For the last few months, there has been speculation floating around about Epcot replacing its nightly show IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. We are now getting word that the lagoon where the fireworks show takes place is getting some work done.
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth has been the nighttime show at Epcot since October 1, 1999. The show includes explosive fireworks, pyrotechnics, water fountains, fire, lasers, an Earth Globe, and features the song “We Go On” and is a favorite among fans. It is narrated by Jim Cummings, the voice of Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Darkwing Duck, and numerous other characters.
On Wednesday, the Reedy Creek Improvement District met and voted to set an almost $2 million budget for ‘electrical upgrades” to World Showcase Lagoon in addition to $220,000 for engineering, construction inspection, and survey work and $325,000 to buy materials that include transformers and switches.
When asked about the change, a Disney spokesperson gave the standard response that “At any given time, we have numerous projects in varied stages of development across the Walt Disney World Resort and we have nothing to share at this time.” Jason Herrick, Reedy Creek Energy Services Manager for planning and engineering, stated that he didn’t know what the budgeted dollars were going to be used for but that is what was requested.
In addition to the upgrade for World Showcase Lagoon, there were a few other items that were approved by Reedy Creek for ongoing projects around the parks. ‘Project MI’, thought to be the new Ratatouille attraction was budgeted $675,000 for water services. ‘Project S’, reportedly the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster $301,224 also for water services. Lastly ‘Project H’, which is thought to be the new Star Wars hotels was budgeted $1.022 million.
What do you think about a potential upgrade for IllumiNations? Do you think it’s run its course and should be replaced? Tell us what you think in the comments.
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I sure hope so. After watching it again this past week with my daughter, we both agreed it was old and tired.Compared with Magic Kingdom and even Fantasmic, if Disney wants to keep people in EPCOT, they need more than Illuminations to do it.