Luminous The Symphony of Us is the brand new nighttime spectacular at Walt Disney World, and fourth fireworks present in as a few years to grace the skies above World Showcase, following EPCOT Perpetually, Harmonious, and IllumiNations. This evaluation discusses how Luminous compares to its predecessors, different blockbuster nighttime spectaculars, and whether or not it’s a worthy addition within the spirit of EPCOT Heart.
Earlier than we get began, some fundamentals about Luminous The Symphony of Us. The primary is that, for no matter cause, there is no such thing as a colon in its title. It’s not Luminous: The Symphony of Us. There was at one level–and also you would possibly nonetheless see some advertising collateral that incorporates a colon, however Walt Disney World formally dropped it for causes unknown. Regardless, we’ll simply name it Luminous.
Walt Disney World has touted Luminous as bringing company collectively round World Showcase Lagoon and shining a lightweight on the shared experiences that join individuals throughout the globe. Luminous encompasses a dazzling show of fireworks, fountains, lights and music–making the brand new nighttime spectacular the proper finale to a memorable day at EPCOT. Not less than, based on Disney. However they love every part they do, even Genie will get glowing marks from the corporate itself. This evaluation will cowl whether or not we share that optimistic sentiment about Luminous.
Disney additionally had effusive phrases for the previous fireworks, and Luminous by no means was meant to exist. Its predecessor, Harmonious, opened on October 1 for Walt Disney World’s fiftieth Anniversary, however that wasn’t the unique plan–it was speculated to debut over a 12 months earlier. Extra importantly, it was by no means meant to finish with the conclusion of the fiftieth.
Harmonious was meant to be the everlasting alternative for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, and it was budgeted accordingly. Whereas we’ll by no means know simply how a lot cash was spent/wasted on creating and sustaining Harmonious throughout its unexpectedly transient run, we do know that its period was meant to be measured in years fairly than months. I totally anticipated it to be round for Walt Disney World’s sixtieth Anniversary in 2031.
With its water tacos and Stargate, excessive prices, and visible blight, Harmonious shortly grew to become WDW’s personal mistake on the lake. It got here to a shock ending with the fiftieth, and EPCOT Perpetually returned (once more) as a replacement as Walt Disney World labored on one other new everlasting nighttime spectacular for EPCOT. Credit score the place credit score is due–I didn’t count on Disney to confess, even implicitly, that Harmonious was an enormous mistake, a lot much less act on that so quickly and construct a brand new present.
This Luminous evaluation will try to reply a number of questions: does this nighttime spectacular work? Is Luminous a worthy alternative to IllumiNations or Harmonious? Is it a becoming fireworks present for EPCOT and World Showcase? There are most likely different issues it’ll deal with, however these are my beginning factors when sitting down to put in writing this Luminous evaluation.
Let’s begin by looking at Luminous in isolation, discussing whether or not it really works and sharing my pictures from the brand new nighttime spectacular…
The presentation clearly differs, however Luminous is much like a montage nighttime spectacular you’d see in one of many fort parks. Which is to say that it options visuals and songs from quite a lot of films, and ties them along with a story or thematic through-line. Within the case of Luminous, the connective tissue is humanity–our shared experiences as individuals throughout cultures. (It sounds much like the deserted “Spaceship Earth: Our Shared Story” plan.)
To inform this shared story, Luminous is made up of a sequence of actions representing frequent themes of the human expertise. The soundtrack options new preparations of iconic Disney hits that enliven the story, together with:
- Multilingual preparations of “You’ll Be in My Coronary heart” and “Proud Corazón”
- Traditional songs like “You’ve Obtained a Good friend in Me” and “Good friend Like Me”
- A sweeping association of “So Shut,” from Disney’s “Enchanted”
- Heartfelt renditions of “When She Beloved Me,” “Keep in mind Me” and “Into the Unknown”
- A crescendo of music that includes “I See the Gentle” from “Tangled,” which launches into the finale.
All of these film second songs plus two new, authentic songs written completely for the present: “Heartbeat Symphony” and “Beating of our Hearts.”
