EPCOT Epcot Forever to debut as interim show before full Reflections of Earth replacement

[trainplane3]

I’m going to be down there for the last Illuminations/first Epcot Forever dates. How are we feeling about overall park capacity those days? Is it likely going to be a “get there in the morning and stay all day to avoid a phase 4 closure”, or would I be okay coming and going to and from the park during the course of the day?

It was mentioned to me they're expecting NYE level crowds for the final show (and possibly the night before the final show). Epcot hasn't closed for NYE yet because it has incredible capacity. No idea on Epcot Forever but it'll probably be almost as crazy, if not crazier because it's the new "shiny thing" and everyone will want to see it.

Oh and of course, I'll be there for these cool new happenings.

 

[techgeek]

I’m going to be down there for the last Illuminations/first Epcot Forever dates. How are we feeling about overall park capacity those days? Is it likely going to be a “get there in the morning and stay all day to avoid a phase 4 closure”, or would I be okay coming and going to and from the park during the course of the day?

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but has Epcot ever had a phase 4 close in history? Maybe 12/31/99? I’d expect it to be very busy, especially early evening as locals make their way over, but hitting phased closing on a weekday in September sounds pretty impossible to me no matter what’s going on.

I suspect you’ll need to plan to camp out a few hours around the lagoon if you want a spot on the rail, especially as the choice locations are all booked with groups.

 

[DreamfinderGuy]

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but has Epcot ever had a phase 4 close in history? Maybe 12/31/99? I’d expect it to be very busy, especially early evening as locals make their way over, but hitting phased closing on a weekday in September sounds pretty impossible to me no matter what’s going on.

I suspect you’ll need to plan to camp out a few hours around the lagoon if you want a spot on the rail, especially as the choice locations are all booked with groups.

If memory serves correctly Epcot hit projected capacity at 7 AM on NYE ‘99

 

[Dr.GrantSeeker]

Is Disney planning on doing any type of special event for the RoE finale / EF debut? I don't remember what was done for Wishes, or if Disney did anything at all for Wishes. I also didn't care about Wishes like I do RoE.

 

[Crazydisneyfanluke]

If memory serves correctly Epcot hit projected capacity at 7 AM on NYE ‘99

7AM?!?! Holy Moly.

 

[marni1971]

7AM?!?! Holy Moly.

The fireworks show was rather special.

 

[Crazydisneyfanluke]

The fireworks show was rather special.

Do you have any recording of it? This shall be my project for the day in my spare time.

Edit: Quick search I found this and WOW

 

[jrhwdw]

Do you have any recording of it? This shall be my project for the day in my spare time.

Edit: Quick search I found this and WOW

There's also FITS NYE 1999 on YT, I can't link it now. It was good, not really a finale over the castle during Celebrate The Future.

 

[RSoxNo1]

If memory serves correctly Epcot hit projected capacity at 7 AM on NYE ‘99

That might have been the first phase, I was there and while we were staying on property, I don't believe we got in until late morning.

 

[HoldenC]

Do you have any recording of it? This shall be my project for the day in my spare time.

Edit: Quick search I found this and WOW

A shame we will never see this caliber finale tag again

 

[ToTBellHop]

A shame we will never see this caliber finale tag again

It’s green lit for 2999. Can’t wait.

 

[jrhwdw]

It’s green lit for 2999. Can’t wait.

Oh dear!

Too bad that was the last display behind the countries. everything went to WSL from 2000 on, which is fine mind you. WSL is capable of the same quality. I just wonder why the change?

 

[monothingie]

It’s green lit for 2999. Can’t wait.

I couldn’t resist the setup for a Futurama reference.

 

[peter11435]

Oh dear!

Too bad that was the last display behind the countries. everything went to WSL from 2000 on, which is fine mind you. WSL is capable of the same quality. I just wonder why the change?

They still did some pyro behind the countries all the way up through last year.

 

[jrhwdw]

They still did some pyro behind the countries all the way up through last year.

I know but not a full tag like EPCOT CENTER used to do

 

[tissandtully]

Do you have any recording of it? This shall be my project for the day in my spare time.

Edit: Quick search I found this and WOW

Oh MY GOD

 

[tissandtully]

Is Disney planning on doing any type of special event for the RoE finale / EF debut? I don't remember what was done for Wishes, or if Disney did anything at all for Wishes. I also didn't care about Wishes like I do RoE.

They are selling t-shirts.

 

[Crazydisneyfanluke]

They are selling t-shirts.

The pins sold out quite quickly... I wasn't able to grab one quick enough

 

[lilclerk]

So... anyone know if Rose & Crown will still have the viewing area set up if I have a dinner reservation those nights? Not the patio, but the little area off to the side that they'd bring you to.

 

[DreamfinderGuy]

It’s green lit for 2999. Can’t wait.

Sounds like I have to find a cryogenics lab.