Illuminations not what it once was from my point of view

[klmall]

I liked watching Illuminations the first time (and the second in a boat on the water) but after that felt while it was beautiful it wasn't worth waiting in the crowds and then exiting the park with the masses, especially with a tired child. I can't remember the last time we saw the show. Time for a big change in my opinion!

 

[georgina]

Interesting OP mentions decline in HS fireworks. We've been going to WDW off and on for 18 years, (not every year), and have never been there when there were fireworks at HS! I enjoy Illuminations still, especially the music, which I have on my phone also. We miss the Epcot parade, which we saw maybe in 1998 and 2000 before it went away. (I'm going to watch it on YouTube right now!)

 

[JerseyJanice]

I love Illuminations. It is my favorite night time show and night time shows are my favorite thing about WDW.

That said, I am sad to say I think it's getting long in the tooth.

I missed seeing the original nightly show in the World Showcase lagoon, but I've heard about it for years. I'd love to see them resurrect and update that show.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

It doesn't seem close to what it once was.

I don't even watch it anymore.

At this point it's like two cast members on the barge waving sparklers.

No, it's not the same.

MG

 

[bryanb]

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.

What you are experiencing is normal, not just for Disney. It's the law of diminishing returns. The more you consume a product or service, the less it is worth to you over time. Whether it's going to Disney World in general, or watching Illuminations, or eating a Big Mac, or anything else, the value of your 1st time (on average) is more than the value of your 19th or 30th time. That's why 10-day passes cost less per day than 1-day passes. Because each day is worth less to the consumer (not just to Disney), so the price has to be lower to keep people on-site.

People who do something too often feel like it's worth less and less. Disney is not getting worse, but your valid perception of the value is getting lower after you've spent "$1000s upon $1000s every year." You're consuming too much of the product.

When I worked at Disney, people said things were getting worse and that Disney standards had slipped since the 1990s. But they said the same thing when my uncle was a CM in the 1990s. People complained about the "good old days" and how Disney standards had slipped so badly that the 90s were the worst. But has Disney been constantly getting worse every year, for decades and decades? Not possible. But I'll bet if you surveyed the history of Disney message boards, every year you'll find some of the biggest fans complaining that Disney is getting worse and worse in value compared to some presumed past era.

That said, I would be completely in favor of a new show at Epcot, or an update to Illuminations.

 

[bilnsheldodisney]

What you are experiencing is normal, not just for Disney. It's the law of diminishing returns. The more you consume a product or service, the less it is worth to you over time. Whether it's going to Disney World in general, or watching Illuminations, or eating a Big Mac, or anything else, the value of your 1st time (on average) is more than the value of your 19th or 30th time. That's why 10-day passes cost less per day than 1-day passes. Because each day is worth less to the consumer (not just to Disney), so the price has to be lower to keep people on-site.

People who do something too often feel like it's worth less and less. Disney is not getting worse, but your valid perception of the value is getting lower after you've spent "$1000s upon $1000s every year." You're consuming too much of the product.

When I worked at Disney, people said things were getting worse and that Disney standards had slipped since the 1990s. But they said the same thing when my uncle was a CM in the 1990s. People complained about the "good old days" and how Disney standards had slipped so badly that the 90s were the worst. But has Disney been constantly getting worse every year, for decades and decades? Not possible. But I'll bet if you surveyed the history of Disney message boards, every year you'll find some of the biggest fans complaining that Disney is getting worse and worse in value compared to some presumed past era.

That said, I would be completely in favor of a new show at Epcot, or an update to Illuminations.

You make some very interesting points bryanb and you had me nodding my head in agreement. But isn't it Disney's job to make us feel like it is the first time each time? I didn't feel like the MK Fireworks show was getting tired or needed improvement. It was just as special as it was the first time I saw it.

 

[Srbright]

When I worked at Disney, people said things were getting worse and that Disney standards had slipped since the 1990s. But they said the same thing when my uncle was a CM in the 1990s. People complained about the "good old days" and how Disney standards had slipped so badly that the 90s were the worst. But has Disney been constantly getting worse every year, for decades and decades? Not possible. But I'll bet if you surveyed the history of Disney message boards, every year you'll find some of the biggest fans complaining that Disney is getting worse and worse in value compared to some presumed past era.

It's rather like the "Disney keeps turning down the AC" people. I know that perception is reality but sometimes you have to change your perspective. You can find threads as far back as 2007 about how Disney is turning down the AC 2-3 degrees every year. Even the most ardent Disney hater would have to admit that logically the math didn't work. If the thermostat was set to 68 in 2007 then a 20 degree reduction in the AC means no AC at all because it would be almost 90.

Illuminations hasn't changed; your perception of it and the value you receive from it have. It's the same reason most people don't go to see the same movie in the movie theatre 4,5,8 times in a row. It's not worth the money.

