Illuminations 1/28 - OOPS!

[cigar95]

There are those who say that the middle section of Illuminations is "a bit slow". (I'm not among them, despite not being a fan of "ROE".) Others less charitable might call it "kinda boring".

For that crowd, imagine Illuminations *without* *the* *globe*.

Some of us don't need to imagine it. We saw it tonight.

When the time came, the globe began its trek out into the lagoon. And it was dark. ("I thought it lit up right away. I guess I'm not remembering.") And then it got out near the center. ("I really thought it was lit up by now. Is something wrong?") And then we get into the "storytelling music", and it's still pitch black.

Oh boy, this is not good. Will they get it fixed? Will they stop the show? (*Can they* even stop the show?)

But the show went on, with this strange black globe spinning around, surrounded by water jets and fireworks. Eventually, it opened up and the flame lit up from the center.

I can only imagine what those unfamiliar with the show were thinking. "What is this? Sheesh, what a boring show." And I felt really bad for them. I also felt bad for those who might love the show, and this was there one chance to see it on their yearly trip.

Afterwards, I chatted with the Argentine family next to me who had never seen it before, but had stumbled across the primo viewing spot without realizing it. I explained that the show was much better than what they had just seen, and I hoped they would have another chance before they left. They had enjoyed the fireworks and the lights and water, but they also said it seemed to be a bit boring in the middle parts.

So I feel bad for a lot of people - not the least of which would be the engineer who is responsible for the globe. WDW cast members, managers, and technicians had to have this feeling of "helpless horror" as this skeleton of a show unfolded before their eyes like a slow-motion torture.

This was my one chance to see the show on this trip, but I've seen it dozens of times before. I'm not upset personally.

It may have been my last chance to see "ROE", though. I'm hopeful that by the time I return, they will have at least begun installing the successor show.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

That's a bummer! I don't think it was quite horror that the CMs experienced, though. Probably more like "oh, crap," a quick scramble to try to get it working, then a resigned "it is what it is."

But to answer your question, no, they can't stop the show. The fix needed could have been lengthy, it was dark, and those fireworks had to be discharged per regulations. Since there was no bad weather holding up the show, the fireworks needed to be discharged then. Even if fireworks are rained out, they will be set off sometime in the night, even if it's 3AM when they finally can.

 

[Hopefully]

Sorry What is "ROE"?

 

[Tomh]

Reflections of Earth . . . the current iteration of Illuminations. It is widely rumored that the show will undergo a refurbishment sometime soon.

 

[FastPasser]

.

 

[cigar95]

I'm thinking that the CMs were not horrified because it's not the first time that it's happened. It's happening more and more.

Sounds like it may be time to pull the trigger on the new show then. The design for that one has been complete for almost two years, just waiting for approval from the executive level.

 

[Robo]

Sounds like it may be time to pull the trigger on the new show then. The design for that one has been complete for almost two years, just waiting for approval from the executive level.

But, from what I hear, "pulling the trigger" will mean some serious hardware installations on the bottom
of WS Lagoon. It could take quite awhile.

 

[PrincessWithABlaster]

Sounds like it may be time to pull the trigger on the new show then. The design for that one has been complete for almost two years, just waiting for approval from the executive level.

Perhaps they should wait until after ROL actually debuts.

 

[Hopefully]

Reflections of Earth . . . the current iteration of Illuminations. It is widely rumored that the show will undergo a refurbishment sometime soon.

Thank you.
I am very familiar with Illuminations Reflection of Light. I have never seen it abbreviated this way.

 

[FastPasser]

.

 

[Micca]

But, from what I hear, "pulling the trigger" will mean some serious hardware installations on the bottom
of WS Lagoon. It could take quite awhile.

Will they have to drain the lagoon for that? That's going to take some big walls & scrims around the lagoon during construction.

 

[Robo]

Will they have to drain the lagoon for that? That's going to take some big walls & scrims around the lagoon during construction.

I'm sure they can use "cofferdams" around the construction sites.

>CLICK<




.

 

[cigar95]

I'm sure they can use "cofferdams" around the construction sites.

>CLICK<
.

This is what I've always presumed. It would be done in stages, so that at any given time, most of the lagoon would still look like it usually does.
But as others have noted, this job has to be worked in with the other major efforts being done. Given how much of the Studios is down, I'd hesitate to take down one of the signature attractions at another park. (I don't think Rivers of Light wold be enough to allow Illuminations to come down - the latter can be seen by many more guests, just because the lagoon is so much larger than the seating area for Rivers.)

 

[Tomh]

Thank you.
I am very familiar with Illuminations Reflection of Light. I have never seen it abbreviated this way.

You're welcome. The abbreviations and "lingo" here on the boards often require a certain degree of research just to know what is being talked about lol.

Well then, after writing the above message, I went back and looked, and realized you've been on the boards far longer than I have. Good to know that the acronyms slip by even the veteran members from time to time. I won't feel nearly so silly the next time I have to resort to google just to figure out what a post means

 

[Jules76126]

I was in WDW in November. We saw Illuminations twice on our trip. The first time the globe did not light up at all. It was very disappointing. I have seen Illuminations many times, but there were members of our group who had not and trying to explain why this black globe was moving through the water was weird. Also it really disrupts the flow of the show as the globe is a major component. Luckily, I was able to catch the show on our last night (many members of the group had already left so they missed out) and everything worked perfectly. I am glad I was able to see it as I don't plan on returning to WDW until the 50th so I am sure the show will be updated by then.