More Details Released on Spaceship Earth’s Transformation for the 50th

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Disney previously announced exciting details that will be arriving for Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration. One of the announcements included changes coming to the nighttime experience of Spaceship Earth as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” at EPCOT. The dazzling, permanent new programmable lighting system will debut as part of Walt Disney World’s 50th Celebration and will continue to live on as a defining feature of EPCOT. Disney Imagineer, Zach Riddley shares more details of the transformation below!

As shared by Zach Riddley via Instagram: “EPCOT is a park about the best of us – what is possible when we embrace the power of imagination and humanity’s ability to make impossible things reality when we work together. We are all connected. That is the theme and the expression at the heart of our work across EPCOT and at the heart of this stellar new visual experience coming soon to Spaceship Earth.”

“Spaceship Earth is a unique structure recognized around the world. To honor this idea, our Imagineers have created custom lighting features that literally emerge from her unique architecture. These features will shine across Spaceship Earth’s silver panels and “connect” with one another, resembling shimmering stars in a nighttime sky. “

“Spaceship Earth has maintained her classic multi-color lighting design for nearly 40 years – a legacy the team working on this project are keen to preserve. Her classic look will be maintained and accentuated through new colors and intensity in programmed expressions that extend into the new main entrance fountain and the entire World Celebration area that continues to take shape before our eyes.”

“We can’t wait to reveal more of the technical innovation and artistry going into this new experience and the team behind the scenes turning imagination into reality. Continue to follow along with me here for more details”

Anyone else excited to experience Epcot’s Spaceship Earth transformation? We simply can’t wait for the 18-month celebration to begin on October 1, 2021.

Cinderella Castle Finishing Touches Are Complete at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

The Cinderella Castle makeover is finally complete! When visiting Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, you’ll see the royal makeover dazzle at the end of Main Street U.S.A.

Zach Riddley, Walt Disney World Site Portfolio Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering took to Instagram to share three photos of the final touches.

Zach shares: “Last month I joined members of our @waltdisneyimagineering team behind the new #CinderellaCastle design as finishing touches were completed. Did you know that the castle was hand painted from the rocks in the moat all the way to the spires at the top of the castle? This allows us to compose each stone and surface for perfect views all around. And many areas were painted with glistening gold for the very first time. 

We’re so glad the makeover is complete! What do you think of the new Cinderella Castle look?

Walt Disney Imagineering Shares Inside Look at Installation of New EPCOT Lucite Fountain Pylons

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Tuesday morning, EPCOT Center fans everywhere were overjoyed at the long-awaited arrival of the classic lucite pylons at the newly-reimagined fountain, which harkens back to the park’s beginnings. Today, Imagineer Zach Riddley has shared an amazing video of the installation process for the pylons, which took place overnight Monday.

Zach shared the following caption on his Instagram post, describing the astounding dimensions of the pylons and the design process behind them:

Earlier this week I shared a first-look of the installation of our new EPCOT fountain pylons. It’s been amazing to see everyone’s reactions – and we’re excited to reveal the completed project later this year. Today I’m proud to share this behind-the-scenes video capturing the installation process as it happened. These three acrylic pylons, each standing over 16 feet tall and weighing more than 4,000 pounds, were digitally modeled then milled and polished using state-of-the-art technology to achieve this perfect finish and amazing reflection effect. Our team of Imagineers orchestrated the delicate process of placing the pylons in their new home, where they will welcome generations of guests to this park filled with the magic of possibility, discovery and wonder.

Below, you can see the full video depicting how they maneuvered the massive pylons into place for the upcoming fountain:

View this post on Instagram

Earlier this week I shared a first-look of the installation of our new EPCOT fountain pylons. It’s been amazing to see everyone’s reactions – and we’re excited to reveal the completed project later this year. Today I’m proud to share this behind-the-scenes video capturing the installation process as it happened. These three acrylic pylons, each standing over 16 feet tall and weighing more than 4,000 pounds, were digitally modeled then milled and polished using state-of-the-art technology to achieve this perfect finish and amazing reflection effect. Our team of Imagineers orchestrated the delicate process of placing the pylons in their new home, where they will welcome generations of guests to this park filled with the magic of possibility, discovery and wonder.

A post shared by Zach Riddley (@thezachriddley) on

According to Riddley, the completed fountain is set to be fully revealed later this year.

New Pylons Installed at EPCOT Main Entrance Fountain

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Zach Riddley, Walt Disney World Site Portfolio Executive at Walt Disney Imagineering took to Instagram this morning to share three photos of the new pylons installed last night (August 10) at EPCOT!

Zach shares, “I’m excited to share a first look at the pylons we installed last night as we continue to reimagine the EPCOT main entrance fountain, which has anchored this area since the park opened in 1982. Our design team took special interest in looking back to the original geometry for inspiration and infusing new features with a little bit of added magic to bridge the past, present and future of EPCOT . These majestic pylons also draw your eye upward toward the sky and perfectly frame views of the iconic Spaceship Earth attraction. I can’t wait to reveal the completed look for this fountain later this year!”