Stacy

 

[GPC0321]

We saw IllumiNations back in March over Easter break, and though it was our third favorite out of the three nighttime shows we saw, it was still good (fire barge was working fine).
The nighttime show I'm bummed about is Star Wars in HS. Symphony in the Stars was hands down the most amazing fireworks show I've ever witnessed. Non-freaking-stop fireworks set to that epic music with the poignant voice overs. It was just incredible. I had Youtubed it before the trip and was blown away just watching it on Youtube, and it was everything I expected and more when we saw it live. It's always a good sign when your chest is vibrating during the finale, LOL.
I've Youtubed Galactic Spectacular twice, and I just have no interest. When I go see fireworks, I want FIREWORKS. Not 15 minutes of movie clips projected on the front of a building with some fireworks enhancing the experience. I have to think the new show is probably less expensive to run than the old one (projections can't be as expensive as the massive amount of fireworks they were popping off every night for Symphony, right?). I'm glad I got to see it while it lasted. I've never seen its equal.
December 2017 I'm looking forward to Holiday Wishes and IllumiNations with the holiday tag. I've watched both on Youtube (especially Holiday Wishes...I know the lyrics by heart now, LOL), and they both look fantastic. Can't wait. Will not be making the effort to go to HS. The only reason we went over Easter was to see the fireworks. It was worth it.

 

[Robo]

It doesn't seem close to what it once was.

I don't even watch it anymore.

At this point it's like two cast members on the barge waving sparklers.

No, it's not the same.

MG

IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth has not changed since 1999.

I recorded the entire show with six video camera positions around the lagoon in the year 2000.
After personally spending 30 hours, or so, editing the show (picking the best camera angles for each and every scene of the show... scenes last about 3-10 seconds on the screen) I can tell you that I absolutely KNOW that show.
Anyone with professional video editing experience knows what I mean.
Listening and re-listening to every section of the music track, and re-watching video clips over, and over, and over.

I can play that edited recording to this day and see exactly what the show was like then.

The show has not changed in all of those years.
On certain nights, they don't load or fire the "perimeter" fireworks from the lagoon shore,
and they didn't (on certain nights) do that back in 1999-2000, either.
(It likely depends on the wind and/or rain forecast.)
I recorded the show over the course of 4 nights, and on some nights they didn't fire the perimeter effects.
(Yes, even when the show was that new.)

So, when I go to see IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth on recent trips, knowing the entire show as well as I do,
I can tell you that it has not changed in any substantial way.

They used to run the gas torches the entire evening.
More recently (past 5-8 years, or so) they only light them within about a half-hour before show-time.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth has not changed since 1999.

I recorded the entire show with six video camera positions around the lagoon in the year 2000.
After personally spending 30 hours, or so, editing the show (picking the best camera angles for each and every scene of the show... scenes last about 3-10 seconds on the screen) I can tell you that I absolutely KNOW that show.
Anyone with professional video editing experience knows what I mean.
Listening and re-listening to every section of the music track, and re-watching video clips over, and over, and over.

I can play that edited recording to this day and see exactly what the show was like then.

The show has not changed in all of those years.
On certain nights, they don't load or fire the "perimeter" fireworks from the lagoon shore,
and they didn't (on certain nights) do that back in 1999-2000, either.
(It likely depends on the wind and/or rain forecast.)
I recorded the show over the course of 4 nights, and on some nights they didn't fire the perimeter effects.
(Yes, even when the show was that new.)

So, when I go to see IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth on recent trips, knowing the entire show as well as I do,
I can tell you that it has not changed in any substantial way.

They used to run the gas torches the entire evening.
More recently (past 5-8 years, or so) they only light them within about a half-hour before show-time.

But I will bet dollars to donuts the finale has less fireworks. Just no question about it.

MG

 

[bbjunkie]

IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth has not changed since 1999.

I recorded the entire show with six video camera positions around the lagoon in the year 2000.
After personally spending 30 hours, or so, editing the show (picking the best camera angles for each and every scene of the show... scenes last about 3-10 seconds on the screen) I can tell you that I absolutely KNOW that show.
Anyone with professional video editing experience knows what I mean.
Listening and re-listening to every section of the music track, and re-watching video clips over, and over, and over.

I can play that edited recording to this day and see exactly what the show was like then.

The show has not changed in all of those years.
On certain nights, they don't load or fire the "perimeter" fireworks from the lagoon shore,
and they didn't (on certain nights) do that back in 1999-2000, either.
(It likely depends on the wind and/or rain forecast.)
I recorded the show over the course of 4 nights, and on some nights they didn't fire the perimeter effects.
(Yes, even when the show was that new.)

So, when I go to see IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth on recent trips, knowing the entire show as well as I do,
I can tell you that it has not changed in any substantial way.

They used to run the gas torches the entire evening.
More recently (past 5-8 years, or so) they only light them within about a half-hour before show-time.

