Illuminations not what it once was from my point of view

[jetdoctor]

So just saw illuminations tonight had fastpass. Not that impressed. I have seen this show so many times and this used to be my favorite night time show at any theme park.

I don't know if it has really been dumbed down or just certain elements where just down for that show? I am a local so we do go to the parks often. But things like the fire barge not working or maybe it has been removed? Not all the countries lite up as well. Well not morocco. I may just be me but is Disney in a bubble? They seem that they just don't care as much anymore about the quality of their products anymore. This seems to be a site wide thing to me. Or maybe they will continue to scale back everything untill they really see their profits from their domestic parks drop. Maybe my standards are too high. But for me Disney set that bar for me back in the 80's and 90's.

I know that fireworks and pyrotechnics aren't cheap but it seems really scaled back from shows in the past. Like HS Fireworks before Star Wars. Their show might have been the best fireworks anywhere. Does anyone remember villainy in the sky?

I know that us Disney fans can really be extremely brand loyal people but have we or just myself become blind to the going on's at Disney over the last say 5 or so years? So all in all how about thoughts on illuminations or any of those topics. Do any of you long time Wdw fans notice that their own standards, that they established, have begun to erode. If so why? Thanks.

 

[DreamFlightCpt.]

Morocco has never been lit up because of the country of Morrocos wishes when building the country pavilion in regards to respecting the culture of Islam. As a result, they chose not to light up Norway for visual balance on the other side of the lagoon. Could've been an off night, I've seen illuminations a few times where not all the elements have been working.

But I do agree with some deterioration in park standards and the seemingly increase in nickel and diming guests. And agree again with the bar being set high in the 80s and 90s. I was a kid back then and maybe the magic seemed more tangible because of that, however there still is a noticeable difference between the guest experience back then and now.

 

[Klayfish]

And agree again with the bar being set high in the 80s and 90s. I was a kid back then and maybe the magic seemed more tangible because of that.

I think we have the answer right there. I guess I'm just a Disney apologist, and I apologize for that. But at least inside the parks (I have no resort experience), I just don't see the erosion of the magic. To me, it's as alive as ever. Nickel and diming? Perhaps, in that things are expensive, but it's always been that way and let's not forget Disney is a for profit company. While I fully believe they try to give their guests a magical experience, they do it to make money. I really think a lot of the good-old-days type complaining on this board has a lot to do with childhood memories that don't quite match up with reality. Perfect example. I was a kid in the '70s and 80's. My memory of PoC is a lot different than the reality of the ride. In my childhood mind, the room where the pirate ship is firing the cannons was a football field wide and there were dozens of cannonballs splashing everywhere. That's how I remember it. But that's not how it actually was. And I'm sure there were be people here who were adults back then who will say Disney isn't what it once was. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion, but I think some of it is that we all have an element of "Things aren't as good as they used to be in my day" in us. I'll bet my kids, when they grow up and bring their kids to WDW 20 years from now, will spin stories about how magical WDW used to be in the 2010s.

As for Illuminations, I probably haven't seen it as many times as OP, I'd guess I've seen it 15-20 times or so. While I now know what to expect from it, so the thrill of the unknown is gone, it's still a fantastic show that is probably ready for an update.

 

[Hopefully]

As the PP stated, Morrocco was never lit up secondary to respect for religious customs. It may be as @Klayfish suggested, your memories are greater than the past reality.
If the barge wasn't there last night, that indeed is a reflection of something not working.
Illumination is our favorite night time show and it still is.

 

[Jennasis]

The show is the same as it has been for years (though I do have a childhood nostalgic bent towards the original version from prior to 2000). If the fire barge wasn't working it was due to a malfunction and not a cut. If you want to see a very impressive version of Illuminations, stick around for the holiday tag on it in December. I was gobsmacked. Looked like the sky was on fire!

So in summation...Illuminations hasn't changed.

 

[FastPasser]

.

