VIDEO - First full-scale test of Walt Disney World's new 'Luminous' nighttime spectacular at EPCOT

Nov 05, 2023 in "Luminous the Symphony of Us"

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Luminous the Symphony of Us - Show test

Posted: Sunday November 5, 2023 9:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

With just a month to go until the debut of EPCOT's new nighttime spectacular 'Luminous The Symphony of Us,' Walt Disney Imagineers carried out a near full run-though for the first time late last night.

Luminous the Symphony of Us - Show test

Taking place after the park closed just after midnight, the run-through gave us a look at the pyrotechnic design and some of the lighting effects visible above the tree line.

The 'Luminous' audio was masked by loud background music being played at International Gateway, but some of the new soundtrack could be heard in the distance.

There are two new original songs and new arrangements of Disney movie songs including:

"I See the Light" - Tangled
"You've Got a Friend in Me" - Toy Story
"You'll Be in My Heart" - Tarzan
"Proud Corazon" - Coco
"Friend Like Me" - Aladdin
"So Close" - Enchanted
"When She Loved Me"- Toy Story 2
"Remember Me" - Coco
"Into the Unknown" - Frozen 2

For a better listen of the show's music, see last week's post with a behind-the-scenes look at recording the 'Luminous The Symphony of Us' soundtrack.

The runtime of 'Luminous' is around 16 minutes based on last night's test, which puts it slightly shorter than the 20-minute runtime of 'Harmonious 'but longer than the 12-minute-long 'EPCOT Forever,' which 'Luminous' replaces.

Unlike 'Harmonious,' 'Luminous' will not use any video displays and returns to the successful formula of IllumiNations, with fireworks, lighting, and fountains. Although it is difficult to gauge the quantity of fireworks in use, from this test, 'Luminous' appears to have more pyro than either 'EPCOT Forever' or 'Harmonious.' The test also confirmed the continued use of the lagoon seawall perimeter launches, which were fired numerous times at the show's beginning and finale.

Luminous the Symphony of Us - Show test

Although this test was close to being the entire show, there is more to come, including a center barge, which we have seen in recent concept art. This seventh major show platform is not yet in the lagoon, and is likely to play a significant role in the show's finale.

Watch the video below to see 'Luminous The Symphony of Us.' (4K YouTube)

'Luminous, The Symphony of Us' will debut at Walt Disney World's EPCOT on December 5, 2023.

Luminous the Symphony of Us logo

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Vinnie Mac3 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`=4 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!

HauntedPirate4 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. 😬

jrhwdw9 days ago

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

Sthebest9 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'....