Illuminations Changing or Leaving??

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I don't like to rumor monger but I just read on another board that Siemens may be changing or getting rid of Illuminations next year. That would be a terrible mistake. Illuminations is part of what makes EPCOT what it is. What have others heard about it? If it is true, what might replace it?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I don't like to rumor monger but I just read on another board that Siemens may be changing or getting rid of Illuminations next year. That would be a terrible mistake. Illuminations is part of what makes EPCOT what it is. What have others heard about it? If it is true, what might replace it?

According to the press release:

As part of the deal, Siemens will sponsor several rides and attractions at Walt Disney World Resort including the Epcot icon, “SpaceShip Earth,” the nighttime Epcot fireworks show, “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth,” as well as new attractions that will be incorporated into Innoventions both at Epcot and at Disneyland Resort. The Sylvania lighting division of Siemens will sponsor Disney-MGM Studio’s holiday light show – “Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights,” as well as “Disney’s Electrical Parade” and “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams” at Disneyland Resort in California.​

Keep in mind that the press release was issued right after Disney and Siemens reached the sponsorship agreement, undoubtedly before any major creative work.

I would not be surprised if the nightly fireworks show at Epcot gets a major makeover, with a new name, new effects, new music, and a renewed "wow" factor — probably as one of the major elements of Epcot's 25th anniversary celebration.

Illuminations has gone through several editions. The current edition is from the Millennium Celebration in 1999 and 2000. It's time for something fresh.

I wouldn't worry about the nightly fireworks show at Epcot going away entirely. The show keeps guests (and their wallets) in World Showcase until closing.

 

[MJMcBride]

There's no way they would get rid of illumination altogether. Its such a huge part of the "Epcot" experience. I would think they would definately tweak it for the 25th. It seems such an obvious, easy and, most importantly, relatively inexpensive way to celebrate the anniversary.

 

[All Aboard]

Epcot hasn't really ever been without a nighttime fireworks/laser show. During its first three years, the show changed each year until Laserphonic stuck around for 4 or 5 years. Then GE began sponsorship in 1988, I believe, and Illuminations debuted. That show lasted until the WDW 25th anniversary in 1996, and Illuminations 25 began. Then as the Millennium approached, the show was completely made over as Reflections of Earth. In my opinion, each show has been better than it predecesor - although Illuminations 25 was extremely good. My sentimental favorite, though was the original Illuminations. My first trips as a paying adult were during the earliest years of that show. I have fond memories of leaving the park with Spaceship Earth "revolving" via projected laser continents.

Having Illuminations in the park definitely adds a signature, and from the business side - helps fill the many World Showcase restaurants each night. So, I would be truly surprised if we went without a nighttime fireworks/laser show at Epcot. We've enjoyed this one for nearly 7 years now. It's lasted just about as long as any of them, so I won't be too crushed if a new version was launched, especially if it lives up to the level of quality already established.

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

I have fond memories of leaving the park with Spaceship Earth "revolving" via projected laser continents.

I forgot about that, I really liked that too.

About Siemens changing or getting rid of Illumination, I would be suprised if they did not change it for the 25th anniversary, I agree it is "such a huge part of the Epcot experience" not to play it up during the celebration would be a disapointment.
After the 25th though I don't see why they wouldn't change the name at some point but they would never totally "get rid" of the night time laser-light/fireworks show at Epcot.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

The name "Illuminations" is undoubtedly closely associated with the former sponsor, General Electric, in many guests' minds.

If there are significant changes to the show, it would make sense to have an entirely new name to promote Siemens or Sylvania (a Siemens brand).

 

[exDS vet]

The name "Illuminations" is undoubtedly closely associated with the former sponsor, General Electric, in many guests' minds.
brand).

I would imagine Disney came up with the name Illuminations not as a way to associate it with GE. The whole concept of a fireworks show taking place around World Showcase Lagoon, featuring music and themes from the nations of the world is probably where Illuminations came from. The new sponsor might be added to the name, and a new tag line (i.e. "25", "Reflections of Earth") could be added as well.

Have I missed something here? I have noticed several mentions of Epcot's 25th Anniversary Celebration. But I have not heard anything official. Is there any real information or is this just speculation by you guys? A 25th anniversary celebration for Epcot might get me back there in the next couple of years.

 

[All Aboard]

exDS Vet, I guess it is still a little early. MK's 25th kicked off right at the anniversary. So, it's likely that whatever they do for Epcot (if anything) will begin in Oct, 2007. I imagine we won't hear much until after the current celebration winds down this fall. I do hope that it gets celebrated in some way. Beyond just a new lagoon show, some showcase to Walt's original concept for Epcot would be nice. More than what is in One Man's Dream.

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

Does Illumination have a sponsor currently, that is prior to Seimens sponsorship?

exDS_Vet, not to contridict you but I would bet that GE had a large part in naming the nightshow at Epcot.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Have I missed something here? I have noticed several mentions of Epcot's 25th Anniversary Celebration. But I have not heard anything official. Is there any real information or is this just speculation by you guys?

