IllumiNations New Pyro Changes

[Father Robinson]

I'd say probably half of the pyro in the show has either been changed or modified. Forgive me, but I have no idea what any of the proper names of the actual pyro/fireworks are, I can just describe them.

Most notably in "Chaos", the red flares, the ones that used to shoot in all different directions, and since the last change has been extremely weak, are now (in my opinion) improved, but still nowhere near as good as they originally were.

The fireworks that are the (big bursting) high in the sky ones have all been improved, but the timing is off on them.

The pyro in the arts segment has been changed back to it's original colors and weakened quite a bit, also the timing is off for the smaller ones that explode in the air.

During the Celebration segment, there are now (twisting/exploding) pyro that is (kind of) reminiscent of the screamers, unfortunately no match for them though. Also the blue pyro has been modified a bit.

Any idea what's up with the changes?



The audio on this video is horrible, but it's the only one I could find that shows the new changes.

 

[SW_matt]

I noticed that some things had changed from videos and through my last visit, I guess it just down to changes in suppliers or maybe changes in manufacturing maybe?

And that audio! My phone did better than that LOL

 

[GhostHost1000]

I really miss the end of Chaos with the red ones that looked like they were coming right toward you

 

[rle4lunch]

This is one nighttime show that desperately needs updated. It's basically the same thing since 1986. I know they'll be some people chime in with the 'nu-uh, the globe thing is digital and the lay-zers are way better and stuff, you're dumb for thinking it's the same show from 30 years ago'. Think about it though, it's the same idea reworked over and over again. By far, the most unimpressive fireworks show in any American Disney park.

 

[JustInTime]

This is one nighttime show that desperately needs updated. It's basically the same thing since 1986. I know they'll be some people chime in with the 'nu-uh, the globe thing is digital and the lay-zers are way better and stuff, you're dumb for thinking it's the same show from 30 years ago'. Think about it though, it's the same idea reworked over and over again. By far, the most unimpressive fireworks show in any American Disney park.

I disagree that it's the most unimpressive but I think an updated show would be nice too. I wouldn't mind keeping the bones of the show and have some changes throughout.

 

[ABQ]

This is one nighttime show that desperately needs updated. It's basically the same thing since 1986. I know they'll be some people chime in with the 'nu-uh, the globe thing is digital and the lay-zers are way better and stuff, you're dumb for thinking it's the same show from 30 years ago'. Think about it though, it's the same idea reworked over and over again. By far, the most unimpressive fireworks show in any American Disney park.

When you say updated, do you want it completed replaced? Sadly, though it's concept is certainly old, it's one of the few things that I don't want Disney messing with as I fear if it were replaced, it won't have the same impact. To me, it's the only show that is a constant success in terms of a dramatic performance. Wishes never did that for me. Fantasmic is a separate sort of thing. Wouldn't call it a pyro show. But Illuminations, especially as it's sans any IP, still does well.

 

[rle4lunch]

When you say updated, do you want it completed replaced? Sadly, though it's concept is certainly old, it's one of the few things that I don't want Disney messing with as I fear if it were replaced, it won't have the same impact. To me, it's the only show that is a constant success in terms of a dramatic performance. Wishes never did that for me. Fantasmic is a separate sort of thing. Wouldn't call it a pyro show. But Illuminations, especially as it's sans any IP, still does well.

As a ground effects fireworks/pyro show, it just doesn't float my boat. I've been going to Epcot since it opened every so many years and that show is one that has never evolved. It was AMAZING to see lasers hit Spaceship Earth in 1986. There is nothing amazing about the show now. Every time I watch it, I just sigh and go, 'that was okay'.

Know what I'd like to see? Drag that dumba$$ ball out to center of the water, light a really long sparkly fuse from the shore, and blow it to smithereens. Sure, it'd be a one time deal, but hey, I'd buy an extra admission ticket for it. Just as long as I got a free cookie or two and maybe a hot chocolate to go with it. The cherry on top? Put Olaf on the top of it, watching the fuse slowly burn across the water as he tries to find a way off the sphere. Then, with a fiery crescendo, the torches shoot up, in the background, a modified chorus of Let it Blow!, Let it Blow! bellows as the wick touches the sphere. Olaf looks down, then a monstrous explosion envelopes him and we see a digital mapping of the doofus snowman melting atop of Spaceship Earth, dripping down to a quick service ice cream stand selling Olaf ice cream bars coated in a raspberry hard shell.

Now that's the just desserts this attraction needs.

 

[rle4lunch]

When you say updated, do you want it completed replaced? Sadly, though it's concept is certainly old, it's one of the few things that I don't want Disney messing with as I fear if it were replaced, it won't have the same impact. To me, it's the only show that is a constant success in terms of a dramatic performance. Wishes never did that for me. Fantasmic is a separate sort of thing. Wouldn't call it a pyro show. But Illuminations, especially as it's sans any IP, still does well.

Something new. I'm glad that AK is getting a water show like World of Color, I just was really hoping that they would've done it to ROE instead.

 

[wdwfan22]

Something new. I'm glad that AK is getting a water show like World of Color, I just was really hoping that they would've done it to ROE instead.

IllumiNations needs to remain a pyro show and not turned into something like World of Color or Fantasmic!

