News EPCOT's Harmonious to be replaced with new nighttime spectacular Luminous

[Vinnie Mac]

Actually it can be. It's by far my favorite segment. And, I have talked to 3 different families who say the same because we had loss of family that tied to WDW in some way. It feels like a beautiful memorial to those who aren't with us any longer.

I'm not saying you or the data is wrong. But, there are many people who find catharsis very powerful. Disney Parks involved many more emotions than fun and excitement, and that's why we love it.

And, even as a classic Epcot defender, I do enjoy Luminous quite a bit. It's no I:ROE by a long shot. But, it feels much more Epcot in style, and something unique among shows that seem to be more and more the same in the other parks. I do think tags would go a long way to enhance the show during certain seasons.

Not to mention there's nothing wrong with maturity and emotion in an Epcot show. One thing I loved ROE for was that it felt very grounded and mature in whatever way that may mean for a firework show. It felt real. Like you weren't watching a firework show rather you were watching a theatrical production, the pyro, fountains, and globe being the actors. Harmonious felt very light and fun. LSOU brings back that maturity for me with the loss section. I love it because it does make feel emotional because I can connect directly to it and I know other people who can.

 

[wbostic12]

To those who have asked, there is now a Luminous: The Symphony of Us-Cast artist on Apple Music. There isn't a song assigned to it yet, but this is similar to how Wondrous Journeys was right before it was added last year.

 

[Starship824]

To those who have asked, there is now a Luminous: The Symphony of Us-Cast artist on Apple Music. There isn't a song assigned to it yet, but this is similar to how Wondrous Journeys was right before it was added last year. View attachment 781731

 

[Starship824]

To those who have asked, there is now a Luminous: The Symphony of Us-Cast artist on Apple Music. There isn't a song assigned to it yet, but this is similar to how Wondrous Journeys was right before it was added last year. View attachment 781731

All I hope is that it's the whole show and not just "Heartbeat Symphony" and "Beating of our Hearts"

 

[TTA94]

All I hope is that it's the whole show and not just "Heartbeat Symphony" and "Beating of our Hearts"

I have a feeling it’s just “Heartbeat Symphony”. I don’t think the full soundtrack would be listed under her name. I’m willing to bet more people would prefer “One Heartbeat” to be released over “Heartbeat Symphony” lol. Unfortunately I know that’s highly unlikely to be released.

 

[Starship824]

I have a feeling it’s just “Heartbeat Symphony”. I don’t think the full soundtrack would be listed under her name. I’m willing to bet more people would prefer “One Heartbeat” to be released over “Heartbeat Symphony” lol. Unfortunately I know that’s highly unlikely to be released.

It would also be "Beating of our hearts" because Katherine McPhee doesn't do vocals for "Heartbeat Symphony". The fact that it has the whole cast leads me to believe it might be the whole show but I could be wrong obviously when you look at Happily ever after or Wondrous Journey, "It's Wondrous" the normal song it only lists cast for the exit music. They tend to release the entire show as long as there's nothing directly from the films in them as far as I've been able to see. For example, in the Tokyo releases of the shows whenever they do use versions from the movies, it's usually re recorded for the CD. Fantasmic is released on streaming. All of harmonious is released on streaming, so to me it seems like they will since everything in Luminous are new arrangements specifically made for the show.

 

[trainplane3]

Maybe it's time to start watching:

Home - Disney Music Licensing

Disney Music Licensing

www.disneymusiclicensing.com

Harmonious appeared here about 2 weeks before the soundtrack release.

 

[wbostic12]

Maybe it's time to start watching:

Home - Disney Music Licensing

Disney Music Licensing

www.disneymusiclicensing.com

Harmonious appeared here about 2 weeks before the soundtrack release.

Definitely.
Also something to help with the search that I noticed was both an anomaly and potentially to keep an eye out for. The two past releases of domestic fireworks soundtracks have been Wondrous Journeys and WOC:One. One makes more sense, as when you search for it, it shows the featured vocalist by default, in this case Cody Fry. However, for WJ both the theme and post show music are put into one single combined, with the theme being directly credited to the singers, and shows it as a suggestion as I search for that single. However, for whatever reason, the post show music (which has the artist Lawrence in the track title) doesn’t show up at all.
I have no idea if that means anything, or is remotely helpful, or is just some kind of bizarre anomaly, but I noticed it and thought I should share.

 

[Starship824]

Definitely.
Also something to help with the search that I noticed was both an anomaly and potentially to keep an eye out for. The two past releases of domestic fireworks soundtracks have been Wondrous Journeys and WOC:One. One makes more sense, as when you search for it, it shows the featured vocalist by default, in this case Cody Fry. However, for WJ both the theme and post show music are put into one single combined, with the theme being directly credited to the singers, and shows it as a suggestion as I search for that single. However, for whatever reason, the post show music (which has the artist Lawrence in the track title) doesn’t show up at all.
I have no idea if that means anything, or is remotely helpful, or is just some kind of bizarre anomaly, but I noticed it and thought I should share.

Yeah it's weird the ending songs lists "Wondrous Journeys - Cast" while the main theme doesn't.

 

[wbostic12]

Alright, this may be a big ask, but I feel like this forum is the best place to ask it. I am going to EPCOT on Monday for the first time in about 3 years after my college exams end, and was wondering what everyone's opinion for the best place to watch Luminous is. I know it's not the same stress as Harmonious, but I still want the best view of the show. Has anyone found what they believe is the best place to watch the show with the least obstructions, especially if I don't want to camp out forever prior to the show? (Also, pictures of the view are appreciated.)

