VIDEO - The final performance of IllumiNations Reflections of Earth

Oct 01, 2019 in "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth"

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IllumiNations Reflections of Earth from Norway - September 2019

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Posted: Tuesday October 1, 2019 7:16am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Epoct's IllumiNations Reflections of Earth had its final performance last night - 20 years since its debut in 1999.

IllumiNations Reflections of Earth from Norway - September 2019

Previously called "IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth," the name changed to "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," on January 1, 2001 following the close of the Walt Disney World 15-month Millennium Celebration.

IllumiNations Reflections of Earth from Norway - September 2019

The unofficial opening for "IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth" took place on September 22, 1999.

IllumiNations Reflections of Earth from Norway - September 2019

IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth was introduced at Epcot for the Walt Disney World 15-month Millennium Celebration as an all new show.

IllumiNations Reflections of Earth from Norway - September 2019

More than a simple update, the show was created from "scratch," with more than 30 percent more fireworks than any prior show at Epcot.

IllumiNations Reflections of Earth from Norway - September 2019

Epcot's firework legacy will continue with the debut of 'Epcot Forever' on October 1, followed by an all new show in 2020 - HarmonioUS.

This video is of the final show, shot from World Showcase Plaza, and includes a look at the Earth barge leaving the lagoon for the final time.

The Earth barge leaves the lagoon for the final time

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Figments FriendOct 18, 2019

I would like to believe that. Doubts , however, cloud my hope that it still exists. Would be nice if it was indeed kept for a future purpose. -

Tom MorrowOct 18, 2019

There is a slim chance the individual pieces were preserved and taken somewhere though.

Figments FriendOct 18, 2019

A very good question. Not sure of the details regarding specifics, just relaying something i was told recently. I had wondered myself how that would have been able to take place, but perhaps this is why it didn't happen. No time to do so since the Park didn't want any 'dark' nights between the evening Show options. -

jrhwdwOct 18, 2019

When would they have time to work on it? Epcot wanted ROE all the way to EF. Would the Earth Globe have to leave ROE Early?

Figments FriendOct 18, 2019

Another shot, from a slightly different angle - ( photo - 'Bioreconstruct' via Twitter ) I have been told that there was a alternative to seeing the globe removed and dismantled - A proposal was made to keep the globe and turn it into a full wraparound video screen element, not just the 'continent' shapes. This was then going to be used during 'Epcot Forever', to play video elements to compliment the show. The idea was scrapped, however. Too bad.... -

Figments FriendOct 18, 2019

Yes. Sadly, the globe is dismantled -. Shown backstage at Epcot, six days after the final showing of 'Illuminations'. Very sad to see. Photo by our informative airman, 'Bioreconstruct' via his Twitter page. -

Tom MorrowOct 18, 2019

Have there been any other sightings of the dismantled globe? Like maybe, is it being stored somewhere? Or has it been scrapped?

TOCPE82Oct 18, 2019

From what I've been told, it's hard to get more vintagey designs approved. The designer was trying to capture the show's sense of joy. It didn't work for me either, but I see what he was going for. Looking at the Passholder EPCOT Forever hoodie and, well, most AP exclusive merch, loud and gaudy is what they think people want. Though I have a closet of vintage, retro and pseudo-vintage WDW shirts that says otherwise. :)

Figments FriendOct 18, 2019

Well, thank goodness we had a former Land CM is our little party who provided a wonderful personally narrated greenhouse tour as the soothing therapy needed for some of us who were a tad agitated post-show. That was terrific ...and just what was needed to provide a calming environment to 'de-compress'. The Land was always a great Pavilion to 'get back to your roots'... :) -

Epcot82GuyOct 17, 2019

Agreed! That was such a fun day! (Followed the next day by such a punch in the gut. 😆)

Figments FriendOct 16, 2019

Hoping our friend @Fastpass+ who came all the way from Germany to be there the night of the final 'Illuminations' had a great time. I have not heard from him in this thread since we met up that day in the Imagination Gardens area. Hope he made it back home safely. :) -

Goofy NinjaOct 13, 2019

We'll miss you Illuminations. The last time I saw it was with my grandfather in 2016, who has since passed. So it will always hold a special place in my heart.

mcrgw29Oct 13, 2019

This was the poster design for the Festival of the Arts this year. I'm surprised they had any left. I picked up one of the last posters back in June but man I would've loved that glicee. You can also get this design on a shirt. I got one to wear for the finale and the shirts on redbubble are actually pretty nice quality.

Captain BarbossaOct 11, 2019

While we’re talking about IllumiNations merch, there are some cool designs on RedBubble. This is the sticker I got. Like I said, there are other designs and you can also get them on t-shirts, mugs, etc.