First look at EPCOT's new nighttime firework spectacular show barges backstage

Aug 02, 2023 in "Harmonious"

Posted: Wednesday August 2, 2023 10:37am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

New aerial photos from @bioreconstruct offer a first look at the new firework platform barges for the upcoming unnamed nighttime spectacular at EPCOT.

As work progresses in World Showcase Lagoon on preparing docking points for the new barges backstage, work is well underway on prepping the new platforms.

Based on the concept art and work in the lagoon, we expect to see a central barge in World Showcase Lagoon surrounded by six large central "fork" barges pictured above in the aerial photo. Each of the fork barges will have three smaller individual barges docked inside the fork to deploy out in the lagoon - radiating outwards like spokes in a wheel when viewed overhead. Each barge will carry lighting and pyrotechnics.

Storing the three smaller barges inside the fork of each of the larger barges will make it much easier to logistically move the platforms from backstage to the lagoon each day. Unlike Harmonious, the new show will have minimal daytime intrusion of the lagoon view, with hardware being brought in and out of the lagoon before each performance.

In the few details that have been released, Disney says that the show will feature lights, lasers, and fireworks. We do not expect to see drones or video projections. Fire effects and fountains remain a possibility but are not confirmed.

Disney has previously said that the show will feature an original composition and evocative selections from the Disney songbook – all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different. Some fans may be concerned that this show is heading in a similar direction to Harmonious, but as more details are released in the coming months, we expect a positive outlook on the soundtrack.

The new show will be the permanent replacement for Harmonious, which came to a close at the end of March 2023. EPCOT Forever continues to play as an interim show while the new show is developed for its debut later in 2023.

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

View all comments →

Vinnie Mac16 days ago

It's always funny to look back at old pages in threads like these just to see what everyone thought back then compared to what actually happened. Going through all of the Harmonious speculation from 2019-2021 is always a fun read

Chef idea Mickey`=17 days ago

I think if the eyesoars were able to move in and out of the lagoon as was originally planned or theory would it wouldn't change because it would have to arrive at some time, whether 3pm, 4pm, 6pm people would still say it abstruct the views of the countries I think the primary reason was that but importantly was not able to see the show from the sides and definitely restaurant interest declining majorly!

HauntedPirate17 days ago

Looking back at the first few pages of this thread... it's amazing how many people thought the eyesores would stick around for the new show. And a few of those were really bad takes. 😬

jrhwdw22 days ago

Looks great but the Summer Upgrade has not returned I believe.....

Sthebest22 days ago

I think they added back a lot of the extra fireworks again. I just saw it tonight. Wonder why it happens on and off

Chef idea Mickey`=Oct 05, 2024

Epcot Forever did that!

ToTBellHopSep 28, 2024

That’s all Epcot fireworks. Depending on wind direction, someone gets smoked out. This very site started out like 25 years ago with a feature that predicted where you should avoid during IllumiNations if you don’t want to get smoked out.

Chef idea Mickey`=Sep 27, 2024

It happens to be the one show that when it's over just seeing it at the entrance of international gateway or even nearby Riveria even you can see the smoke air the atmosphere. Can't imagine how or if it's healthy in the park.

SquishySep 26, 2024

Wonder if it's a technical issue or too early of a call to not fill the smaller close proximity barges.

jrhwdwSep 26, 2024

Perimeters did start the show.

SquishySep 26, 2024

Luminous is running with reduced close proximity pyro tonight. Basically only pyro that launches from the main barges. Wind doesn't seem that crazy though? Only 9mph with 20mph gusts..

SquishySep 25, 2024

Chef idea Mickey`=Sep 25, 2024

You know what, you've just made me realize a point where it's baffling for them to incorporate one song to with even if it rhythms or blends with the other song. Remember Me is fine because it's about telling saying "remember me". As for "When She Loved Me is strange." this song is about the relationship lost and/or that once was between a girl and her doll toy. The girl didn't pass away. Using death for the segment and hearing "When She" is like saying they loved you only when they were alive and now it's gone.

MisterPenguinSep 24, 2024

A permanent giant globe that was raised up from the surface level a good bit would work and be totally in-theme to be out in the middle of World Showcase Lagoon permanently. Jus' sayin'....