Fireworks did not launch from a site across World Drive during a private event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on October 20, according to WDWMagic. The lack of pyrotechnics during the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo event leaves the purpose of fireworks testing reported in early September unconfirmed.
Hollywood Studios closed to regular visitors at 5 p.m. that day, four hours before its usual 9 p.m. closing time. Gartner conference attendees had exclusive park access from 8 to 11 p.m. The Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2026 was held at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin from October 19 through 22.
The source reported that fireworks were launched periodically from the off-site location during the night of September 1 into September 2, with reports describing launches roughly 90 seconds apart over several hours. Disney has not publicly said why the testing occurred.
The launch site was built in 2016 for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, which used fireworks, projections, lasers and other effects around the Chinese Theatre. That show ended in March 2020, and the site had seen little to no use for years, according to the report.
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For visitors, the October 20 early closing also meant no Fantasmic! performance that evening and less time for attractions including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Disney schedules can change for private events, so guests planning Walt Disney World tickets should review park hours close to their visit.
Possible explanations for the September tests remain unconfirmed. The source noted they could be related to seasonal entertainment, New Year’s Eve programming, a future larger fireworks presentation, or routine testing unrelated to an upcoming show.
