Illuminations at Epcot has changed...

[twinklebug]

But it is not really a new show. It is the one that has been being shown for at least 7 years.

But I will agree that I liked the show where they put the spotlight on each country better.

There have been variations on the show each time I watch it.
As a young adult I recall each pavilion being lit up... and honestly, for the most part that part bored me

Since we started returning almost annually in 2004 the show has had parts missing - sometimes the laser on SE wasn't working, sometimes that part was lengthened... othertimes the fireworks and video display on the main barge wasn't operating fully or not at all. It's a very technical (and expensive) show. It changes with time - and it will change again.

As soon as the drums start beating and the torches around the lake dim, my heart stops. I still love it no matter what.

 

[wcpamotm]

There have been 4 versions of Illuminations.

First one ran from the late 80's to 1993 or so. This is the one that had music specific to many of the countries... You hear some of this country specific music on the special NYE Illuminations (the one that follows the clock)

Then there were 2 versions of Illuminations for the 25th anniversary...
25A and 25B.. These ran from 1993 or so until 1999.

Then... Illuminations -Reflections of Earth. There have not been major changes to the show since it's introduction. there have been temporary changes -like when the flame barge had some issues a few years ago....

Hope this helps.

... And also a fifth, lesser-known version: "Holiday Illuminations", which played for a few Christmas seasons in the 90s. The "Let There Be Peace On Earth" tag with Walter Cronkite that they are playing during current holiday seasons is from that version.

I feel that the current Reflections of Earth music is the best music ever written for a theme park (yes, even better than It's a Small World!)

For those who also remember when "all" the countries were lit up, remember that Norway and Morocco have never been lit up. I was pleased to see that when the Hacienda was opened, it was re-fitted with new lights.

 

[TDC Nala]

Was looking for the exact date Tapestry of Nations became Tapestry of Dreams (just because Wikipedia doesn't say) and there was a reference to a short-lived parade that premiered at the World Showcase's opening on October 1, 1982 and was shown only "a handful of times."

http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id216.htm

This site gives the closing date of Tapestry of Nations as September 9, 2001, and the opening of Tapestry of Dreams as October 1, 2001.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/Tapestry-of-Nations.htm

 

[Crystal824]

If the last time you saw the show was in '93, it changed to the current show in 1999. According to Wikipedia it premiered on October 1, 1999, and has been running for nearly 13 years.

Yes, this is right. I was actually there for the first show during my college program. I really like this show. Some of the countries do light up but no music is played for each indivdually. I personally think the music for Reflections of Earth is terrific.

 

[Crystal824]

Was looking for the exact date Tapestry of Nations became Tapestry of Dreams (just because Wikipedia doesn't say) and there was a reference to a short-lived parade that premiered at the World Showcase's opening on October 1, 1982 and was shown only "a handful of times."

http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id216.htm

This site gives the closing date of Tapestry of Nations as September 9, 2001, and the opening of Tapestry of Dreams as October 1, 2001.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/Tapestry-of-Nations.htm

I don't think that is correct though. Tapestry of nations started during my college program too (Aug. 1999-Jan. 2000). I worked with several people who were in that parade. They didn't change the name of it while I was working there.

 

[Heidi Lou]

I still agree with you, OP. it definitely seems like small things have changed. No matter what Wikipedia says since it isnt always right, I have gone regularly as well, and i have noticed changes(no matter how small). O well i guess. To each his own memory. Even if we are wrong, it is not as exciting as it used to be that's for sure. Sorry you dont enjoy it as much anymore. i feel your pain!

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't think that is correct though. Tapestry of nations started during my college program too (Aug. 1999-Jan. 2000). I worked with several people who were in that parade. They didn't change the name of it while I was working there.

They didn't change the name of the parade until October 2001. so if you worked there until January 2000, they would not have changed it while you were working there.

 

[W.E.D.]

The current show has been the same for years now,it's my favorite Disney nighttime show as I've seen it probably 200 times and have yet to get tired of it.I understand a new show will eventually come but I always worry if whatever new show goes in there will leave me underwhelmed and missing this current show even more.

I agree. We've been in love with the show since our Honeymoon in '01. I remember the previous shows as well, but we really love the current production. If its shorter, it probably has to do with the economy and cutting back on fireworks. I wonder what they spend each night on fireworks? Wasn't the economy their excuse for cutting all the shows back except for Illuminations: Reflections of Earth?