 

[gerarar]

Alright, this may be a big ask, but I feel like this forum is the best place to ask it. I am going to EPCOT on Monday for the first time in about 3 years after my college exams end, and was wondering what everyone's opinion for the best place to watch Luminous is. I know it's not the same stress as Harmonious, but I still want the best view of the show. Has anyone found what they believe is the best place to watch the show with the least obstructions, especially if I don't want to camp out forever prior to the show? (Also, pictures of the view are appreciated.)

Italy is probably one of the best places to see the show. You get a perfect view of Spaceship Earth when it does its thing during the intro, I See the Light, and the finale. You also get 2 perfect heartbeats in the finale. The spotlights from around World Showcase are also easier to see when they converge ("Come Together As One!..")

Another spot is near Japan for same reasons above. But that place is more crowded seems like.

Italy pics:

Basically if you line yourself up with one the barges, you'll get some perfect heartbeats. All that really matters then is if you want to see Spaceship Earth's interaction with the show and proximity to the show.

Also note, I haven't seen the show in-person yet, but I see pretty much every livestream and video posted on YouTube lol.

This comparison video I made a while back will give you an idea of seeing it from Italy vs. Japan:

 

[hismattjesty]

Alright, this may be a big ask, but I feel like this forum is the best place to ask it. I am going to EPCOT on Monday for the first time in about 3 years after my college exams end, and was wondering what everyone's opinion for the best place to watch Luminous is. I know it's not the same stress as Harmonious, but I still want the best view of the show. Has anyone found what they believe is the best place to watch the show with the least obstructions, especially if I don't want to camp out forever prior to the show? (Also, pictures of the view are appreciated.)

Right out front and to the right (facing the lagoon) of Norway. Air launch point, completely unobstructed, and right next to a speaker. Was just there Tuesday myself as well. No pictures or video of it as I don't live my life buried in my phone, and there are plenty of better pictures and video from professionals out there.

 

[trainplane3]

Alright, this may be a big ask, but I feel like this forum is the best place to ask it. I am going to EPCOT on Monday for the first time in about 3 years after my college exams end, and was wondering what everyone's opinion for the best place to watch Luminous is. I know it's not the same stress as Harmonious, but I still want the best view of the show. Has anyone found what they believe is the best place to watch the show with the least obstructions, especially if I don't want to camp out forever prior to the show? (Also, pictures of the view are appreciated.)

I personally prefer watching it from the "back" of WS, that way I can see the little things SSE does at the beginning and ending bits of the show.
Left of Japan:

Germany:

(Truly amazing shaky cam footage from a chest high level)


So basically, any place along the back stretch with a view of SSE is what I'll recommend.

 

[Touchdown]

Anywhere with a clear view of the central structure is fine.

 

[Starship824]

Alright, this may be a big ask, but I feel like this forum is the best place to ask it. I am going to EPCOT on Monday for the first time in about 3 years after my college exams end, and was wondering what everyone's opinion for the best place to watch Luminous is. I know it's not the same stress as Harmonious, but I still want the best view of the show. Has anyone found what they believe is the best place to watch the show with the least obstructions, especially if I don't want to camp out forever prior to the show? (Also, pictures of the view are appreciated.)

I haven't seen the show in person so I don't know the best spots, but check the weather to see where the wind is blowing to make sure all the smoke doesn't blow right in your face.

 

[wbostic12]

Italy is probably one of the best places to see the show. You get a perfect view of Spaceship Earth when it does its thing during the intro, I See the Light, and the finale. You also get 2 perfect heartbeats in the finale. The spotlights from around World Showcase are also easier to see when they converge ("Come Together As One!..")

Another spot is near Japan for same reasons above. But that place is more crowded seems like.

Italy pics:
View attachment 782038
View attachment 782039

Basically if you line yourself up with one the barges, you'll get some perfect heartbeats. All that really matters then is if you want to see Spaceship Earth's interaction with the show and proximity to the show.

Also note, I haven't seen the show in-person yet, but I see pretty much every livestream and video posted on YouTube lol.

This comparison video I made a while back will give you an idea of seeing it from Italy vs. Japan:

Right out front and to the right (facing the lagoon) of Norway. Air launch point, completely unobstructed, and right next to a speaker. Was just there Tuesday myself as well. No pictures or video of it as I don't live my life buried in my phone, and there are plenty of better pictures and video from professionals out there.

I personally prefer watching it from the "back" of WS, that way I can see the little things SSE does at the beginning and ending bits of the show.
Left of Japan:
View attachment 782042

Germany:
View attachment 782040
(Truly amazing shaky cam footage from a chest high level)


So basically, any place along the back stretch with a view of SSE is what I'll recommend.

For all the arguments and attacks this site can sometimes hold, these are the moments that I know there are good people on this site. Thanks everybody! How early do you need to reserve these spots?

 

[trainplane3]

For all the arguments and attacks this site can sometimes hold, these are the moments that I know there are good people on this site. Thanks everybody! How early do you need to reserve these spots?

For the Japan view in February, I walked up about 20 minutes before (coming right from Impressions de France). Germany was a solid hour since it was debut night.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Depending on the crowds you can usually get a decent spot around Japan pretty last minute. That’s always been one of my favorite spots to see all of the Epcot shows.

 

[SoFloMagic]

My favorite move is showing up 15 minutes before the show in the old fastpass viewing area. Great spot with very good sound and the closest you can get to the fireworks, but tough to see fountains and fireworks at the same time if you're into that.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Japan is my current favorite. I've watched it there, in UK, near the Refreshment Port, Norway and Mexico bridge.