 

[rle4lunch]

IllumiNations needs to remain a pyro show and not turned into something like World of Color or Fantasmic!

Indeed, that's your opinion.

 

[skimbob]

Even though it is outdated the show still draws a large crowd. I like the music more than anything but I would be fine if they change it.

 

[deeevo]

This is one nighttime show that desperately needs updated. It's basically the same thing since 1986. I know they'll be some people chime in with the 'nu-uh, the globe thing is digital and the lay-zers are way better and stuff, you're dumb for thinking it's the same show from 30 years ago'. Think about it though, it's the same idea reworked over and over again. By far, the most unimpressive fireworks show in any American Disney park.

I saw it back in the 90's and I really didn't get it. This weekend my wife made a couple of FP for it because she had never seen it and it was exactly how I remembered it. Ehhh.... I still don't get it and neither did she. I am at EPCOT at least once a month so it's not like I just went back 20 years later.

 

[rle4lunch]

I saw it back in the 90's and I really didn't get it. This weekend my wife made a couple of FP for it because she had never seen it and it was exactly how I remembered it. Ehhh.... I still don't get it and neither did she. I am at EPCOT at least once a month so it's not like I just went back 20 years later.

Yep. It's just meh.

 

[Pumbaa1222]

Granted I don't go as regularly as many of you, but Illuminations is an amazing show for me, but for me it's more than the pyro. It's the music, and the different cultural influences, I love the Torches. The holiday overlay at the end is especially magical for me. I'm not sure EPCOT needs a true fireworks show.

 

[rle4lunch]

What's not to get? How are people so "out of it" that they can't see its a celebration of humanity. The opening is a re-creation of the "big bang", the middle segment showcases the birth of human achievement, and the finale is a call for all of us to "build on all that we have done" and continue towards the future. People like you, who require meaning to be spoon fed to them, are why Disney feels like they can't get away with creating shows like this anymore. Don't want to be inspired? Go watch the sappy Wishes.

It's not hard to get, it's just kinda boring. In my opinion its just as sappy as Wishes.

 

[Coaster Lover]

This is one nighttime show that desperately needs updated. It's basically the same thing since 1986. I know they'll be some people chime in with the 'nu-uh, the globe thing is digital and the lay-zers are way better and stuff, you're dumb for thinking it's the same show from 30 years ago'.

Actually, Laserphonic Fantasy (which ran from 1984-1988) was quite different than the current version of Illuminations. Even the early iterations of Illuminations (Illuminations, Illuminations 25, and Illuminations 98) were quite different than the current Reflections of Earth version. I will agree that Reflections of Earth (which premiered in 1999) hasn't changed much since it's debut...

 

[rle4lunch]

Actually, Laserphonic Fantasy (which ran from 1984-1988) was quite different than the current version of Illuminations. Even the early iterations of Illuminations (Illuminations, Illuminations 25, and Illuminations 98) were quite different than the current Reflections of Earth version. I will agree that Reflections of Earth (which premiered in 1999) hasn't changed much since it's debut...

Here's the laser argument I was talking about. You might be right, but the show is just tired. That's all. Trying to squint to see what animal is running around the ball or trying to hear the 'we need to do our part for global harmony' stuff is a rough slog. The show is alright. Epcot as a whole needs a damned enema.

 

[Disone]

This is one nighttime show that desperately needs updated. It's basically the same thing since 1986. I know they'll be some people chime in with the 'nu-uh, the globe thing is digital and the lay-zers are way better and stuff, you're dumb for thinking it's the same show from 30 years ago'. Think about it though, it's the same idea reworked over and over again. By far, the most unimpressive fireworks show in any American Disney park.

1986??? Yes, aside from a customize symphonic score, completely different Pyrotechnic Choreography, an actual story line, the aforementioned LED globe, inferno Barge, and hightly updated laser technology, Reflections of Earth is exactly the same as 1986's Laser Phonic Fantasy. (you tube it)

I get you don't like it but that was just an exaggerated statement. Reflections of Earth is drastically different then LPF or the original 1988 Illuminations. I am curious on your opinion on Wishes? Honestly Wishes has a LOT more in common with its predecessor, Fantasy in the Sky. Both are Fireworks set to Disney Music, the latter is longer with JC thrown in as a host.

 

[rle4lunch]

1986??? Yes, aside from a customize symphonic score, completely different Pyrotechnic Choreography, an actual story line, the aforementioned LED globe, inferno Barge, and hightly updated laser technology, Reflections of Earth is exactly the same as 1986's Laser Phonic Fantasy. (you tube it)

I get you don't like it but that was just an exaggerated statement. Reflections of Earth is drastically different then LPF or the original 1988 Illuminations. I am curious on your opinion on Wishes? Honestly Wishes has a LOT more in common with its predecessor, Fantasy in the Sky. Both are Fireworks set to Disney Music, the latter is longer with JC thrown in as a host.

I'll just keep using my memories from going there every 2-3 years since I was 6 in 1982. Don't get your dander all fluffed up, this is just my opinion.

 

[wdwfan22]

IllumiNations is a brilliant show. It's sad that so many people just don't get it. I really hope Disney does not feel the need to dumb down the show like so many attractions have been.