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Walt Disney World in Florida is on the cusp of launching a unique new nighttime spectacular for its EPCOT theme park location. Titled Luminous: The Symphony of Us, the show is supposed to be another notch in celebrating the company’s 100th anniversary.
With a lot of Disney’s latest offerings being met with criticism, it’s actually impressive to see fans on social media praising the reveal of the music from Luminous: The Symphony of Us that the company recently showcased before the launch.
Credit: Disney
EPCOT Luminous: The Symphony of Us Music Reveal
Disney has been relatively tight-lipped about this new fireworks show coming to EPCOT. All we know is that the celebration will feature many of the staples that Disney is known for in its EPCOT spectacle offerings.
The official website gives a small but welcome description of what to expect:
Delight in a dramatic show designed to bring us all together. Marvel at a dazzling pageant of fireworks, fountains, music and lights set to an original composition. New music, along with evocative selections from the Disney songbook, come together to remind us that we are more alike than we are different.
Disney has pulled back the curtain a little further recently. With Luminous: The Symphony of Us debuting in just a few short weeks on December 5, 2023, the resort is looking to build hype for the EPCOT spectacular. The original music composition hinted at in the official description has been revealed in a first-look video, and fans dig it.
The video describes the process of creating the piece, detailing that the team visited Scotland, London, Nashville, and Orlando during the recording. It also shows the many orchestra members and choral team that helped bring the new music to life. It’s dramatic and impressive.
🎆 🎶 First Listen! 🎶 🎆 Get a behind-the-scenes look at the music recording sessions for "Luminous The Symphony of Us,” debuting Dec. 5 at EPCOT: https://t.co/N3oN8F1lPJ pic.twitter.com/ftB0wdTZkJ
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) November 3, 2023
Reactions to EPCOT’s New Show Composition
Twitter/X seems to agree. While many on the platform have harshly criticized Disney in recent months, there seems to be a significant amount of positive feedback to the Luminous: The Symphony of Us original music. They are particularly impressed that it is actually unique.
Wait…original music and not some rehash of the same old IP? I love it!
Wait…original music and not some rehash of the same old IP? I love it!
— KevPG13 (@KevPG13) November 3, 2023
The consensus indicates that the song is fresh yet still has a nostalgic quality to EPCOT’s favorite previous nighttime show, Illuminations.
Giving me Illuminations vibes…..I’m gonna cry, aren’t I?
Giving me Illuminations vibes…..I’m gonna cry, aren’t I?
— Caleb B. Gwaltney (@caleb_gwaltney) November 3, 2023
Disney Fans Miss IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, the beloved nighttime show at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, ended its nearly two-decade run on September 30, 2019. The show was celebrated for its unique storytelling, powerful music, advanced technology, message of unity, and picturesque location around the World Showcase Lagoon.
Credit: D23
Debuting in 1999 as part of the Millennium Celebration, it was initially meant to be temporary but remained a fan favorite for years. The show told a captivating story celebrating the history of Earth, global unity, and the promise of a bright future. Its emotional musical score, cutting-edge technology, and the symbolic backdrop of the World Showcase Lagoon all contributed to its enduring popularity.
Despite its success, IllumiNations gave way to new nighttime spectaculars as Disney continually evolved its theme park offerings. While EPCOT Forever served as an interim show, Harmonious became the new centerpiece, focusing on the power of music to unite cultures around the world.
Harmonious ran for about a year and a half before Disney announced Luminous: The Symphony of Us would be coming to EPCOT. After closing in April 2023, EPCOT Forever has again served as a temporary show until next month.
However, none of these offerings found the devotion of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. It left a lasting legacy and remains cherished by Disney fans for its positive message and immersive experience.
What do you think of the EPCOT Luminous: The Symphony of Us music reveal? Does it do justice to IllumiNations, or would you rather see the iconic return of the cherished retired show? Let us know in the comments!
