Epcot's Illuminations
Walt Disney World: Were older versions better?
Have just read some of the ratings, and comments, re the illuminations show at epcot. I feel the new version of 'illuminations' is not as good as the original I remember seeing in the 90s, I thought the music and fireworks used to be much more spectacular. Just wondered what others thought? I have read some stories about the show changing,maybe back towards the earlier concept, is this correct? I can't find any definitive info on this.
It's all a matter of taste. I personally hate the stupid globe. Even if you're right on the lagoon, it's still pretty small and difficult to decifer what's on the LED screens. I really enjoyed the laser effects on Spaceship Earth, and would welcome a return to more laser and light effects around the World Showcase in lieu of fireworks and mishigas on the lagoon.
However, I know a lot of people really enjoy the show as it is currently conceived, so it's really just a matter of what you like. In any event, it's still a really good show, and much better than standing in line for over an hour to watch Fantasmic! or getting squashed in the Magic Kingdom to watch Wishes.
From Tony Duda
Posted July 3, 2013 at 4:35 PM
I only know Illuminations since 2002 but it has changed since then. There is a lot more propane flames and less fireworks. I understand the economics of saving money, but it is noticeable, at least to me. It is also getting to be the same-old same-old show. I hope a revamped version is in the plans already.
There's a list of Epcot's night-time shows, including all the previous versions of IllumiNations,
on Wikipedia. The original version of IllumiNations that ran from 1988-1996 is, IMHO, so clearly superior to anything that follows that I mourn it to this day.
Just thinking about the first few notes of Rhapsody in Blue, as all the spotlights in World Showcase turn toward The American Adventure, gives me chills. Then, the Act III that followed was just the greatest collection of music ever assembled for a theme park show.
Oh, people who've only seen Reflections of Earth, you have no idea what you missed. (sniff) :^(
I have seen both and I actually like the current version much better than the older. Like Impressions de France, the old one suffered from a theme that you had to look up and understand. The older version used classical music from each country (or a majority of them). I just love the music for the current version. Gives me the chills.
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