RUMOR: New Illuminations Show Coming to Epcot?


A very interesting new rumor has been posted by our friends over at Screamscape. It refers to the possibility of an extensive refurbishment of Epcot's ILLUMINATIONS: Reflections of Earth nighttime spectacular. Here's the rumor, directly from the source (Screamscape):
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According to the latest whispers around Epcot, there is early talk about a possible new version of the nightly Illuminations show in the works. According to some of the rumors, the current Reflections of Earth video globe will be retired, but the new show will feature even more fireworks than the current show. Going back a bit to the roots of the original Illuminations show, the new show is said to tell the unique stories from the different cultures around the World Showcase pavilions.
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If this rumor turns out to be true, I would personally be extremely happy, as I love ILLUMINATIONS, but I also recognize that the show needs some improvements (especially during the part with the globe, which is a bit odd, as it is very difficult to see the images). What about you? Would you like to see ILLUMINATIONS getting some upgrades? The answer may seem easy, but there are some who do not like changes at all. I, for one, am not one of them.

21 comments:

  1. I had a feeling something was happening to one of Walt Disney World's nighttime shows. Last year, Steve Davison hinted that he was working on something for Walt Disney World. He revealed it at the same time he mentioned his role in 'Disney Dreams!' But he didn't specify either. Now that the Paris show has premiered, maybe, it's Illuminations' turn.

    Personally, I hope the show is re-imagined. The most awkward part of the show is definitely the long sequences with the globe images. I'm glad they will be adding more pyrotechnics, but I also hope they expand the fountains' role in the show. Perhaps, they could update the current fountains with ones they use at Tokyo DisneySea's 'Fantasmic!' show.

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  2. I Think This Is Great. Epcot Needs Some TLC Where Ever It Can Get It.
    Plus who wouldn't want a show with more pyros!

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  3. Finally Epcot Gets Something New! ;)

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  4. Illumintations needs more fireworks in the show or it gets to boring

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  5. JiffyPop said... "Last year, Steve Davison hinted that he was working on something for Walt Disney World"

    Davison actually reported recently that two projects he was working on for WDW had been greenlighted. The first one is believed to be and has been reported in many places to be a new daytime parade for MK. A new Illuminations makes sense to be the second project and is much needed.

    Magic Kingdom is getting a lot of love right now and AK is getting Avatarland in the future. There are rumors that DHS is in the mix to get an overhaul once FLE is done at the MK. So EPCOT needs something. While the Test Tracks overhaul sounds great...and I love the new color and logo... EPCOT really does need something fresh and to draw the family crowd.

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  6. I agree..it needs more fireworks and less globe..it is neat but lasts so long I get bored

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  7. Todd I Agree With You 100%. Epcot needs to draw people in some how. I thought by putting in a new ride that might do it, but a new show will do the trick

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  8. I hope it gets an update and I hope it's more off the lake and into the air. Due to restricted areas the best spots are gone and Disney doesn't show the interlect to add plenty higher level spaces and viewing areas at the restaurants around the lake. Big balconies and large windows could give you a wonderfull experiance while dining and watching the show.

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  9. Smokeless pyro is mandatory. Illuminations sucks if you're watching with the wind in your face.

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  10. Getting rid of the globe is a terrible idea. Terrible terrible terrible idea.

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  11. I fully support getting rid of the globe and adding more fireworks. It would be great if they enhance the fountains (using the technology used in the World of Color show at Disneyland.) I also thinking re-incorporating the role of the countries in World Showcase is an excellent idea. Hopefully they can convince Morocco to participate (they don't today).

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  12. I fully support getting rid of the globe and adding more fireworks. It would be great if they enhance the fountains (using the technology used in the World of Color show at Disneyland.) I also thinking re-incorporating the role of the countries in World Showcase is an excellent idea. Hopefully they can convince Morocco to participate (they don't today).

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  13. Thank you for all your comments. It looks like we have a lot of big Epcot fans in here (I am one of them!). Like I said in the post, I would be absolutely glad to see more pyrotechnics in the show. The globe may be a good idea, but the effects are just not working correctly, and the lack of fireworks during that segments bothers quite a few guests.

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  14. A globe should still be part of the show update the quality of the video bring it to the 21st century.

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  15. I for 1 enjoy the globe and the lasers and fountains. I went in 2008 when the globe was removed for refub and they added more lasers and fireworks and for me it didn't work. Maybe setting fireworks off the top of the buildings after they lit up.

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  16. I remember this show when it first started. I think it was around 1999 and was part of the millenium celebration at EPCOT. There was a great parade around world showcase followed by this show. That was the time when it seemed to be much better. There were more fireworks and better lighting during the show. It just seems that they have cut back on it over the years. I like the glove but it is difficult to see the images. Maybe upgrade to better resolution?

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  17. "Tapestry of Nations" was the parade around the Millenium Celebration and before Illiumnations showed each night. It was great. The music was great and it brought people all around World Showcase ealier in the evening. It was wonderful that you would get your spot for Illiuminations and then get to watch this wonderful parade. I wish they would bring something like that back and showcase more of the countries. Maybe something like a Chinese dragon like you see in Chinese parades, a fife and drum band for America, bag pippers to represent Canada, etc.

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  18. Keep the globe, give it better resolution with updated 21st century footage, add World of Color fountains throughout the lake, spreading them out a little more, and maybe give each country its own unique color/color scheme. Then during the finale, the jets closest to each country would be lit with that country's color until the jets around the globe display all of the colors dancing together eventually spreading out from the middle and making all of the jets different colors without groups of any one color. And if getting rid of the globe is inevitable, they could put water screens in front of each country, providing footage of only that country.

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  19. The original Illuminations was my favorite. I hate the Globe part. So many people I talk to say the same thing. They should use there light and laser skills and make some effects with that and the pyro. The lasers looked great in the original. By now they could do some amazing things with them. The fire is good for a minute. But I'm not a fan of it. I have spent 2 weeks a year on Disney Property for the last 20 years. I have been waiting for them to change the Illuminations for a long time :)

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  20. Personally, the original illuminations show, back in the 90's, was the BEST. it featured classical music pieces for each country including Girshwin's Rapsity in Blue. The laser show was the best animating a locomotive in high gear. Bring it back! If it's not broke, don't fix it. DocBunio

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  21. Illuminations definitely needs an upgrade. The middle part with the globe needs to have some pyrotechnics added as it is too long, and boring. I WOULD NOT get rid of the globe. Also, the finale needs to be upgraded with more shells at the very end. We are season passholders and spend more time at EPCOT than any of the other parks. The Star Wars fireworks show at Hollywood Studios is excellent, and the Wishes show at Magic Kingdom is a very special experience.

    I understand that the Wishes show is being replaced in May. I am looking forward to experiencing the new show when we return to Florida next fall.

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