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

[doctornick]

I always thought illuminations was ok, but overhyped…. Then after watching at The Rose and Crown outdoor seating I finally understood the adoration for the show… I could finally see what was on the globe

I guess I'll out myself as an idiot here, but what exactly was on the globe? All I remember was the continents which were in different colors at times. Was there more complex stuff on the globe that I just never saw?

 

[wbostic12]

I had thought about this too. Kinda like how MK is gonna use Enchantment for After Hours events. What if they used a slightly re-imagined Harmonious that doesn’t need screens for special events.

I think part of the reason Enchantment is coming back is because they still have the pyro from that show that they need to use, in addition to the fact that it is pretty much a turn-key change. I would be surprised if they spent the time and money they need to use to reprogram the barges to re-configure a show that never got much love.

 

[Tom Morrow]

The whole IP v. non-IP debate is mired in bad nomenclature -- it's all IP.

The two sides are better called:

• *pre-existing* IP (that has appeared in a movie, TV show, or some other context), and,
• *newly-created* IP.

Both have their pros and cons.

The *pre-existing* IP is being recontextualized for a new attraction. The recontextualization could be "shoe horned in" or "rammed down our throats." In this case, it's used simply because it's popular. It's a tangent to a story that doesn't fit. This can happen when your new show needs a certain theme, e.g., you want two people singing about how their friendship brings them joy and makes them a family.... and all you got is Friend In Me, which is oversued, or, Friend Like Me, which really isn't the message you want (since it's not about two people singing about the joy of their friendship).

On the other hand, it could be done quite well when the original context fits the new context. "I See the Light" fits very well for any context of a new, budding romance.

And so, it is the newly-created music that has a much better chance of getting across the theme and message one wants to convey. It can be tailored specifically for the context. BUT... it's brand new. And is the song itself... *good*? A new song hasn't had the chance to be tested with crowds. It could be wildly popular. It could be a dud.

And that's the advantage of the pre-existing IP... you already know it's popular. Put a bunch of popular songs in a show and you're much more likely to get a popular show.

As time has passed, Disney has amassed a pretty hefty 'Disney songbook' of hits that it didn't have 20, 30, or 40 years ago. People want the band on the stage to play their famous hits, not their new songs... that's why the came to their concert. And so it's what many people expect. And it's what management encourages for that sweet synergistic merchandising franchise.

Luminous was made with pre-existing and new music. And did some clever things like using only the lick from Into the Unknown, without any of its lyrics. It unfortunately overused the two 'friends songs.'

Anyhoo, I'll leave you all with a mind-blowing thought: Epcot Forever recontextualized the music from previous attractions, so, it rammed IP down our throats!!

Ackchyually guys it's ALL technically IP!

 

[Mikey73181]

What if they designed a show using the hardware they have but also using illuminations music. I’d probably pay to see that if they could add some fire effects too

This too…I was a huge fan of Illuminations, probably my favorite show of all time. I even went on a quick trip for the final show in 2019.

 

[wbostic12]

I guess I'll out myself as an idiot here, but what exactly was on the globe? All I remember was the continents which were in different colors at times. Was there more complex stuff on the globe that I just never saw?

It changed pretty dramatically throughout the show. There’s a video on YouTube I’ve seen where it shows the globe spread out so you can see the visuals.

 

[stuart]

I guess I'll out myself as an idiot here, but what exactly was on the globe? All I remember was the continents which were in different colors at times. Was there more complex stuff on the globe that I just never saw?

Martin's video shows the on screen footage

 

[Disney Analyst]

Don't forget to fill out the poll once you watch it either in-person or on video!

Here's a current check in:

View attachment 758099

So far:

64.4% of respondents believe the show to be great or the best.

21.1% see the show as okay.

14.4% believe the show is mediocre or bad.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Official PR...

“Luminous the Symphony of Us” Shines at EPCOT Starting Dec. 5

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Dec. 5, 2023) – EPCOT has always been a park about people and the commonalities that bring them together. A brand new nighttime spectacular, “Luminous the Symphony of Us,” will bring guests together around World Showcase

wdwnews.com

 

[ToTBellHop]

Early reviews from in park guests are apparently the strongest Epcot has enjoyed in many years. I suspect the show designers will be toasting the New Year once they finish working through expected early bugs.

Also, according to the show, World Showcase has 12 pavilions. Who cares if one sells hotdogs and not much else?! Karibuni!

Give it a Lion King spinner and we are good.

 

[DKampy]

I guess I'll out myself as an idiot here, but what exactly was on the globe? All I remember was the continents which were in different colors at times. Was there more complex stuff on the globe that I just never saw?

I thought the same…until I saw it from that view…it changed quite a bit actually

 

[doctornick]

I thought the same…until I saw it from that view…it changed quite a bit actually

I just watched a bit now and I've got to say that I feel find of foolish to not have realized that at all. Perhaps I was never really paying that much attention to it and just enjoying the fireworks and other visual spectacles.

That being said, I also feel like that's a bit of a show design flaw then with the globe being the size it was - feels like they needed to have it be a much larger "canvas" to have most of the guests be able to appreciate. Which is the point that @MisterPenguin just made and I guess I agree with it.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Some up close photos of half the barges coming through the drawbridge area. Very tight fit.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Also, according to the show, World Showcase has 12 pavilions. Who cares if one sells hotdogs and not much else?! Karibuni!

Everyone knows it's 11 countries and a continent.

 

[Squishy]

Some up close photos of half the barges coming through the drawbridge area. Very tight fit.

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Did they all go out at once or are they doing 2-3 at a time?

 

[Hakunamatata]

Did they all go out at once or are they doing 2-3 at a time?

They did three.

 

[aladdin2007]

I've been watching and listening over and over multiple times to get a different look and feel for the show. Its growing on me a lot. Despite that I don't care for the middle, (seems like a different show).and the unneeded narration muck....the beginning is phenomenal. I wanted more of that music/theme and had hopes it would flow through it as an undercurrent, but we never hear it again which is very unfortunate....when the countries say welcome do they shine a spot light on Morocco and Norway since they have don't have lights? I couldn't tell...its too bad the strobes could not have been at least added to Norway.

 

[SaucyBoy]

Some up close photos of half the barges coming through the drawbridge area. Very tight fit.

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Was there any audio and narration as this happening like they did when the RoE barges were brought out?

 

[OSUPhantom]

Was there any audio and narration as this happening like they did when the RoE barges were brought out?

I was in China while they brought 3 out; I did not hear anything.

 

[OSUPhantom]

Early reviews from in park guests are apparently the strongest Epcot has enjoyed in many years. I suspect the show designers will be toasting the New Year once they finish working through expected early bugs.

For Epcot in general or Luminous in particular? I’d love to hear more.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Was there any audio and narration as this happening like they did when the RoE barges were brought out?

Just promoted the show. Dont recall there being anything specific as to what was going on.