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

[Andrew C]

Can someone explain to me the purpose of a temporary show? If this is just placeholder for the new show, why not just run RoE until the permanent show is ready? Why spend money to develop something that is going to be very short lived?

the park is in transition. Disney thought people would like to celebrate that with a bit of nostalgia.

 

[tirian]

Well, EPCOT is about a whole new world.

This is a show only those with the old time EPCOT nostalgia can really love.

For those without the nostalgia the gimmicky songs were, for me, just annoying. But I complain about gimmicky music in many of the shows.

Agree 100%. The thing about Epcot’s original music is that it was intentionally created to soften Future World’s hard edges and inspire guests. Marc Davis talked about this in an interview.

Smashing clips together like this is disjointed and meaningless for the majority of guests who know little to nothing of the park’s history.

Maybe the bigger question is, how can Disney aim something directly at its long-term fans yet produce something this clunky?

 

[Andrew C]

Gotta say, I’m a little underwhelmed. Like most things, it’s gotta be better in person.

Watched it with my Disney-loving but non-EPCOT historian wife. While she recognized Soarin’, Tapestry and Spark, a lot of her reaction was “Where is this music from?” Then of course, Whole New World comes on and she says “Ah, that I know. But why is it playing in EPCOT?” I’m guessing most visitors over the next year will have similar reactions.

“What is this from? Now what is this from? Oooooo!! I love Aladdin!”

And I’m guessing that’s the point Disney wants to make.

the point flew over your head then.

 

[JohnD]

Well...it wasn’t terrible...but it’s no ROE.

I liked when the torches came on during the pre show, but then they just went off with the lights at the beginning, no more blowing them out. Then they quickly come back on during the Tapestry music then go back off until it’s over. They are still on now, don’t know for how long since it’s new post show music playing too.

The pavilions lit up too but almost as an afterthought.

 

[wiredforflight]

Being generous I give Epcot Forever a c-
Replacing an icon needs to be with at or near similar caliber. Now I miss Illuminations more knowing it may be the last fireworks show I will have enjoyed at Epcot until Bob Chapek is removed.

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

I'll definitely check it out in person but here's my initial thoughts
Loved One Little Spark/Imagination.
Loved Veggie, fruit, fruit.
Loved Soarin
Loved the fireworks.

Didn't like that there was no Captain EO.
Didn't like that it all seemed oddly pieced together.

Understand the tie in but HATE A Whole New World finale.
This is supposed to be Epcot Forever.

Overall was not WOWED by any of it but enjoyed it.

 

[Crazydisneyfanluke]

They should have just have used the EPCOT 25th or 30th anniversary tags.... It would have been much better.

 

[Disone]

A strong knowledge of EPCOT's past attractions and the music that goes with them will help one to enjoy this show. I liked it but did not particularly enjoy the finale's choice of song. I suspect it was suppose to represent EPCOT's future via a preview/flavor of HarmoniUS.

 

[mightynine]

Agree 100%. The thing about Epcot’s original music is that it WS intentionally created to soften Future World’s hard edges and inspire guests. Marc Davis talked about this in an interview.

Smashing clips together like this is disjointed and meaningless for the majority of guests who know little to nothing of the park’s history.

Maybe the bigger question is, how can Disney aim something directly at its long-term fans yet produce something this clunky?

Easy. They just think we liked the wrapping, not the gift inside.

 

[alex0c]

Better than I expected for a temporary show. Overall I enjoyed it.

The amount of kid voiceovers was overdone and 100% did not need the Aladdin thrown in, but it's a nice tribute IMO.

 

[Brer Oswald]

That was so incredibly disappointing. I really have no intent of seeing it every again. The show was pretty good up until the incredible slap in the face. For the first time ever in my life, I don't want to be in Epcot. It seems clear this is meant to appeal to no one to set up HarmoniUS for success. Which is so infuriating.

It’s okay. It’ll flop and they’ll replace it with illuminations 5.

 

[jrhwdw]

Not one for IP in EPCOT but after seeing this, can't wait for HarmonioUS to come.

Too Bad HMUS in not like Whole New World EF segment, IP music only, no IP visuals.

 

[Poly1974]

Y-A-W-N. It’s an average Disney fireworks show at best with some cool kites. The music is pretty good but Whole New World annoyed me and reminded me of how they are going to wreck this park with IP. If this is the type of effort we have to look forward to as they re-do Epcot, then I’m really scared. So disappointing!

 

[ddbowdoin]

I'll definitely check it out in person but here's my initial thoughts
Loved One Little Spark/Imagination.
Loved Veggie, fruit, fruit.
Loved Soarin
Loved the fireworks.

Didn't like that there was no Captain EO.
Didn't like that it all seemed oddly pieced together.

Understand the tie in but HATE A Whole New World finale.
This is supposed to be Epcot Forever.

Overall was not WOWED by any of it but enjoyed it.

The whole “touching kids” thing has put a huge cloud over all things Captain Eo... so that didn’t surprise me

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

Being generous I give Epcot Forever a c-
Replacing an icon needs to be with at or near similar caliber. Now I miss Illuminations more knowing it may be the last fireworks show I will have enjoyed at Epcot until Bob Chapek is removed.

Remember its only one for one year so Harmonious SHOULD be a higher quality show.

 

[brettf22]

the point flew over your head then.

Ok, help me out and give your take.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Also no Destiny?

I'm glad they didn't add the banshee song..Also, notice no Food Rocks...Just sayin..

 

[Queen of the WDW Scene]

The whole “touching kids” thing has put a huge cloud over all things Captain Eo... so that didn’t surprise me

If that were the case they would not have brought Captain EO back and brought back Captain EO merch etc.

 

[ChrisFL]

Can someone explain to me the purpose of a temporary show? If this is just placeholder for the new show, why not just run RoE until the permanent show is ready? Why spend money to develop something that is going to be very short lived?

I'm pretty sure because they're going to re-purpose a lot of the floats/barges for the new show.

 

[tirian]

A strong knowledge of EPCOT's past attractions and the music that goes with them will help one to enjoy this show. I liked it but did not particularly enjoy the finale's choice of song. I suspect it was suppose to represent EPCOT's future via a preview/flavor of HarmoniUS.

They trotted out a Walt quote how things will never be completed.