Disney Reside Leisure labored with Pinar Toprak as soon as once more on the Luminous rating. Chances are you’ll know Pinar from her work on film, tv or online game soundtracks–or her EPCOT anthem at night time by Spaceship Earth. Among the many choir of voices lending their vocal abilities to the rating are singer/songwriter Sheléa and Katharine McPhee.
For those who take a look at that tune listing and roll your eyes just a little, not loving the concept of a bunch of Disney songs in World Showcase turning EPCOT into Fortunately Ever After 2.0, you’re not alone. That was my greatest concern with Luminous earlier than seeing it–that there wouldn’t be sufficient daylight between Luminous and Fortunately Ever After to make every distinct and distinctive attracts.
I’m glad to report that’s not the case. Whereas I do assume there’s a tad an excessive amount of overlap between the exhibits, Luminous stands by itself. This nighttime spectacular begins with the narrator welcoming company to “The Nice Gathering,” which could really feel just like the introduction to a cult’s retreat or an ideal nod to IllumiNations. Maybe a little bit of each. Walt Disney World fandom is a bit cult-adjacent.
The opening act follows with an introduction of every host nation alongside the World Showcase Lagoon, in addition to pyro perimeter bursts. The present then builds into its first authentic tune, Heartbeat Symphony, with musical motifs from the EPCOT anthem by Pinar Toprak. Like that, this too is great.
Heartbeat Symphony is each an earworm and a wonderful tune. Its message of connectedness and residing in concord is an efficient one and it simply feels proper to listen to this on the finish of the day in World Showcase. Between the music and the visuals, Luminous looks like a non secular successor to IllumiNations from the bounce, and had me hooked.
All through the present, Luminous makes numerous fascinating inventive selections. A type of is for the return of the narrator to introduce every phase and, basically, clarify the way it suits thematically into the overarching message of the present. The extra cynical of us would possibly declare that there’s an excessive amount of hand-holding right here. That that is Walt Disney World not trusting the viewers sufficient to “get” the subtleties of the present on their very own, or proof that the theme or narrative isn’t all that robust.
I can perceive that perspective, however disagree. Each time Disney Reside Leisure has gone ‘excessive idea’ with a nighttime spectacular, the message has been missed. Ask anybody however an IllumiNations tremendous fan what the nighttime spectacular was “about” and also you’re prone to get a clean stare. Or perhaps a easy: “earth?”
Extra lately, there’s World of Colour – ONE at Disney California Journey. The through-line of that, how a single motion creates a ripple that may develop right into a wave of change, is straightforward to overlook outdoors the unique tune, “Begin A Wave.” A part of that’s, presumably, due to IP mandates and the shoehorning of songs that mangle the message.
World of Colour – ONE would’ve benefited tremendously from narration providing transitions and (trying) to tie all of it collectively. Arguably, so too would’ve IllumiNations. It might be beating company over the pinnacle just a little bit, however the truth is that almost all company will not be wanting or listening for narratives of their nighttime spectaculars. Stating them explicitly is the appropriate transfer, even when it’s “pointless” for the diehard followers.
From my perspective, this additionally makes a minimum of a number of the film music a bit extra forgivable and cohesive. “You’ll Be in My Coronary heart” utterly labored for me, due to the framing of the narrator who made it about delivery and mother or father/childhood (though I’m admittedly a bit extra receptive to this ‘message’ as a newly-minted mother or father).
Identical goes for the familial bonds of “Proud Corazón.” For essentially the most half, I’d additionally say the identical for the moments of affection and “Can You Really feel the Love Tonight” and “So Shut,” though these are a bit extra of a stretch.
And I completely cherished the part on loss and mourning, that includes “When She Beloved Me” and “Keep in mind Me.” One of many causes that I like Wondrous Journeys (fireworks at Disneyland) much more than Fortunately Ever After is for the daring selections it makes, together with getting darkish and introspective.