I just wanted to jump in and say that I am personally glad they don't have the oil lamps going all night. Whew!! Those things are hot and when you walk by you can feel a difference! Florida in the summer is hot enough and that's the only time we can go.

 

[Happy_Haunt999]

Illuminations might have had a few technical issues while you were there because the inferno barge does still work. They also recently plussed the lasers. Morocco and Norway have never lit up.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Illuminations might have had a few technical issues while you were there because the inferno barge does still work. They also recently plussed the lasers. Morocco and Norway have never lit up.

curious, who are you addressing?

MG

 

[Happy_Haunt999]

curious, who are you addressing?

MG

the OP

 

[Maistre Gracey]

the OP

Ahhh.... Thanks

MG

 

[jetdoctor]

IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth has not changed since 1999.

I recorded the entire show with six video camera positions around the lagoon in the year 2000.
After personally spending 30 hours, or so, editing the show (picking the best camera angles for each and every scene of the show... scenes last about 3-10 seconds on the screen) I can tell you that I absolutely KNOW that show.
Anyone with professional video editing experience knows what I mean.
Listening and re-listening to every section of the music track, and re-watching video clips over, and over, and over.

I can play that edited recording to this day and see exactly what the show was like then.

The show has not changed in all of those years.
On certain nights, they don't load or fire the "perimeter" fireworks from the lagoon shore,
and they didn't (on certain nights) do that back in 1999-2000, either.
(It likely depends on the wind and/or rain forecast.)
I recorded the show over the course of 4 nights, and on some nights they didn't fire the perimeter effects.
(Yes, even when the show was that new.)

So, when I go to see IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth on recent trips, knowing the entire show as well as I do,
I can tell you that it has not changed in any substantial way.

They used to run the gas torches the entire evening.
More recently (past 5-8 years, or so) they only light them within about a half-hour before show-time.

You maybe right I think the thrill is gone for me. But Disney was a place where I expected great customer service I'm not getting that. Too long to break down all the reasons why if feel that way. But even managers don't go out of there way to make things right. At least not in my case. Now that was one case a few months ago. But that really upset me. I don't feel entitled but I pay disney my hard earned and saved dollars for a service and they are not providing me what I paid for. You don't have to agree with me. It's not your money and maybe Disney is still a value to you.

 

[jetdoctor]

The best fireworks I have seen where villainy in the sky at Hollywood studios

 

[Robo]

You maybe right I think the thrill is gone for me. But Disney was a place where I expected great customer service I'm not getting that. Too long to break down all the reasons why if feel that way. But even managers don't go out of there way to make things right. At least not in my case. Now that was one case a few months ago. But that really upset me. I don't feel entitled but I pay disney my hard earned and saved dollars for a service and they are not providing me what I paid for. You don't have to agree with me. It's not your money and maybe Disney is still a value to you.

I made no comment about customer service, manager's attitude, or prices.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

We've been going to WDW at least once a year since 2000. You know how everyone has one event/attraction for which they hold a contrarian opinion? Illuminations is that for me. I have always found it to be dull and not worth the time and aggravation. Having said that, I don't think it has changed through the years and am glad to have that confirmed by others.

As for the subtopic of diminishing returns at WDW... When we first started going my kids were toddlers and Disney truly poured on the magic for us. So many incredible and amazing memories! Nowadays since the kids are 19 and 16 with the oldest off at college, WDW is one place (and maybe the only one) where we can all go together and just focus on being with each other for a while. DW and I tend to be on call and in demand with our careers, and DD now lives 90 minutes away. But even a long weekend at WDW can center us all on what is important again. I know there are less expensive ways to do this, but we all love how we can retreat from the world a bit while reliving some of the nostalgia of those precious childhood years.

 

[Klayfish]

I know that they don't care about a 30+ yr patron.

You know, or you think you know? Unless you're in upper management at WDW, you're probably just making an assumption. I don't know either way. My guess is, just like any other business, that they certainly do care about a 30+ year patron. After all, they're in the business of pleasing their guests. If they tick them all off...well...I guess there won't be a need for a crowd calendar anymore. Yes, the attractions are really cool, but no matter how good they are, if they outright don't care about their customers, they eventually won't have any to care about.

I totally agree you have a right to say something. In the past 12 months, I probably spent $8k or more total on WDW trips, so I totally respect what you're saying. I don't think everything at WDW is perfect, I could rattle off a number of improvements that could be made. Illuminations, while I still love the show, is ready for an update. For me, I'm not ready to throw a blanket over all of WDW and say they don't care about customers and it's lost its' luster, because for me it's as alive as ever.

On the comment about having a different perspective when you're footing the bill instead of your parents...AMEN!!! When I was a kid, I figured it was all free... Honestly though, we never stay on property. Price is part of it, but for us there are other factors. We much prefer to stay off property.