Since October 1, 1999, Disney’s Epcot has continued with the same firework called IllumiNations.  IllumiNations (Reflections of Earth) is a Nighttime Spectacular show that includes fireworks, fountains, fire, lasers, and a lot of lights.  This show is split into three parts, in the first part the Earth begins with flames and fireworks. In part 2, our individual stories are told and the globe reveals the history of humanity and achievements of our time.  And lastly in part 3, it gives us hope for our future.

On September 17, Disney announced they will be replacing the Nighttime Spectacular show with a new firework show.  Fans have a lot of different feelings toward this decision; some are very happy, some are very sad, and some just don’t even know how to feel.  Due to the fact that fans are going crazy about this, we decided to interview some frequent Disney travelers to find out their feelings about this.

The replacement of IllumiNations is giving people mixed emotions.  Beth Knipper, a teacher at ADM and a frequent Disney World traveler, is quite content with the removal of the show.  She has watched the firework show a few times during her many trips to Disney. Although she still loves the show, she thinks that there are other great fireworks shows at Disney that are better than IllumiNations, so it’s not a big deal that they are taking it out.  A couple shows she thinks are more exciting to watch are Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom and the old firework show there, called Wishes. Knipper also mentioned that another reason why she doesn’t like IllumiNations as much is because the fireworks are so close that there have been a couple of times that the ashfall from the fireworks have fallen on her head and burned her scalp.  Another good point she made was if you are not up against the barriers on the bay, you cannot see half of it and the show doesn’t make a lot of sense. Her opinion about Disney’s Epcot will not change because of the removal of IllumiNations but she does hope that something more exciting gets put in.

Although some people seem to be content with the decision made at Disney’s Epcot, some are quite confused and frustrated.  Abbie Croushore, a student at ADM who has made more than enough trips to Disney World, is very sad because, “IlluMinations has made a lot of memories in her family and has been made into a tradition.”  Many people asked say that just the music playing is memorable and sends a fun environment and safe place to be. A big advantage is that so many people watch the firework show which makes lines at the park a lot shorter.  You are able to manage your time a lot better during the firework show; watching what you want in the firework show as well as going on the rides you want. IlluMinations has changed the lives of many travelers and will be missed by many, many people.

In a personal point of view, we are satisfied with IllumiNations being taken out. We know that if Disney makes a decision to take something out, they will put something even more spectacular in place of it.  We are sad that a firework show that has been playing our whole life is being removed, but we are excited for what is to come because we know that it will be bigger, better, and more magical. Walt Disney World does what might seem crazy, but turns out blowing our minds.  We have many great memories of watching IllumiNations with our family but this is just an opportunity for us to make new memories with our family.

Through all the mixed emotions of Disney fans, we have concluded that the majority of frequent Disney World travelers will miss the show.  Overall, IllumiNations will be missed, but everyone, including ourselves, seem to be excited about what is coming next for Disney’s Epcot. Walt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things because we are curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”