Luminous does one thing comparable by delving into loss of life. It’s not what you’d count on in a theme park nighttime spectacular, but it surely’s dealt with tenderly and provides the present extra emotional weight. It additionally helps transfer the narrative ahead by providing one thing to beat, so to talk. I’m actually happy to see that Disney “went there,” as that’s not what I’d’ve anticipated. So kudos on that. (It additionally helps that “Keep in mind Me” is about essentially the most upbeat rumination on loss of life potential, utilizing coronary heart to construct to happiness.)
However it doesn’t at all times work. The primary time I heard the narrator exclaim “music turns into play” because the introduction to tunes from Toy Story, I actually laughed out loud. That’s so pressured it isn’t even humorous (properly, I did snigger…so perhaps it’s humorous), to a level that it nearly makes you query the entire framing construction. Is all of it only a technique of shoehorning in film music into World Showcase?!
The music from Aladdin is healthier, however solely by comparability. Sure, I get that play and friendship are a part of our shared story and an necessary a part of human connections. They’re simply as central to it as romance/love, loss of life/loss, and so forth.
However “You’ve Obtained a Good friend in Me” and “Good friend Like Me” simply don’t work. The primary time I noticed Luminous, I feared that this was the second it’d bounce the shark and “go full Harmonious.” (You by no means go full Harmonious.) Fortunately, that doesn’t occur and the present recovers properly (and totally), however in a half-dozen viewings since, I’ve by no means gotten used to this phase. It’s jarring and dissimilar from the remainder of the Luminous, which is in any other case shifting and beautifully-arranged. The remainder of the present continues to develop on me much more, however not this part.
Luminous finishes robust. Popping out of the loss of life and mourning scene, a phase about power and overcoming adversity brings the present roaring again with “Into the Unknown” and “I See The Gentle.” I used to be skeptical about extra Frozen music earlier than listening to it, however this portion of the present is implausible. Simply fantastically performed, by means of and thru.
Lastly, the finale. That is options “Beating of Our Hearts,” which is the second authentic tune of Luminous. It’s likewise implausible, highly effective and shifting. It’s nearly unimaginable for me to say which of the 2 I favor–each have shades of IllumiNations, with the latter additionally showcasing a number of the coolest pyro at Walt Disney World. I’d additionally add that pictures and video don’t do full justice to the distinctive pyro. A lot of it’s lovely to see and really engrossing however, sadly, not significantly photogenic.
The diploma to which Luminous ends with a bang can’t be overstated. It’s not simply an assault on the eyes and ears like some fireworks finales, but it surely’s doing quite a bit to have interaction with several types of bursts, from perimeter to a pyro tower (for lack of a greater time period). A very good finale leaves a long-lasting impression, and might make up for different weaknesses in the course of the present.
Taking all of that under consideration, I’m shocked at simply how properly Luminous manages to appropriate the shortcomings of Harmonious. In wanting by means of my outdated evaluation of that earlier than penning this, it could appear that just about each difficulty I had with the prior nighttime spectacular was corrected by Luminous.
The transitions are higher. It doesn’t really feel like a easy reduce and paste job. It’s a present worthy of World Showcase. It’s extra grownup and looks like much less of an internationalized Disney+ sizzle reel. It doesn’t let the tail of expertise wag the canine. All over the place across the lagoon affords a great view.
One in every of my greatest criticisms of Harmonious was that it appeared like Disney went to tech present, was impressed by a demo of the infrastructure, and acquired it with out having a compelling narrative or storytelling cause. The water tacos and Stargate by no means justified their very own existence, and though it was cool to see the arms flail about like Kang and Kodos from the Simpsons, it was all so pointless.
Luminous positively performs it a lot safer than Harmonious. That is true primarily of the infrastructure, which has much less upside but in addition a lot much less draw back. For all of its faults, Harmonious might be a visible feast from the appropriate angles–it was simply irritating in case you didn’t have a type of elusive angles and the cool visuals additionally got here with some head scratching. To not point out the daytime visible blight.
