Any truth to rumor that Illuminations is changing?

[Patabel]

(I apologize ahead of time if this has already been discussed. I did a search and found nothing.)

Some friends (relative newbies to WDW) just got back from WDW this week, and they overheard several folks at the F&W talking about Illuminations - that it was being changed (toned down), in the coming months so that the "big" fireworks display would only be at the Magic Kingdom. Not being there myself, I don't know if the folks they were overhearing were just those chatting about the original from the latest, uninformed folks, or those on to something. I do know that sometimes we hear it hear on the DIS before Disney announces anything.

So, any ideas?

 

[mesaboy2]

Doesn't make any sense to me. Nothing but a rumor as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Dan Murphy]

No ideas, Pat, but just stopping to say 'hello' to you and family. Hope all is well.

My opinion though...just rumor.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Disney Rumors and News board.

 

[Camila]

I hope not. Illuminations is my favorite fireworks show!

 

[101disneyfan]

That would be a crime.
There has already been talk through the Rumor Mill that WD Parks/Resorts wants the afternoon and evening parades to be Magic Kingdom/various Disneylands parks only. To tone down what in my opinion is a far superior fireworks show so that Wishes seems better in comparison would set a lot of people off.

Plus, aren't they adding more viewing locations throughout the World Showcase, and incorporating more restaurants with a view?

Sounds like a rumor without a lot of substance to it.

 

[Patabel]

I've moved this thread to the Disney Rumors and News board.

Thanks, Brian!

 

[Patabel]

No ideas, Pat, but just stopping to say 'hello' to you and family. Hope all is well.

My opinion though...just rumor.

Hey Dan! All is well. Fun seeing pix of your grandbabies in your sig. Grandkids sure are fun, aren't they!

 

[mcd2745]

I believe Illuminations could use a little refreshing, but I don' see a change happening any time soon.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Illuminations need to be changed...no question.

But there is no logic to them pushing people out of epcot and into the magic kingdom.

their goal is to streamline waits and crowds for the purpose of then putting more people in the parks with less impact, making more cash in the process.

moving people out of epcot is exactly what they don't want to do...epcot is a heavy hitter park with huge capacity...not like studios. it is in disrepair and needs tons of work and money...but i do think we're gonna see it. the question is if they will commit and get somethings done...the "disneyland/florida project mentality".

The rumor just doesn't make any sense.

if they are changing the show to attract more people...that makes sense...and if they are cutting them down to save money...that makes sense.

this explanation doesnt at all.

 

[wiigirl]

I hope not. Illuminations is my favorite fireworks show!

Mine too!

 

[Spoiledraf]

Needs a change. We'll be at the processional on a dinner plan in December and afterward plan on heading to DTD instead of watching another fire ball. Just our opinion.

 

[Spacedog1975]

I love Illuminations, and if I'm right it wins awards annually for best outdoor performance at a park. I can't fathom a change that might diminish it. I could see them refreshing it or building on it, but I cannot see reducing it's scope.

 

[North of Mouse]

I think it's time for a re-do of Illuminations - gotten sort of ho-hum to us. We love Wishes, but guess that's on its way out.

 

[Fantaluminishes]

In my opinion, Illuminations is the best nighttime show at any U.S. Disney park. And I've seen all of them in the last three months. I honestly can't get enough of it. The only thing better was when Tapesty of Nations/Dreams preceeded it. The fireworks portion of Wishes are great, but the soundtrack and story suck. Disneyland's version during the 50th blew it away. Here's how I rank Disney's current (regular) nighttime shows.

1. Illuminations
2. Fantasmic! (Disneyland)
3. Magical (Disneyland)
4. Wishes
5. World of Color
6. Main Street Electrical Parade
7. Fantasmic! (DHS)

 

[mcd2745]

In my opinion, Illuminations is the best nighttime show at any U.S. Disney park. And I've seen all of them in the last three months. I honestly can't get enough of it. The only thing better was when Tapesty of Nations/Dreams preceeded it. The fireworks portion of Wishes are great, but the soundtrack and story suck. Disneyland's version during the 50th blew it away. Here's how I rank Disney's current (regular) nighttime shows.

1. Illuminations
2. Fantasmic! (Disneyland)
3. Magical (Disneyland)
4. Wishes
5. World of Color
6. Main Street Electrical Parade
7. Fantasmic! (DHS)

I wouldn't change the concept of Illuminations, just change some of the fireworks and lighting/laser effects a little to keep it fresh. I agree about Wishes...it's a little to sappy for me, but I guess you have to expect that in the MK. As much as I enjoy MSEP (and prefer it to Spectro), I would update the nighttime parade at MK before updating Wishes. Yes, Wishes' story and music are hokey, but the fireworks are the real star anyway.

 

[johnGorski]

From what I heard was a new version of wishes comming. Fountain show either DTD or DAK then in the far future new epcot night time show

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

~Illuminations is okay. I think F! needs some kind of overhaul, it's just too much water -- I find that part to be somewhat boring. The fountain at my airport is more exciting.

 

[Rumors Rocks]

Illuminations need to be changed...no question.

But there is no logic to them pushing people out of epcot and into the magic kingdom.

their goal is to streamline waits and crowds for the purpose of then putting more people in the parks with less impact, making more cash in the process.

moving people out of epcot is exactly what they don't want to do...epcot is a heavy hitter park with huge capacity...not like studios. it is in disrepair and needs tons of work and money...but i do think we're gonna see it. the question is if they will commit and get somethings done...the "disneyland/florida project mentality".

The rumor just doesn't make any sense.

if they are changing the show to attract more people...that makes sense...and if they are cutting them down to save money...that makes sense.

this explanation doesnt at all.

 

[ParrotBill]

There are a lot of ways they could cut costs on IllumiNations if that were the goal....

* Use less gas - I don't need to feel the heat from the middle of the lagoon
* Use more lasers and building lights, like in the original version of the show
* Use less fireworks, which are one of the biggest nightly costs
* Cut the show to fewer nights a week during slower seasons as they have already done for Fantasmic and Wishes