There are a LOT of things going on at EPCOT.
EPCOT
As part of the EPCOT Transformation, new rides, restaurants, and experiences are coming to this park. On top of that, EPCOT has already gotten new flags, new entrance music, and new nighttime lights in its entrance area, AND Leave A Legacy has returned in a new, colorful way! Soon, Spaceship Earth will also have a new nighttime look and we’ve got a special peek behind-the-scenes at part of this new look right here!
As part of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, Spaceship Earth will be transforming into a “Beacon of Magic.” New lights will shine across the reflective panels on this park icon, which will connect and look like a starry sky.
Spaceship Earth ©Disney
Not planning to visit Disney World during its 18 MONTH anniversary celebrations? No worries, this transformation of Spaceship Earth will actually be PERMANENT.
Yesterday, we got a peek at one of the lights being fitted on Spaceship Earth thanks to Imagineer Zach Riddley. We can totally get why this would be a permanent look. It will likely take a LOT of effort to install these little lights ALL throughout Spaceship Earth.
©Zach Riddley via Instagram (@thezachriddley)
According to Riddley, the team was testing the light recently before they move forward with installing the points of light starting at the top of Spaceship Earth and working their way down.
©Zach Riddley via Instagram (@thezachriddley)
Wonder how these lights work? Well, today thanks to Jason from Imagineering and the Disney Parks TikTok, we got a behind-the-scenes look! According to Jason, the lights will shine out in DIFFERENT colors on the front. But, they will also connect across the sides shining across all of the different faces of Spaceship Earth to create that connected look, and telling a story of communication and connection. Check out the full video below!
@disneyparks Spaceship Earth Lights, Spaceship EARTH LIGHTS, SPACESHIP EARTH LIGHTS! 🌐✨ #Disney #DisneyParks #EPCOT #WDW #Imagineer #Lights #SpaceshipEarth
Spaceship Earth isn’t the only icon getting a makeover for the 50th Anniversary though. Cinderella Castle, the Tree of Life, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will all be getting special looks.
The castle is looking so pretty!
Work has already begun to add some of those new details on Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom.
Click here to see some concept art of what the different park icons will look like for the 50th Anniversary!
Mickey and Minnie will also be getting new outfits, and a global ambassador has been announced as part of the celebrations. Park Passes have been filling up around October 1st, 2021 — the date when the 50th Anniversary will begin. The new lights on Spaceship Earth will also debut on October 1st.
©Disney
So, if you want to be in Disney World right when it all begins, be sure to get your Park Passes soon. But, keep in mind that the celebrations will be going on for 18(!!) months, so you will have quite a bit of time to experience it all.
Click here to see more about Mickey and Minnie’s special new outfits!
We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more news about the 50th Anniversary and other new things coming to Disney World. Be sure to check back with us for the latest updates!
Click here to see more about the 50th Anniversary celebrations coming to Disney World!
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I loved the look of the millennium Mickey hand back in 2000. Iconic Disney over the top look
The lights they are adding to the Golf Ball will look really cool. I’m excited to see what that looks like.
Love, love, love it. Can’t wait to see it with my own eyes!
If it comes out as good as it looks like it will be, this will be awesome!
I can’t wait to see the new lights on Spaceship Earth. I bet it’ll be gorgeous!
We’re totally delighted by all the changes taking place in Epcot and other parks. The transformation of so many rides, old and new, are spectacular and it’s mind-boggling the effort Disney and the Imagineers are going to for the anniversary. It’s going to bring so much happiness amidst all the doom that’s been going on, apart from the months of general curiosity and intrigue to see what’s happening next. We’re looking forward to the Moana Water Park landscaping in Epcot taking place and perhaps the Mary Poppins attraction getting underway.
Love the lights on Spaceship Earth. Can’t wait to see them in person.
Hate the LEDs on Spaceship Earth. Ruins the nighttime views of formerly beautiful sphere.
I love the Beacons of magic. It’s definitely the best thing.