New Lighting Design Coming to Chinese Theatre

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

As Walt Disney World gears up for the 50th Anniversary Celebration beginning October 1, 2021, doses of new experiences and details are being released! One of the latest pieces of news is that Disney’s Hollywood Studios is lighting up the iconic Chinese Theatre in a new way. Check out the details as shared by Disney Imagineer, Zach Riddley.

As shared via Zach Riddley’s Instagram: “Check out this first look at the new lighting design our Disney Imagineers will be bringing to the iconic Chinese Theatre at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The new nighttime appearance features bright gold accents, all-new energy-efficient LED lighting. But the part I am really excited about is the triumphant return of spotlights searching the sky as the theatre welcomes guests to the premiere of the latest Mickey Mouse short at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This is a culmination of years of work by our teams to bring “premiere night, every night” energy to this iconic golden age of Hollywood architecture. I love when our teams are able use their unique skills to enhance the stories within our parks and this definitely showcases what our Imagineers ingenuity.”

What do you think about the new bright gold accents? We’ll be sure to keep you posted as Disney releases more information on the lighting enhancements for Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Walt Disney Imagineering Shares First Look at New Spaceship Earth Lighting Being Installed at EPCOT

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Zach Riddley of Walt Disney Imagineering has shared a first look at the new lighting coming to Spaceship Earth at EPCOT on Instagram:

Once fully installed, the entirety of Spaceship Earth should look something like the concept art provided, with these lights located between many of the Alucobond panels:

spaceship-earth-beacon-of-magic-2

The new nighttime lighting package was announced as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”, the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World which will kick off October 1st, 2021. The new look will debut by then, but will remain as a permanent fixture of the reimagined EPCOT.

Disney Imagineer Provides Behind-the-Scenes Look at New EPCOT Entrance Lighting

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Imagineer Zach Riddley has shared specifics regarding the new entrance lighting at Epcot.

According to Riddley’s Instagram post, the LED lighting replaces over 1,200 feet of fluorescent tubes.

“At more than four football fields long, this light ribbon has been present since opening day, but was originally lit by hundreds of fluorescent tubes in solid colors. Now we’ve updated it with highly energy-efficient, programmable LED lighting with nearly 3,000 individually controlled points of light that blend together to create color gradients and patterns.”

Riddley also explains how the color-changing lights will be able to match the new color palettes of World Nature, World Discovery, and World Celebration.

“Color gradients have always been a part of EPCOT’s design legacy from the tiered amber, blue, and purple lighting of Spaceship Earth to the bands of color on the Energy pavilion, to the new color palettes of World Nature, World Discovery and World Celebration, and you’ll see all of that reflected in this new lighting design we’ve created for the main entrance plaza and it’ll continue through the new areas of the park.”

“The newly color-coordinated light ribbon around the entire rim of the plaza connects with programming on the new fountain lighting and together will shine in concert when the new Spaceship Earth lighting debuts with the Beacons of Magic for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.”

Riddley also mentions Beacons of Magic. Both Spaceship Earth and Cinderella castle will become Beacons of Magic for the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary.