Since they're probably going to keep this around for at least a few years, and although most of us don't like it, the actual overall reaction is probably closer to "mixed"... the best we can hope for is that they edit and rework it a bit:
1. No reason for this show to be 20 minutes long. Keep the same amount of pyro but reduce the amount of time we are only watching screens while the tentacle things slowly change positions. This show could probably edited down to 15 minutes and not lose anything worthwhile at all. The pacing and energy wouldn't feel so sluggish and dull if this were tightened up.
2. The show reveals all of its hands way too early. It begins by showcasing all of the tech on the lake, but maybe it should begin with pyro, which everyone knows going in will be an element, and then gradually reveal all the ways the (unfortunate) barges can morph and whatnot.
3. The screens need to be showing something better than what looks like a college freshman's computer animations. I don't want them to just replace them with clips straight from the films, but they need to look better than they do.
4. Open and close with an original song that actually sets whatever theme they are attempting and is memorable. There actually is an opener and closer, but it isn't good or memorable.
5. Add narration in between at least some of the segments to help tie it together. I still wouldn't believe there actually is an overarching theme to the song choices, but it would at least feel like a finished and somewhat more cohesive product. A narration is also less monotonous than a dark "hold for applause" after every segment. It can be the same voice as the beginning and end... I actually did like that.
6. Remove the freaking Jungle Book and any other song that has absolutely no connection to any of the pavilions. Most of them are already iffy associations at best, aside from Coco, but there's absolutely no reason at all that The Jungle Book and a few others should be in there. Wishful thinking, but maybe ensure each pavilion is represented, and if they don't have a damn Disney song to pair with, showcase some traditional style music from them. I realize this would be tricky to get right.
Please Disney, take note. I fear that their takeaway is going to be, "well the fans are just butthurt over the loss of IllumiNations." But even though I adored IllumiNations, I assure you I was more than willing to give this a fair chance. I feel 100% confident that these changes would improve the show and I hate that I, with no experience in show production, came up with them when industry leaders did not. I think whoever said that, with all the layoffs from Covid, everyone was just agreeing with everything over fear of getting laid off. The result is a show with many, many elements where someone should have stepped in and said "this doesn't work."