 

[jetdoctor]

I think we have the answer right there. I guess I'm just a Disney apologist, and I apologize for that. But at least inside the parks (I have no resort experience), I just don't see the erosion of the magic. To me, it's as alive as ever. Nickel and diming? Perhaps, in that things are expensive, but it's always been that way and let's not forget Disney is a for profit company. While I fully believe they try to give their guests a magical experience, they do it to make money. I really think a lot of the good-old-days type complaining on this board has a lot to do with childhood memories that don't quite match up with reality. Perfect example. I was a kid in the '70s and 80's. My memory of PoC is a lot different than the reality of the ride. In my childhood mind, the room where the pirate ship is firing the cannons was a football field wide and there were dozens of cannonballs splashing everywhere. That's how I remember it. But that's not how it actually was. And I'm sure there were be people here who were adults back then who will say Disney isn't what it once was. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion, but I think some of it is that we all have an element of "Things aren't as good as they used to be in my day" in us. I'll bet my kids, when they grow up and bring their kids to WDW 20 years from now, will spin stories about how magical WDW used to be in the 2010s.

As for Illuminations, I probably haven't seen it as many times as OP, I'd guess I've seen it 15-20 times or so. While I now know what to expect from it, so the thrill of the unknown is gone, it's still a fantastic show that is probably ready for an update.

I realize that we are not children but I don't feel that I am complaining these are just observations. For a man who spends $1000's upon $1000's every year I feel I have a right as a consumer to say something. For me disney just ain't what it was to me. There for my passion for the place has changed. I know that they don't care about a 30+ yr patron. They know that they can lure some other smuck for the next thirty yrs. and I just feel that value is no longer there for me.

 

[jetdoctor]

The thing is us a Disney fan can be very apologetic. I've have been most of my life. I have been disappointed by mostly customer service issues of late. But all and all still really good customer service all around. But I have experienced some proverbial straws on the camels back. Again I just find it hard to let go but my unhealthy obsession with Disney is changing. I don't find myself defending them nearly as much as I have in the past. I guess what I say is I am taking a break from one of my favorite passions in my life. I really don't like negativity but this is just the way things go sometimes maybe if I stop going for a while that will change. Or maybe I have just had my fill. Good morning

 

[shalom]

I really think a lot of the good-old-days type complaining on this board has a lot to do with childhood memories that don't quite match up with reality.

I think it also has to do with the fact that mom and dad are paying. I've known some people who as teenagers were all, "Offsite is lame. If you can't afford onsite, you shouldn't even go," then they suddenly discovered how great offsite can be, once mom and dad quit footing the bill! As a kid, things are cool, period. As an adult, you start thinking more about, "Is this worth the price?", and that can really change your perspective.

I guess what I say is I am taking a break from one of my favorite passions in my life.

Probably a wise move. Familiarity doesn't have to breed contempt, but for sure people can burn out on Disney. Hopefully you'll be able to come back refreshed after a break.

 

[Jennasis]

I realize that we are not children but I don't feel that I am complaining these are just observations. For a man who spends $1000's upon $1000's every year I feel I have a right as a consumer to say something. For me disney just ain't what it was to me. There for my passion for the place has changed. I know that they don't care about a 30+ yr patron. They know that they can lure some other smuck for the next thirty yrs. and I just feel that value is no longer there for me.

I get that, but Illuminations hasn't changed...at all.

 

[bilnsheldodisney]

I liked Illuminations but I think it needs an update. It did feel to me like it didn't have enough fireworks and I don't remember feeling like that on any previous trip.

 

[jetdoctor]

I disagree the lasers don't seem to be on par as well not saying you are wrong or I am wrong I just don't think it's that fantastic to me anymore. Thanks for the input. Maybe it's just me. Epcot has changed a lot that is just the way things go. Change is always happening. I just don't like the change. I have only been to universal once the year it open but my insane loyalty for Disney has come to an end. Universal here we come.

 

[Hopefully]

I liked Illuminations but I think it needs an update. It did feel to me like it didn't have enough fireworks and I don't remember feeling like that on any previous trip.

