Last September Disney announced that IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, the beloved nighttime spectacular on Epcot’s World Showcase, will end in the second half of 2019. (Click here for more on that announcement!) And now we know when crowds will be “moving forward now as one” — AND when IllumiNations’ replacement will begin!
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
At the start of Inside Disney Parks’ live stream of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth tonight, it was announced that the final showing of IllumiNations will be on September 30, 2019!Cue the waterworks, folks! Just over five months left to catch this lasers, lights, and fireworks show!
IllumiNations
But guests of Epcot aren’t out of luck when it comes to nighttime entertainment, as Epcot Forever will fill the void temporarily when it debuts on October 1, 2019!
Epcot Forever Begins October 1, 2019!
Epcot Forever is described as a “breathtaking display” with music “at the heart of the show”. Epcot Forever will also incorporate “kites AND…”, creating a fusion of technologies to illuminate the skies over World Showcase.
Music of Epcot will be at the heart of Epcot Forever!
Epcot’s permanent replacement is still in development (see more here!). We spotted some construction presumably for the new show last December, and we’re still watching for more details to emerge.
Possible construction of Illuminations replacement
In the meantime, we’ll enjoy the final months of the show until the “torches dim on IllumiNations”.
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How do you feel about the end of IllumiNations? Will you miss the show? Are you excited for something new? Let us know in the comments!
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I’m so bummed about the end of IllumiNations. It’s my favorite fireworks show anywhere hands down. That emotional music tied with the great fireworks gets me every time I see it.
Does anyone know why Disney went through the trouble of designing this show, when it’s only going to be around for about a year? Wouldn’t it have made more sense to just extend Illuminations until the permanent replacement was ready? I’m a bit baffled by their decision and why they would waste the time and money when this show won’t be sticking around very long.
Megan,
The reason why because Disney is replacing or building new infrastructure that will interfere with illuminations. Additionally Disney world showcase restaurants would lose a lot of business if They simply canceled the show for a year
Ugh. Second night of Rosh Hashannah. I realize Disney can’t consider every minor religious holiday and that Jews are a small minority, but that’s the equivalent of putting it on Good Friday or Ash Wednesday, IMO.
Surely they could have gone with Friday the 27th or Wednesday October 2nd to make it easier for people to attend. Have called customer service and emailed [email protected], but doubt it will make any difference.
Thanks for getting us the news immediately. I’m looking at other fall travel, so very helpful to know what’s happening here. I’m starting to think maybe we will cancel the September trip, since the point was to see the final show.
I’ve lived Illuminations since it replaced a wonderful previous show. I can’t recall the name of that show but it had stirring music and the light show was fun, too. I hope the new replacement show is filled with fireworks and not just laser lights with fewer fireworks, like the Wishes replacement show at the MK. Thanks!
Does anyone know if the frozen ever after dessert party will continue with the new show?
I will be in Epcot on September 10th. I tried to book the Frozen Dessert Party for that night, but it’s only open through July for now. Wonder if they’ll open it up. AJ if you could maybe do some investigating and let me know.
We are going in November and have been telling our family all about the amazing Illuminations show! We are nervous that the show, when we go, will be…disappointing.
Kat, check out this post. There’s a video at the end with more details about Epcot Forever, and it might ease your mind a bit!
Ashleigh, no word, but we’re watching for this info!
Caryn, such a bummer! I hope something works out for you to see it again!
Thanks, Sarah! We’re going in May already. We’ll see if we do another trip earlier in September or just wait.
October 1 makes sense since that is when EPCOT opened in 1982. Since the new show is supposed to be themed to many of Epcot’s original attractions and music. I love Illuminations and although sad to see it go I think it’s about time for a change. Of course, I may not have felt the same way about the Illuminations 25th Anniversary show which showcased each country and that is still my favorite and probably will always be. We’re going in late October so hope to catch the new show then.
Thanks, NENolan. I appreciate your info on why October 1st may have made some sense from a historical perspective.