The identical probably might be stated of the music. I’ve talked about on a couple of events that I believe Harmonious is destined to develop into a cult traditional as extra individuals uncover movies of it on YouTube and overlook about all the methods it was terrible. (Nostalgia is a type of revisionist historical past.) A part of that’s as a result of music, which has each hits and misses. Harmonious positively took extra huge swings than Luminous, however that principally simply meant it struck out extra.
The lesson right here, I believe, is that storytelling and cohesiveness matter excess of flashiness. Which isn’t to say Luminous doesn’t have wow-moments–it completely does. However it additionally feels just a little just like the follow-up to an enormous misstep, with Walt Disney World leaning into its strengths and making an attempt to reduce errors. That’s not criticism. I really respect Disney recognizing what it does properly and doing that, fairly than doing no matter Harmonious was.
I additionally like that the muse for Luminous feels pretty versatile. This might develop into the platform for seasonal fireworks tags and extra common updates–considerably like we’ve seen with the Beacons of Magic getting new exhibits for every competition. Most likely not with the identical diploma of regularity since fireworks exhibits are extra expensive to alter even when not accounting for infrastructure, however there are extra prospects right here than with IllumiNations or Harmonious.
As needs to be apparent from the foregoing, I far favor Luminous to Harmonious. It’s no secret that I hated Harmonious as an entire, even when it did have its moments. No additional dialogue there’s warranted. The larger and higher query is whether or not Luminous is a worthy alternative to IllumiNations?
I’m a biased reviewer and can’t give a good reply to that. I completely cherished IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. I noticed it extra occasions than I can rely—most likely greater than all different Disney nighttime spectaculars mixed. It was a sublime and complex fireworks present completely in contrast to something at Walt Disney World. IllumiNations was rife with symbolism, nuance, and summary concepts–you recognize, issues young children and drunk adults go to theme parks to see!
However, I want to assume that I’m a minimum of considerably goal and honest. At the same time as a lot as I cherished it, I’m very conscious of the criticisms of IllumiNations. That it dragged an excessive amount of within the center. Was too boring. Not Disney sufficient. The globe was too small and distant. Most likely different issues that I’m forgetting.
With all of that in thoughts, Luminous is the nighttime spectacular I’d design (assuming I had, you recognize, expertise) if given the chance and the mandate from Walt Disney World that folks different than simply me needed to prefer it. If somebody stated, “you may appease the diehard EPCOT Heart followers, however you additionally should make this a fireworks present that, someway, gained’t put informal company to sleep.” Luminous is that present.
Effectively, minus the unlucky Toy Story and Aladdin half. However one shoehorned phase out of the bunch? That basically isn’t that dangerous, particularly as in comparison with what I anticipated (and what Harmonious delivered). And if I’m being sincere, there have been components of IllumiNations that I didn’t totally love both.
One of many issues that I believe my fellow EPCOT Heart followers wrestle with is the notion that point has handed us by and modern visitor preferences have modified. This isn’t to say there aren’t nonetheless numerous diehards. Or that sure messages and feelings aren’t common. There are and there are. It’s extra to acknowledge that there’s no going again to the times of IllumiNations, so that you both evolve or transfer on.
With Luminous, the inventive workforce at Walt Disney World selected to evolve. This can be a nighttime spectacular sharing bloodlines with Harmonious, certain, however even stronger ones with IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. It fixes the errors of each of its predecessors to ship a up to date nighttime spectacular that’s shifting, highly effective, and emotionally satisfying.
Luminous incorporates a becoming message that’s within the spirit of EPCOT Heart, and is a wonderful approach for all company to finish a day on the park. The overhaul of EPCOT has been a combined bag with hits and misses. It took them two tries, however they ended up with successful for the nighttime spectacular. I’m wanting ahead to watching it for the last decade to return, seeing how the present itself evolves together with our perspective of it as we transfer by means of the seasons of the human expertise.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Are you excited to see Luminous at EPCOT? For those who’ve already had an opportunity to expertise it, what’s your impression of EPCOT’s enormous new nighttime spectacular? Does it “work” for you, or is it one other misfire? Is Luminous a worthy alternative to IllumiNations? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