I always say, when I read about the Illuminations fireworks, that Illuminations is NOT a fireworks show. It is way more than that. It is music, fire, water, lasers, lights and fireworks.
It is my favorite show and we love it

 

[bilnsheldodisney]

I always say, when I read about the Illuminations fireworks, that Illuminations is NOT a fireworks show. It is way more than that. It is music, fire, water, lasers, lights and fireworks.
It is my favorite show and we love it

Yes, I get that - same for the Star Wars show, but I think from reading many of these posts that guests might WANT more fireworks oriented shows...maybe I am wrong - but that's what I always hope for. Illumination is a beautiful show.

 

[jetdoctor]

I liked Illuminations but I think it needs an update. It did feel to me like it didn't have enough fireworks and I don't remember feeling like that on any previous trip.

That really what I'm trying to get off here all fireworks shows in my small mind just don't seem to be what I remembered. I'd admit maybe I have manufactured things in my head JUST NOT THE SAME. Good day and blessings

 

[Jennasis]

I disagree the lasers don't seem to be on par as well not saying you are wrong or I am wrong I just don't think it's that fantastic to me anymore. Thanks for the input. Maybe it's just me. Epcot has changed a lot that is just the way things go. Change is always happening. I just don't like the change. I have only been to universal once the year it open but my insane loyalty for Disney has come to an end. Universal here we come.

You're bored with it. Honestly...me too. It's ready for an overhaul. It's been way too long and it's stagnant. It's like breaking up with Illuminations.."it's not you. It's me." LOL

 

[Robo]

I liked Illuminations but I think it needs an update. It did feel to me like it didn't have enough fireworks and I don't remember feeling like that on any previous trip.

This show has run, as it is now, (except for referbs and holiday endings) since Oct. of 1999.

 

[loves to dive]

I've never like Illuminations (the horror I know slap me now) but I don't think it's really changed that much. I, too, have been going to WDW for over 30 years but my memories are as an adult. The first time I went it was with my then almost 3 year old son, he is now 35. We continued to go every other year throughout his life and yes things have changed. Change is not always a good thing and not always a bad thing, it just is. I think a lot of people who go often tend to be a tad jaded, darn it I remember when everyone smiled and the streets were never dirty and pixie dust just fell from the sky. I know in my case, as my son grew older and we continued to go, people would ask why in the world we still went, he wasn't a child any more. I would say, ah it's the only place you can go and there is never a grumpy person and pixie's must come out at night and clean the place because it's never dirty. Could have been because we only went every two years so the memory of the previous trip was fading, could be because despite any of the bad things that might happen, we still always had a good time. My son has PTSD and severe nerve damage to his spinal cord, but last March when we were there, he was actually dancing around the Boardwalk and I heard him laugh out loud for the first time in a year and half. Could it have been memories of dancing and laughing there when he was a child? Maybe but I'll take it.

 

[Mitzicat]

Found this on another site - Someone already mentioned religious reasons - here is why. Morocco doesn't light up because the main "building" is a replica of the Katoubia Minaret (prayer tower) from Marrakesh. Because of its important religious significance, it is not lit up during IllumiNations (to light it up would, in fact, be demeaning).

And someone also said they don't like up Norway for balance. Makes sense.

 

[Robo]

Found this on another site - Someone already mentioned religious reasons - here is why. Morocco doesn't light up because the main "building" is a replica of the Katoubia Minaret (prayer tower) from Marrakesh. Because of its important religious significance, it is not lit up during IllumiNations (to light it up would, in fact, be demeaning).

And someone also said they don't like up Norway for balance. Makes sense.

Both of those reasons are often listed and repeated (some by Disney CMs, who have heard it themselves) and have become a sort of "urban (Disney) legend."

But, (like all urban legends) if you look more closely at the logic of the situation, it becomes clear that all is not as was told.

If Morocco thought that the building in Epcot was somehow "sacred," they wouldn't have allowed it to be built in a US theme park to begin-with.
There is actually little "balance" associated between the Morocco and Norway pavilions (see WS map below.)

The reason they didn't light up those pavilions was due to not wanting to incur the cost of doing so.
At the time Disney (separately) opened each of those pavilions, each Epcot "country" had its own "theme song" and lighting "choreography" as part of IllumiNations.
They would have had to rewrite the IllumiNations show (music tracks and lighting choreography -and increase the length of the show- to add each new "country,") in addition to needing to build the strip lighting into the new buildings' moldings.