Illuminations How much longer will "it go on"?

[cpthook623]

I love illumination just as much as anyone else. Love the music and the fireworks around world showcase are stunning. However, it is 11 years old and I can only see the floating ball with the 25 min water fountains so many times. Now yes there are many people who have never seen illuminations,but still I think it might be time for something that's even better. Again, please do not shoot me as I love this firework show just wanting to hear maybe any rumors or opinions about illuminations and its future at EPCOT?!

 

[ChrisFL]

About 2 years ago there were rumors that it would be replaced with a newer show, but those have since gone cold

 

[ASteelersMidget]

I never really like illuminations after the 3rd time. I hope rumors come soon.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Personally I would like to see them bring back the original IllumiNations, or a close variation.

And one thing is that about 70% of Disney World Guests are on their first (and possibly only) visit to the Parks., so for the great majority of people it is a new experience.

 

[umichigan10]

That shows 11 years old? God time flies

 

[nytimez]

I have no real love for Illuminations. Dull show.

 

[disneymath]

While we enjoy Illuminations, it is no longer a must do for us. I actually convinced my parents to skip it in order to try TT for the first time two trips back. (My parents are so fireworks people before they are "fast, rollercoaster like" ride people, so this was a major move for them.)

(Maybe we were spoiled by our view during our Illumination Grand Gathering?) A new nighttime show at Epcot would be great.

 

[cpthook623]

That shows 11 years old? God time flies

I am guessing it is 11 years old. It opened for the millineum celebration I believe. So,that would make it 11.

 

[WDW_lover_in_SC]

It debuted October 1st 1999 as Illuminations 2000:Relections of Earth then they dropped the 2000 from the name after the Millineum Celebration was over. So it's been there since late 99.

 

[cpthook623]

Well if it has been around since then is it wrong for me to think it's time for a change?

 

[WDW_lover_in_SC]

Well Fantasmic debuted in 1992 at DL Cali so I guess if anywhere needed a change it would be them haha

 

[cpthook623]

Well Fantasmic debuted in 1992 at DL Cali so I guess if anywhere needed a change it would be them haha

Wow I had no clue fantasmic has been around since then!! There is something about fantasmic that makes me want to see it over and over again. Illuminations is just so boring at parts. I'm just ready for a new EPCOT finale I guess.

 

[dismichael]

Illuminations is a brilliant show, with a great soundtrack.. I wouldn't like to see it go and I have seen it probably 20 times since it came out. Maybe IF ANYTHING a slight change so that there is not so much smoke blowing onto the side of WS by the bridge.

I was truly upset when they nixed SpectroMagic for the Main St. Electric Light parade. I understand nostalgia, but SpectroMagic gave me shivers everytime we sat and watched it go down Main St.... True Disney Magic and I would love it to come back.

With this said, I don't think I could cope if they ever got rid of WISHES. I literally cry everytime we watch it, knowing it encompasses everything Disney. Especially on the last night of our vacation. It's Magic. We have watched it from our room in BLT, and next to the Confectionary in Main St... the feeling just can't be beat.

 

[UKMark]

The rumour a few years ago that was Don Dorsey was working on a new show for Epcot called Skydance. Not heard anything about it for months though

 

[OldsDr]

I have never been a fan of illuminations , but liked the show prior to it. I would love it if they changed it up a little. I have seen Fantasmic many more times and still love it. The good thing about Illuminations is it makes lines shorter everywhere in the park.

 

[skiingfast]

And one thing is that about 70% of Disney World Guests are on their first (and possibly only) visit to the Parks., so for the great majority of people it is a new experience.

Good point on why things don't need to update at a fast rate.

Most people make a single trip in thier life. Out of the remainder most make two trips. One with thier parents, one with their children. Making memories that last a lifetime.

Very few are people like Dissers who go every year or make up the small number of gate entries with thier APs.

 

[Virtucomp]

We were fortunate enough to go during the millenium celebration and see Reflections of Earth for the first time. I still love the show and the presentation of Music synched to fire, water and fireworks. My DW is becomming bored with it and it is no longer on her list of things to do at Epcot.

I would be happy if they just updated the show. Maybe change it up a little or add a new feature. It is a great show and a must see for someone going the first time. If they keep the majority of the show for the first timers but add something from 2011 technology for those that have seen it before I would be thrilled.

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

I am from Northern Canada, when we went to WDW last Jan, DD, DW and myself all thought that Illuminations was the best fireworks display we have seen. Not once did it occur to us that this show needs upgrades.
Maybe the thinking is like this...the people that have not seen the show out numbers the people that have.

 

[kiddo76]

I think the globe could stand to be upgraded. I remember the first time I saw it I was so impressed by the images. Now with flat screen TVs so common, it doesn't seem quite so 'magical'.

I still love the show though!

 

[TisBit]

Good point on why things don't need to update at a fast rate.

Most people make a single trip in thier life. Out of the remainder most make two trips. One with thier parents, one with their children. Making memories that last a lifetime.

Very few are people like Dissers who go every year or make up the small number of gate entries with thier APs.

Actually, I strongly disagree with this statement. WDW has a LOT of returning guests...even using the stat from earlier about 7 in 10 it might new to them, but you don't want to lose the other 3 guests. If Disney took a 30% hit in attendance it would be detrimental.

Not only do you have locals, you have a huge number of DVC owners and then you still have annual and bi-annual guests that are very consistent. Disney has to continue to change up their experiences, even if it is just rotating shows, etc.

I agree that Illuminations could go and maybe if it came back in another 5-10 years many people would appreciate it more.