 

[Celine]

Was looking for the exact date Tapestry of Nations became Tapestry of Dreams (just because Wikipedia doesn't say) and there was a reference to a short-lived parade that premiered at the World Showcase's opening on October 1, 1982 and was shown only "a handful of times."

http://waltdatedworld.bravepages.com/id216.htm

This site gives the closing date of Tapestry of Nations as September 9, 2001, and the opening of Tapestry of Dreams as October 1, 2001.

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/Tapestry-of-Nations.htm

Yep!!! Sounds right!! Although we went early 2001.. I think around late Feb or early March. Then in 2002 we went like in April, I believe. I know we had to wait for it to be warm...

Thank you for looking all of that up!!!

 

[Goofy's_Biggest_Fan]

So, just to clear things up in my own mind, the CURRENT Illuminations show at EPCOT, do they still do the the lasers and project a globe on the big EPCOT ball at the Spaceship Earth pavillion? I'll be honest, I have not seen Illuminations in about ten years, but if they have reduced the show down, I'm not sure we'll take time to see it later this summer when we are there.

 

[twinklebug]

So, just to clear things up in my own mind, the CURRENT Illuminations show at EPCOT, do they still do the the lasers and project a globe on the big EPCOT ball at the Spaceship Earth pavillion? I'll be honest, I have not seen Illuminations in about ten years, but if they have reduced the show down, I'm not sure we'll take time to see it later this summer when we are there.

Yes, the laser show is still integrated into illuminations. What I was saying was that technical difficulties may change the show at times. in all the times we've seen it it seems each time it has been slightly different.

 

[Waltgirl]

Absolutely disagree with those that feel the show is cod and emotionless. It is pure Disney, adult Disney though, not sugary sweet Wishes Disney. The music is fantastic, one thing Disney has always done well is music.

I loved the original incarnation of Illuminations and was upset when they changed it...until I saw it. I bought the cd right after I saw the show the first time. The show celebrates all the Earth is and and ever has been. It shows the accomplishments and cultures of humankind. By the time they get to "We Go On" I am usually sobbing, it is so beautiful. It sounds so corny and everyone here will think I am a dweeb but it touches my heart in a way only Disney can.

 

[TDC Nala]

project a globe on the big EPCOT ball at the Spaceship Earth pavillion?

They do not project a globe on Spaceship Earth.

They have a globe float that is covered with lights of some type. They move the globe out to the center of the lagoon during the show. The pictures are shown on that globe, not on Spaceship Earth. I do believe that after the show is over, they project the word "goodbye" in different languages onto Spaceship Earth.

 

[twinklebug]

They do not project a globe on Spaceship Earth.

They have a globe float that is covered with lights of some type. They move the globe out to the center of the lagoon during the show. The pictures are shown on that globe, not on Spaceship Earth. I do believe that after the show is over, they project the word "goodbye" in different languages onto Spaceship Earth.

They do project it - but briefly. (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mfkRRCspTI) Over the years it has changed. At times it's been missing, other times it's shown for longer - depends on the sponsor and the show designer.

 

[mommystieg]

...I feel that the current Reflections of Earth music is the best music ever written for a theme park.

 

[disneynutsss]

I really, truly miss the old Illuminations and was so disappointed with the new one. The old one had lights in all the countries which danced with the music, there were LOTS more fireworks, the music was awesome, there were lasers, the show was longer... it was UH-MAZE-ING!!!

I could have watched the old Illuminations every night for the last 13 years and still not get tired of it. I am underwhelmed with the new one but being a lover of fireworks and of disney, I will still sit through it. Although at some points i find myself a bit bored and wondering when it will be done.


ETA: I miss Tapestry of Nations soooooo much also!

 

[Pixie Princess]

I love the "new" Illuminations because of the incredible music

I LOVE the music to this show. I have the CD and listen to it all the time. And then I see the show, and I don't feel it lives up to the music- well except for the first couple minutes with fire barges and fireworks.

 

[bluejasmine]

I liked Tapestry of Nations better at this point! The coolest thing about Illuminations was the focus on each country..

 

[lborne]

Count me as one who loved the old show from the 90s. Lots of LASERS. The globe, which cool in a way, gets old after a while and is hard to see from certain places.

 

[AuroraMeansDawn]

I'm an old toot. I loved the Tapestry of Nations parade for the millenium and the laser show but life changes, things change and evolve so I'm ok with it. The music still moves me and I tear up. Now mind you I still cry at old Walton's episodes. I told you I was an old toot.