While the Magic Kingdom fireworks get the big reputation, the fireworks at EPCOT do have a niche but loyal following of Disney fans.

Yep, EPCOT has hosted nightly fireworks shows since the park opened in 1982 — creating four decades’ worth of memories for many Disney World visitors. Many Disney fans even argue that they enjoy the fireworks in EPCOT more than the ones in Magic Kingdom, due to lower crowds, more vantage points from which to view the show, as well as the contemporary music that accompanies the fireworks. If you’re a fan of EPCOT, the park’s firework shows, or if you’re hoping to become one, this post is for you!

Today, we’re gonna take a trip down memory lane and revisit each of the fireworks shows that EPCOT has shown in the past, as well as what we can expect for the future. Are you ready? Let’s go!

1. Carnival de Lumiere (1982-1983)

Carnival de Lumiere was the very first show that EPCOT put on each night. This show featured projections that appeared on floating barges in World Showcase Lagoon. It only lasted a few months before being replaced by A New World Fantasy. The downside was that the show could only be viewed in the area between Mexico and Canada. The projections were all controlled by Apple computers, which was pretty revolutionary at the time.

2. A New World Fantasy (1983-1984)

Just in time for EPCOT’s first summer, Carnival de Lumiere was replaced with A New World Fantasy. This show used a lot of the same technology as Carnival de Lumiere, but featured a new storyline set to classical music. This was the first show in which Disney began experimenting with automating the movement of Pichel lights and having them set to music.

3. Laserphonic Fantasy (1984-1988)

After about a year of A New World Fantasy, Laserphonic Fantasy took over. This was the first show that allowed visitors to view the show from anywhere around World Showcase Lagoon. The original projection barges used for the first two fireworks shows were replaced by one central barge, which was where the fireworks and projections were then focused. This show also featured synthesized lights! The show got its name from the fog, lights, and lasers that accompanied the show. Laser projection booths and extra barges were later installed to further enhance the show.

4. IllumiNations (1988–1996)

For the first time, each of the World Showcase Pavilions was highlighted throughout the show. Lighting effects were added to feature each of the countries’ pavilions. Music was re-recorded and re-synced to the orchestral music that accompanied the show. The computer systems were also revamped at this time to better handle the show’s technology.

5. IllumiNations 25 (1996-1999)

This was a mighty upgrade to the original IllumiNations show! New lights and lasers were installed to better enhance the show. The enhancements were originally done for a holiday version of the show, but they stuck around! Four new barges were added, as well as a new storyline and music.

6. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth (October 1, 1999 – September 30, 2019)

This is EPCOT’s longest running show to date, and the one that has accumulated the largest fandom. The barges, lasers, lights, and fireworks all remained, but told the story of Earth and divided the show into three movements: Chaos, Order, and Meaning. 19 torches surrounded World Showcase Lagoon in order to represent the 19 centuries of the common era. The show eventually led up to a giant Lotus flower representing the 20th century — the modern age. This show is one of the most iconic to date, and was known for its themes of unification as well as a pretty cool soundtrack.

7. EPCOT Forever (October 1, 2019 – March 12, 2020, July 1, 2021 – September 28, 2021, April 3, 2023 – present)

Another icon! This one was very short-lived, as the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted its run. This show focused on EPCOT’s musical history, highlighting the themes to several fan-favorite attractions. It continued to celebrate the past, present, and future of EPCOT and humanity — just like IllumiNations did. The show featured fireworks, lasers, lights, and kites.

8. Harmonious (October 1, 2021 – April 2, 2023)

In celebration of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, EPCOT debuted Harmonious, which served as a modernized version of IllumiNations. The show highlighted each of the cultures represented in World Showcase, as well as the idea that music, movies, and the arts can unite humanity despite language barriers. The show required the use of what many people refer to as “taco barges” in World Showcase Lagoon, as well as water projections, fireworks, lasers, and special-effects. The show was divided into three chapters: Gather, Celebrate, and Unite.

9. EPCOT Forever Reprise (April 4, 2023, to present)

With the conclusion of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, a reprise of EPCOT Forever returned. With minor changes as far as music and effects go, many Disney fans were pleased at the return of the beloved show. The show is set to continue until replaced by an all-new show for Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. The show currently takes place nightly at 9PM.

Future Shows

Disney announced at a D23 Expo that a special Disney100 fireworks show would arrive in late 2023, as EPCOT will serve as the center of Disney World’s Disney100 Celebration. The show is meant to “reflect the commonality in all of us.” The show will gather viewers around World Showcase Lagoon and will feature lights, lasers, fireworks, and original composition featuring songs from Disney’s Songbook — showcasing the idea that we’re all more alike than we are different.

Whew! See? EPCOT’s fireworks have played an important role in uniting Disney fans and telling the stories of the cultures and backgrounds represented in Disney’s music and films. What do you think? Will you be heading to EPCOT to admire the show some time?

VIDEOS: EPCOT Forever Fireworks Have Officially RETURNED to Disney World!

We’ll continue to share with you all these little snippets of Disney history, so make sure to follow along for more!

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How many of these EPCOT fireworks shows have you seen? Let us know in the comments!