EPCOT Addition Is Finally Being Removed!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot, Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World Resort has been dishing out exciting news as we roll through January 2023. And now, news that has seemingly made the entire Disney fandom happy… Disney has announced it is removing one of its greatest eye sores from EPCOT.

Disney has revealed EPCOT’s current nighttime spectacular, Harmonious, will end on April 2, 2023. EPCOT Forever will return on April 3, 2023.

Sadly, both Disney Enchantment at Magic Kingdom and Harmonious at EPCOT did not receive the warm welcome Disney intended. Magic Kingdom’s Enchantment lacked any signs of Walt, which Disney tried to correct, but it was too little too late. Additionally, EPCOT’s Harmonious was considered a lackluster show, despite Disney’s efforts with it being “one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for Disney Parks.”

So, what exactly was the issue with EPCOT’s Harmonious? While some love the music and projections, many Disney fans said it simply couldn’t measure up to EPCOT’s long-standing Illuminations nighttime spectacular. Illuminations offered a 360-degree experience in the World Showcase Lagoon with the circular barge that would be moved in and out of the lagoon prior to the show.

EPCOT Harmonious Barges

When Harmonious debuted, Disney installed massive barges in the middle of the once-stunning World Showcase Lagoon. The barges are so huge and distracting that they were quickly deemed an eyesore for many fans. Plus, the large circle Harmonious barge took the former 360-degree Illuminations view and cut it in half, with the entire show only being able to be seen from the World Showcase entrance and the American Adventure Pavilion.

Disney promised the barges would be used as fountains during the day to help with the unimpressive look of the mechanics, but the fountains sometimes worked, sometimes didn’t… and yes, it was still an eyesore despite efforts.

EPCOT Harmonious Barges

Thankfully, it seems like Disney not only heard Disney fans, but they have announced the barges will be removed, stating, “Similar to how it appeared in 2021, “EPCOT Forever” is the perfect offering while our Entertainment team preps the Lagoon, including a phased removal of fireworks platforms following the final “Harmonious” performance on April 2.”

Additionally, @ScottGustin confirmed that yes, indeed, this means the Harmonious barges will be removed from the theme park:

Disney Confirms Happily Ever After Will Not Return Following 50th Anniversary Celebration

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot, Magic Kingdom

Last month Disney announced details on the two new fireworks shows that will debut on October 1, 2021, to kick off the 18-month 50th Anniversary Celebration – The World’s Most Magical Celebration. After the announcement, there was wild speculation and confusion regarding the future of Happily Ever After. Would it return? Disney has now confirmed that the show will not return and its final performance will be in September 2021. Learn more below.

“We recently announced that all-new nighttime spectaculars “Disney Enchantment” and “Harmonious” would be debuting October 1 as part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration. That means this summer is also your last chance to come out and catch the current fireworks shows before they sparkle into Disney history. “EPCOT Forever” will conclude its limited-time run on September 28, and you have until September 29 to take in the spectacle of “Happily Ever After” at Magic Kingdom Park.”

We already knew that EPCOT Forever would be ending when “Harmonious” debuted. That show was always going to be temporary. It is somewhat surprising that Happily Ever After will end only after running for just over five years.

Fireworks & Nighttime Shows Return to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot, Magic Kingdom

As Walt Disney World continues to take steps toward normal operations, this week, the resort took one huge leap in getting back to normal–the return of fireworks. ‘Happily Ever After’ and ‘EPCOT Forever’ returned to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT respectively on July 1. It was a rainy night, but the excitement was high for the return of the shows. 

We couldn’t be happier to see the return of firework shows at these parks. While there has been plenty of magic at Walt Disney World during the phased reopening, you just can’t beat finishing the day off by watching Disney fireworks.

Over at EPCOT, EPCOT Forever returned to World Showcase. The show will run through September 30, 2021. On October 1, 2021, “Harmonious,” one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney park, will debut. This new show will bring the globe together at World Showcase Lagoon in a celebration of Disney music that inspires people worldwide.

Check out Happily Ever After below:

“Harmonious” To Debut at EPCOT On October 1

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Walt Disney World president Jeff Vahle confirmed that the new nighttime spectacular “Harmonious” will be premiering at EPCOT on October 1, 2021 for the resort’s 50th anniversary.

“Harmonious” was originally scheduled to debut last summer but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disney World: New Epcot show literally has a ring to it in lagoon - Orlando Sentinel

Until the debut of “Harmonious”, “EPCOT Forever” will be presented daily beginning July 1.

Magic Kingdom & EPCOT Fireworks Showtimes Revealed for July

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot, Magic Kingdom

Fireworks are returning to Walt Disney World! Kicking off July 1, we’re thrilled to once again see Magic Kingdom’s “Happily Ever After” and EPCOT’s “EPCOT Forever” light up the sky. While you’re making plans to visit “the most magical place on earth” next month, Disney has revealed the fireworks showtimes.

Magic Kingdom:

Magic Kingdom’s current posted park hours for July 1 – 10 are 9:00am to 11:00pm with Park Hopping open between 2pm and 11pm. July 11 – 31 park hours are 9:00am to 10:00pm with Park Hopping open between 2pm and 10pm. “Happily Ever After” will be held nightly at 9:15pm. No showtimes have been posted for August as of right now.

EPCOT:

EPCOT’s current posted park hours for July 1 – 31 are 11:00am to 10:00pm with Park Hopping open between 2pm to 10pm. “EPCOT Forever” will be held nightly at 10:00pm. We suspect July will be an especially busy month for EPCOT with not only the launch of fireworks, but the start of the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival kicking off on July 15. No fireworks showtimes have been posted for August as of right now.

We can’t help but wonder when EPCOT’s new fireworks spectacular, “Harmonious“, will replace the temporary “EPCOT Forever”. We’re also curious to see how EPCOT Forever will look with all the Harmonious barges stationed in the World Showcase lagoon.