JediMasterMatt
Well-Known Member
It's mostly because of Epcot's history (for those of us that are old enough to remember or those versed enough in the lore of it). EPCOT Center opened with no characters except those created for the park. Since then, it's been a continual creep in their integration. As much as all of us old timers may moan about it, the masses have always been questioning where Mickey and the princesses are. It's Epcot's version of best intentions gone awry. Much like how MK originally wasn't going to have PotC as the Imagineers had bigger/different aspirations in mind with the Western River Expedition and Thunder Mesa. Unfortunately, the guests voted by their complaints and Pirates in truncated form was the result.
As to why the nighttime spectacular at Epcot is a sore spot in particular, it's because up until 2019, the nights at Epcot were exempt from Walt Disney Studios intersecting with the kiss goodnight at a park that did (still?) skew more towards a refuge from the fantasy's offered up by the Studio. While we lost the character battle in the 80's, the nights until Illuminations sunset were the last bastion of a time and place now lost to history.
As much as you read the thoughts of people here (a forum that Disney Parks fans seek out to read and even fewer create accounts and even fewer post their thoughts), we are the minority. Much like in the halcyon days of cable TV, where there were 300 channels and still people would claim - "nothing is on", the vast majority want the reassuring familiarity of the "known" experience instead of embracing what is unique and different. They go to WDW and they want to tune in (or toon in?) to the Mickey and Princess channel everywhere they go. Those that want to go Disney Parks to experience something that ONLY exists at a Disney Park have to come to grips that these days that means that "unique" experience is most likely going to come with a heavy coating of Disney IP gravy all over the top of it.
Since I'm typing away, I'll share my thoughts on Luminous based on what I've seen online. I'll see it in person next month. It's a course correction from the errors of Harmonious that is for certain. It swings the pendulum back towards what was once and not what is; but, still obviously has the overall mandate of including IP. I appreciate the return of a show based on tone and mood established by color and music in lieu of projected images. I also appreciate the symphonic score for the most part (have issues with the Toys execution as it's too similar to other shows) as it lends itself to being more adult in nature. The use of pyro, lasers, and fountains are good for the most part; but, they unfortunately "show their hand" too early and don't leave enough in the bag for a climax. This is something that HEA absolutely nails with Tink's flight as it has never been better in any show at MK. Here, the perimeter/seawall execution works best as a surprise and using it so early spoils that; but, using it as part of the nation's introductions is a great effect. Sadly, they don't have as much impact later in the show and the finale in my opinion is lacking because of it. Harmonious had the boom arm launchers and heavy perimeters to rely on and even that wasn't as effective as Illuminations flurry of roman candles lighting up World Showcase. If something like the roman candle barrage could be added to the outer ring of the new rafts, it would certainly help... if not that, then maybe just throw us old timers a bone and play Tapestry, Promise, or We Go On at some point in the post show.
