Get Ready For HarmonioUs @ Epcot

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

With IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth gone, “Epcot Forever” has been trying to fill the nighttime spectacular void in Epcot. Even though “Forever” is in the name, Epcot Forever is only a temporary show. Disney has been hard at work with the permanent Epcot nighttime spectacular, “Harmonious”. Check out the details and video below from DisneyParksBlog:

Epcot is in the midst of an historic, multi-year transformation that is bringing a wide variety of exciting new attractions and experiences to the park. Among these is “Harmonious,” set to debut later this year, which will be one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney Park. Our Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Parks Live Entertainment teams recently passed a major milestone in the development of the show, with the delivery of several floating platforms that will provide a base for the technology used to create “Harmonious.”  

“Harmonious” will bring to World Showcase Lagoon an innovative toolkit of massive floating set pieces that house a variety of show effects, including custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, colorful lights, lasers, pyrotechnics and more.  

The show is a beautifully crafted nighttime dreamscape of Disney music and images, reimagined by diverse cultural musicians and artists from around the world. It’s a transformative experience, where we can discover how Disney music has the power to inspire and unite us all. You can catch an early glimpse of concepts for the show now by visiting Walt Disney Imagineering Presents the Epcot Experience, located in the Odyssey Events Pavilion. 

Over the coming months, with development and infrastructure work for “Harmonious” ramping up both behind the scenes and in the center of the lagoon, we’re pleased to present the limited-time spectacular “Epcot Forever.”  

“Epcot Forever” has been described as a “love letter” to the park. The show tells the story of Epcot, beginning with the first spark of inspiration and the opening day anthem, “We’ve Just Begun to Dream,” and continuing through chapters dedicated to the thematic pillars of innovation, exploration, imagination and celebration. It concludes with an all-new verse of the classic song, “One Little Spark,” leading into a spectacular grand finale promising “A Whole New World” of magical possibilities to come.  

“Epcot Forever” is now showing nightly in World Showcase, and we’ll have more to share on “Harmonious” in the months ahead.

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Last Chance: Illuminations to End September 30th

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

If you love “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”, you still have a few nights left to catch this classic Epcot show before its final bow on September 30, 2019. The nighttime spectacular started as part of the Millennium Celebration in October 1999, and has touched the hearts millions of guests over the past two decades.

Now, after a 20-year run, “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” at Epcot will soon be replaced with the limited-time show, “Epcot Forever” and then in 2020 with the new nighttime spectacular, “HarmonioUS.”

So make the most of your trip to see the final showings of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” and experience the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival taking place right now as well. If you miss “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” on October 1 you can see the all-new fireworks spectacular, “Epcot Forever.”

Last Chance to Catch Certain Attractions and Events

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

With Fall fast approaching it’s not too late to catch some of the recently opened experiences before they end

Here’s a look at what’s happening over the next few months across the Walt Disney World Resort theme park.

Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom Park

  • Meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse together – in special celebratory outfits – in Town Square Theater as part of Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration. (Ends Sepember 30)
  • Discover seldom-seen Disney friends at the flagpole in Town Square. (Ends Sepember 30)

Entertainment at Epcot

  • Bid a fond farewell to “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” as the nighttime spectacular’s nearly 20-year run at World Showcase Lagoon draws to a close. (Ends September 30)
  • Take a musical journey through the cosmos with Star-Lord and Gamora during Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! at the America Gardens Theatre. (Ends August 18)

An Incredible Celebration at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

  • Leap into action at Pixar Place during “The Super Shindig” dance party with Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible and Frozone. (Ends September 30)

“Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

  • Walk on the wild side during this raucous celebration where young adventurers let their inner animals roam free on the dance floor along with their pals Timon and Rafiki. (Ends September 30)

Several special experiences new to Walt Disney World in 2019 will continue into the fall and beyond, including:

  • Dance with favorite Disney pals in front of Cinderella Castle during “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It! Street Party” at Magic Kingdom.
  • Become a rookie racer and learn the rules of the road during Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
  • Also at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, step into the world of Disney and Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.,” or meet Edna Mode from Disney and Pixar’s “The Incredibles.”
  • Take in the grandeur of the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom as it awakens anew each night with scenes inspired by “The Lion King,” or snap a photo in front of special “Lion King” backdrops perfect for sharing on social media.
  • Also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, see the nighttime show “Rivers of Light: We Are One,” now featuring additional imagery and familiar animal characters.

Book Now Before These Experiences Disappear!!

New Light-Up Headband Debuts Honoring Epcot’s Outgoing Fireworks Show

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

We previously shared that IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth would be ending forever this year at Epcot within Walt Disney World.  There is a variety of limited merchandise that is available to commemorate the long-running show and today we have a look a new item joining the collection.  There is a new light-up Minnie headband that is themed after the popular evening fireworks show! 

The Minnie headband features a stylish bow-tie with a firework-inspired design and light up ears. It’s now available at Mouse Gear in Epcot, only while supplies last.

If you are looking for a fun way to wish farewell to IllumiNations: Reflection of Earth, then you can check out the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot World Showcase.  The party features reserved water viewing for the show.  You can also book the IllumiNations Dining Package to enjoy views from the lakefront patio at Rose & Crown Dining Room.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth has been around to entertain millions of guests for almost 20 years.  The show’s final performance is set for September 30th, 2019 and then the new limited-time evening show will debut on October 1st, 2019, Epcot Forever. As always, we will keep you posted on any special offerings or closures as we get closure to the end of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Book Your Trip to Epcot Today!

Epcot Announces End Date for “Illuminations”

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Walt Disney World announced on Tuesday the date of the final showing of “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” show that has made a 20 year run of closing Epcot each night.

Like everything associated with WDW, dates matter, and this one is no different. “Illuminations” will come to a close on September 30th later this year. The new show which will be titled “Epcot Forever” and will begin on October 1st.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth

Epcot opened on October 1st, 1971, so they are ushering in a new nighttime spectacular to celebrate the 37th anniversary of the park’s opening.

“Illuminations” has been a fan favorite for the last 20 years. It has wowed and dazzled fans alike with its combination of pyrotechnics, fire, giant globe, laser lights, and soundtrack.

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The new “Epcot Forever” show will start its run and will feature never before seen elements. Some of the fireworks and flying kite displays have already begun their testing.

“Epcot Forever” will be showing into 2020 when the next nighttime spectacular will be unveiled. Stay tuned for any new updates. Subscribe to receive email updates of the latest news and blog posts!