It's speculation or educated guessing.

See the thread EPCOT's 25th? on this board last month.

The timing is right for another 15-20 month "celebration," justified by Epcot's 25th anniversary on October 1, 2007. And it really helps that Siemens will foot the bill for enhancements to two of Epcot's signature features, Spaceship Earth and Illuminations.

There are differences of opinion about how big of a marketing event it will be. My guess is that it will rival "100 Years of Magic," celebrating the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth, which ran from October 1, 2001, through February 28, 2003.

Disney Marketing likes nice milestone numbers like 25, 50, and 100.

 

[exDS vet]

My guess is that it will rival "100 Years of Magic," celebrating the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth, which ran from October 1, 2001, through February 28, 2003.

I know this is a bit off-topic, but wasn't the official start of the 100 years of dreams celebration delayed due to 9/11. I believe they had a "soft opening" instead. I was at WDW in October of '01 and remember the parades, Sorcerer hat at Disney MGM and "One Man's Dream".

I am having a hard time believing that they will have a big, or long celebration for Epcot 25. Disney's problem if you want to call it one is that Epcot doesn't have the name that Walt Disney World has. Therefore, I can't see a huge marketing campaign to promot the 25th anniversary of the one park. Something on a much smaller scale is much more possible.

Another problem is that they probably won't celebrate another park's anniversary so soon after the 50th. Since the 50th turned into this "global celebration of Disney parks," the company is probably going to take a break from celebrating the parks.

Since the 50th anniversary runs through the end of 2006, I expect that they will do something entirely different for 2007 and hold the next big celebration until Mickey Mouse's 80th birthday in 2008. You can expect something around the "It all started with a mouse" theme for that event, which should be a huge one.

Maybe they'll add giant ears to Spaceship Earth.

 

[manning]

Get rid of a fireworks show entirely? If they do that how do you think they are going to sell desert parties at the prime viewing location? Hey have a coffee and desert and see the ducks swim around the lagoon. Only three bucks.

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

Maybe they'll add giant ears to Spaceship Earth.

One big un-hidden Mickey!

I guess only time will tell how big Epcots 25th will be but I would bet they will not let it pass without some sort of celebration or event.

Disney's problem if you want to call it one is that Epcot doesn't have the name that Walt Disney World has.

I would agree and disagree, of all the Disney parks I would say Epcot would come in 3rd after Magic Kindom and Disneyland. A huge Celebration in honor of the park may be what it needs to get the attention it deserves.

 

[peter11435]

Disney's problem if you want to call it one is that Epcot doesn't have the name that Walt Disney World has.

It is said that around the world Epcot is more well known than Walt Disney World.

 

[MJMcBride]

said by whom?

 

[exDS vet]

It is said that around the world Epcot is more well known than Walt Disney World.

I sincerely doubt that people would travel to the U.S. just to visit Epcot. That being said, Disney would never create an advertising campaign to entice international visitors to visit Epcot in Orlando, Florida.

It's like this. Imagine the millions of people who have never heard of "Islands of Adventure." Universal would never promote an anniversary for just that park. The same is true for DAK and MGM. While it's true that the 25th anniversary in 1996 was focused mostly on the MK, it was still WDW that was 25 years old.

A part of the identity issue is that Epcot is part of the destination, but not THE destination. Any large scale marketing campaign would have to include the entire resort with possibly a mention of Epcot's 25th. But I just dont see it happening. One exception could be a more regional focus in Florida and perhaps on the east coast. One that appeals to short-distance travellers.

Without a major new attraction, Disney really has no reason to do anything big or elaborate here.

 

[rocketriter]

It's all a matter of scale. The Epcot 25th won't be nearly as large a shindig as DL's 50th. Nor, however, will the corporation pass up the chance to use Epcot's 25th to drum up some excitement. There will be a celebration of some sort.

 

[TriMom]

The name "Illuminations" is undoubtedly closely associated with the former sponsor, General Electric, in many guests' minds.

I have no bais for this other than my own mind so take it for what its worth....

I thought that Illuninations came from the fact that in the orginial Illuminations they Ilumninated the Nations individually with the lasers, spotlights, and lights around the pavillions. Each with their own musical score. I kinda miss that...

 

[DannyDisneyFreak]

It's all a matter of scale. The Epcot 25th won't be nearly as large a shindig as DL's 50th. Nor, however, will the corporation pass up the chance to use Epcot's 25th to drum up some excitement. There will be a celebration of some sort.

Well said. That is what I was thinking.

 

[peter11435]

I sincerely doubt that people would travel to the U.S. just to visit Epcot. That being said, Disney would never create an advertising campaign to entice international visitors to visit Epcot in Orlando, Florida.

Well people do travel here just for Epcot. Amd Disney has already had advertising camapigns enticing international visitors to visit Epcot.