Making Memories: Countries from around the world light up the night

on July 27, 2021

Each week through the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary, we will be taking a look back at various parades, entertainment, and nighttime spectaculars throughout the history of the resort. Walt Disney World has seen so many different things come and go throughout its 50 year history. So, let’s take a look back at what people remember dearly or forgot quickly.

Epcot is a park beloved by many. It’s fanbase rivals that of sports teams, and fandoms like Star Wars or Star Trek. Nighttime shows at the park are no different and have dazzled guests for nearly four decades now as new technology comes along. The very first show to debut at Epcot was Carnival de Lumiere.

Carnival de Lumiere used projection screens on barges floating in World Showcase Lagoon. Fountain and firework barges controlled by Apple computers were placed between the project screens. The show had limited viewing points just between Mexico and Canada. The show used classical music of the nations around World Showcase. Carnival was not a grand show like some that came after it but was a great start for this new park. The show lasted only months as it made way for something else.

A New World Fantasy replaced Carnival in 1983. This show used the same barges and style as Carnival de Lumiere. Information on these early shows is lacking but they were both done in similar ways. This show had music on a synthesizer. A New World Fantasy did have one tech upgrade however, Pichel Lights were added and featured automated movement. The show ended in 1984.

Laserphonic Fantasy was up next debuting in the summer of 1984. This show could be viewed all around World Showcase unlike the previous two shows. Projection barges were no more and fireworks and fountain barges were moved around the central barge which included lighting, fog, and laser effects. Lasers were added to the Canada, Mexico, and American Adventure pavilions. Automated Pichel lights were also part of this show and they later upgraded the show with more small fireworks barges and seawall fireworks. Laserphonic Fantasy ended in 1988 to make way for one of the most beloved thing to ever hit Epcot…

Illuminations captivated the Disney going audience beginning in January 1988. Illuminations used 13 special effects projectors, 11 searchlights, 12 wire/mesh grids, 180 nozzles for fountains, 783 fireworks pieces, and 550 theatrical lights. The show grew to be so popular and beloved that it was enhanced several times but wouldn’t leave until very recently in 2019. Illuminations was designed by legendary producer Don Dorsey and featured selections of classical music from around the world.

This show highlighted the countries around the world, lighting up as a son representing that country played. Morocco was however omitted due to respecting the pavilion’s religious aspects. The original version of Illuminations ran until September 1996.

The next iteration, Illuminations 25, was much shorter lived. Debuting in 1996 and ending in 1999, was part of the 25th anniversary celebration of Walt Disney World. It featured a different soundtrack from the original. The show did see changes in 1997 when it switched up the soundtrack again. In 1998, they removed the 25th references until the show ended in 1999. Illuminations 25 did have upgrades from the original Illuminations using four more fireworks barges and new programming. The first version of Illuminations 25 attempted to use Disney film soundtracks which was not well received in Epcot. Keep in mind over two decades later we are getting a show with Disney film soundtracks in Epcot.

That brings us to the one that may be most beloved by fans, myself included. Illuminations: Reflections of Earth debuted in 1999 and ran until September 2019. Once again produced by Don Dorsey, the show was first known as Illuminations 2000 as part of the Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration. The show was so well received that they kept it well passed the Millennium Celebration. This show was unlike many others winning several awards. Voice actor Jim Cummings leads the show with its famous narration ending with the blowing out of the torches.

The premise of the show follows three acts; Chaos, Order, and Meaning. Chaos represents the creation of planet Earth and featured the famous Inferno Barge. That led to the second act, Order, where the large Earth barge appears and moves towards the center of the lagoon. Images from landmarks, various countries, and people were showcased on the globe during this time. Countries around World Showcase would light up during this portion as well. Act three, Meaning, led to the finale and where we hear the song “We Go On.” 1,000 bright white fireworks would be launched leading to the finale.

Throughout its 20 year history, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth was sponsored by General Electric, Siemens, and Sylvania. The globe measured 28 feet in diameter and was wrapped with 15,600 LED clusters. This is the only barge that would have an actual driver on board. The inferno barge was a 150,000 pound barge that blew fire 40-60 feet in the air, giving guests a full feel of heat throughout World Showcase. 400 gallons of isobar were used every night for the show on this barge. After each show and as many guests had already left the park, the barge would do a burn off to empty the tanks. As for pyro, 2,120 effects were used in the show with an additional 818 visible during the holiday shows. There were 34 pyro locations throughout the lagoon. Like other shows, lasers were a big part and were upgraded during its run. 19 torches surround World Showcase to this day and represented the 19 centuries with he 20th torch being inside the globe revealed towards the end of the show.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth would see special holiday tags for Christmas time, Fourth of July, and New Year’s Eve. For the Epcot 25th, 30th and 35th anniversaries also featured special tags. These tags added even more pyrotechnics often resulting in guests being amazed in ways other shows couldn’t. Gavin Greenway was the composer for the show and is one of the most beloved soundtracks in the Disney fandom.

Illuminations made way for the temporary show, Epcot Forever. This paid homage to the history of Epcot and was a buffer as construction took place for Harmonious. Harmonious will debut for the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary.

References: