PHOTOS - Preparations underway at Epcot for future nighttime spectaculars

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Epcot future firework show preparations

Posted: Thursday December 20, 2018 9:53am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Work is underway both onstage and backstage for the Illuminations replacement show set to debut in 2020.

Aerial view of Epcot firework marina and construction site for future show preparations. Photo by @cchard

In the fireworks marina behind the Outpost, ground clearing is underway on the site that will be used to build the floating set pieces that will be part of the new show.

In the World Showcase Lagoon, both of the islands are being worked on. Construction barges are working in the island closet to China.

Epcot future firework show preparations

On the second island near to Japan, barriers are in place, although heavy construction is yet to begin.

Epcot future firework show preparations

The unnamed new nighttime spectacular will celebrate how Disney music inspires people around the world, and will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics and lasers.

Epcot 2020 nighttime show concept art

Before that new show begins, there will be a limited-time experience, called "Epcot Forever," which will debut in fall 2019 and will feature classic Epcot tunes.

"Epcot Forever" will begin with a spark of imagination that swells into an epic spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers, and special effects kites.

Epcot Forever concept art

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SoFloMagicDec 02, 2024

I think this is right. But bridge closed (not raised) when pyro was brought under. At least thats my memory

TiggerishNov 29, 2024

That was always my favorite part, too! ROE was the best nighttime show, IMO.

etc98Nov 29, 2024

You just reminded me of such a good memory, of waiting at the drawbridge for the Earth Globe to pass one night after the show. I was probably 10 years old, and seeing it up close was so cool. The cast member there talked with my family about the show while we waited, and asked what our favorite part was. I said mine was when the announcer blew out the torches at the beginning, and she was surprised and said not many people even notice that detail, let along say it’s their favorite part. I think that’s part of the reason why I always look out for the little details in the parks, even now.

jrhwdwNov 29, 2024

It only raised for the Earth Globe correct?

peter11435Nov 28, 2024

No. Typically not. If the illuminations barges were left out it was normally for another reason. Due to size and number the illuminations barges were able to be brought out in one shorter bridge raise.

Disstevefan1Nov 28, 2024

Good to know. Thanks. I have a bad memory. For illuminations did they leave the barges out during busy times too?

peter11435Nov 28, 2024

There are a couple issues with doing it all at once. One being the length of time traffic would be stopped.

jrhwdwNov 28, 2024

2 Times? Couldn't Epcot float everything out at one time?

peter11435Nov 28, 2024

Correct. Luminous requires the bridge being raised twice per afternoon for several minutes each time.

Disstevefan1Nov 28, 2024

You are the expert. Please educate me. Please educate me on the reasoning why they are moved (or not moved) based on attendance? Is it to not use the draw bridge during crowded times?

peter11435Nov 28, 2024

That’s not true. There’s been a mix of both over that period.

peter11435Nov 28, 2024

It has nothing to do with saving money. The techs that load the product are the same ones that move the barges. There is no labor savings either way and it is far easier for them to service the barges in the Mariana than it is in the middle of the lagoon. The decision regarding if they stay out or are moved in is based on projected park attendance for the following day.

NottamusNov 27, 2024

I was there from 11/10-11/17 and it wasn’t there all day that week. I’ve heard they play Tapestry Of Nations music as they brought out - I never got to see it happen We did mornings there until 1 pm and they weren’t there - by night they were !

Disstevefan1Nov 27, 2024

It obviously costs less to just leave them there rather than have cast members do the work to move them. I think this is exactly why they leave them there. Is it a bad show? Absolutely yes. But Disney does not care anymore. They just do the minimum they can get away with.