Overnight testing of 'EPCOT Forever' underway at EPCOT

Posted: Tuesday May 11, 2021 8:37m ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

'Epcot Forever' has been in testing overnight at EPCOT this week as a return of Walt Disney World's firework shows edges closer.

The interim show debuted in October 2019 and only played for a few months before the parks were closed due to the pandemic. Speculation continues that 'EPCOT Forever' will make a return before we see Harmonious later in the year.

Guests staying at EPCOT resorts last night could hear the soundtrack of EPCOT Forever playing in World Showcase, although no fireworks were seen. Should 'EPCOT Forever' return, expect to see some modifications. The kites would be removed due to all of the additional hardware in the lagoon for Harmonious, and there would likely be smaller changes to the pyro and other effects.

Epcot Forever concept art

Disney has yet to announce a return of nighttime shows, but with COVID conditions continuing to improve, and Orange County relaxing restrictions in regard to social distancing, we may be on course to see fireworks at Disney World this summer.

Disney will present its quarterly earnings later this week, which in recent times has been an opportunity for Bob Chapek to deliver news on capacity and openings. Perhaps an announcement of summer fireworks may be part of that - stay tuned.

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SoFloMagic28 days ago

I think this is right. But bridge closed (not raised) when pyro was brought under. At least thats my memory

Tiggerish31 days ago

That was always my favorite part, too! ROE was the best nighttime show, IMO.

etc9831 days ago

You just reminded me of such a good memory, of waiting at the drawbridge for the Earth Globe to pass one night after the show. I was probably 10 years old, and seeing it up close was so cool. The cast member there talked with my family about the show while we waited, and asked what our favorite part was. I said mine was when the announcer blew out the torches at the beginning, and she was surprised and said not many people even notice that detail, let along say it’s their favorite part. I think that’s part of the reason why I always look out for the little details in the parks, even now.

jrhwdw31 days ago

It only raised for the Earth Globe correct?

peter11435Nov 28, 2024

No. Typically not. If the illuminations barges were left out it was normally for another reason. Due to size and number the illuminations barges were able to be brought out in one shorter bridge raise.

Disstevefan1Nov 28, 2024

Good to know. Thanks. I have a bad memory. For illuminations did they leave the barges out during busy times too?

peter11435Nov 28, 2024

There are a couple issues with doing it all at once. One being the length of time traffic would be stopped.

jrhwdwNov 28, 2024

2 Times? Couldn't Epcot float everything out at one time?

peter11435Nov 28, 2024

Correct. Luminous requires the bridge being raised twice per afternoon for several minutes each time.

Disstevefan1Nov 28, 2024

You are the expert. Please educate me. Please educate me on the reasoning why they are moved (or not moved) based on attendance? Is it to not use the draw bridge during crowded times?

peter11435Nov 28, 2024

That’s not true. There’s been a mix of both over that period.

peter11435Nov 28, 2024

It has nothing to do with saving money. The techs that load the product are the same ones that move the barges. There is no labor savings either way and it is far easier for them to service the barges in the Mariana than it is in the middle of the lagoon. The decision regarding if they stay out or are moved in is based on projected park attendance for the following day.

NottamusNov 27, 2024

I was there from 11/10-11/17 and it wasn’t there all day that week. I’ve heard they play Tapestry Of Nations music as they brought out - I never got to see it happen We did mornings there until 1 pm and they weren’t there - by night they were !

Disstevefan1Nov 27, 2024

It obviously costs less to just leave them there rather than have cast members do the work to move them. I think this is exactly why they leave them there. Is it a bad show? Absolutely yes. But Disney does not care anymore. They just do the minimum they can get away with.