Illuminations to Retire! (And Other EPCOT News)
If you've read my top things to do in EPCOT post, you know that Illuminations is at the very top of that list. Alas, Disney has announced that this beloved show will be retiring in 2019. It will be replaced with another nighttime fireworks show and from the sound of it, Disney is pouring a lot of money into the new show - $2 million into the World Showcase Lagoon for electrical work.
I"m sure Disney Imagineers have dreamt up another wonderful show. After all, I was mad about Wishes too, but not after I saw Happily Ever After. Technology has changed a lot since 1999. I just hope the message of the show, which is so necessary in today's world, doesn't change too much.
I first saw Illuminations: Reflections of Earth back in 1999. That was also the year the Tapestry of Nations parade was rolled out, which was an amazing parade. Unfortunately, it was unsafe for stilt performers and had to end.
I was working during the Cast Member preview of Reflections of Earth, but my co-worker went to see it. When I asked him about it the next morning, he could barely contain himself. He described the entire show and then got all choked up, gesticulating, something about the earth floating out in front of you and then opening up. I thought he'd lost his mind.
A month later or so, I was in the park myself to see it with the general public and... well. I'd never seen anything like it.
The blowing out of the torches.
The inferno barge.
The earth floating out into the lagoon and opening up.
The finale with all those wonderful flow-flying white firework orbs.
I was in awe.
So I saw it again and again and again. On return trips, I would try to see Reflections of Earth at least twice during my trip.
I memorized every note, every blast in that show.
Sometimes I have to be honest with myself and ask myself whether I am so attached to Illuminations: Reflections of Earth because of my personal experiences with the show. But the last time I saw the show, the man next to me was just about losing his mind watching it and I'm pretty sure he hadn't see it before. "Yeah!" he shouted at climactic parts. "Wow! Yeah!"
So. Imagineers. You have a big job. But you know that.
The good news, as Disney says, is that they will be celebrating the show into 2019 when it will finally be replaced. The new show will be more aligned with the re-imagining of EPCOT, which, Disney says, will be true to the original vision of EPCOT. Hmmm... future community? Ok...?
This new firework show will be joined by a new Ratatouille themed ride in France, and the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride in the former Energy pavilion in 2021.
Also, the new Disney Skyliner Gondolas are under construction (completion date to be determined) that will serve as transportation between EPCOT, Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney Hollywood Studios! Although it doesn't sound like these will be air conditioned (boo! hiss!), concept art shows that each gondola fits a small group (say, a family). Wouldn't it be nice to go to and from the park in a quiet space with just your family, rather than a crowded bus or monorail? Disney, I'll accept your heat and take your quiet space!
I suppose then it isn't all bad. But, man, I'm going to miss that inferno barge.
What are your memories of Illuminations? Do I overrate it? What new Disney development excites you most? Comment below!
