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Disney Imagineer Provides First Look at EPCOT’s New Spaceship Earth Lighting

For Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, we’ve learned Disney will be transforming each of the Park’s icons into magnificent Beacons of Magic at night. Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth, Hollywood Tower Hotel, and the Tree of Life will each shine like never before and come to life on select nights with their own unique EARidescent glow. Now, a Disney Imagineer, Zach Riddley, has taken to social media to reveal a first look at the lighting coming to EPCOT’s iconic Spaceship Earth.

Credit: Disney

As shared by Zach Riddley via Instagram: “Last week we shared an exciting new look at all four Beacons on Magic coming to life as part of the WDW 50th Anniversary. Our new lighting system for Spaceship Earth is something entirely original – a first-of-its-kind programmable LED lighting system invented by our very own Imagineers to integrate seamlessly into the iconic Spaceship Earth façade. I’m proud to share today a few pics from behind the scenes of the project, led by Imagineers Jason Read and Galen Lande. Take a look!!”

Credit: Zach Riddley Instagram
Credit: Zach Riddley Instagram

Riddley goes on to share, “Installation of the system is nearly complete, and our team has been hard at work testing. Jason, Galen, and their team are leveraging a “pre-cueing” system to pre-visualize and program this new system virtually – allowing us to test many different ideas before locking in on our best look. And we are finding some very cool effects – giving the surface of Spaceship Earth an entirely new feeling and visual identity visible from all corners of the Park. We are exploring visual poetry that respects the lighting legacy of this grand icon while bringing rich new depth and motion to life – all inspired by colors and textures that evoke stardust and the mystery and wonder of our universe. And we’ll be able to tie this program into the surrounding Main Entrance Plaza and new fountain and pylon lighting to fully immerse Guests with an experience that is … EPCOT. We have more work to do before we’re ready to reveal this to the world as part of the Most Magical Celebration on Earth, starting Oct 1st!!‌”

Credit: Zach Riddley Instagram
Credit: Zach Riddley Instagram

Wow! We can’t wait to see this stunning transformation of the iconic Spaceship Earth beam with the new lighting beginning October 1, 2021! We’ll keep you posted as more is shared about the Beacons of Magic for all four Walt Disney World Parks.

About Jamie Sylvester

I'm a Disney nerd! A kid at heart who loves the magic and memories of Walt Disney World. I follow all things Disney and enjoy the vacations, day trips, weekend getaways, and geek out over the planning of such events. My goal is to experience as many Disney desserts and cocktails as possible! Married to another Disney nerd and blessed with a daughter and son, we thoroughly enjoy the magic at Disney and are here to help others experience the magic as well.