJun 24, 2021

Could be or it just could be for more working space to make it easier and safer to load the launch tubes. It could also be something as simple as 8' or 16' fence poles are more readily available at this time than 4' fence poles. I say this mainly in jest but the lack of certain building materials (and the price of others) is very real right now.