Disney test fires improved version of 'EPCOT Forever' ahead of the return of fireworks to Disney World in July

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EPCOT Forever 2021 edition test - June 16 2021

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Posted: Thursday June 17, 2021 1:24am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Hot on the heels of this week's announcement by Disney that it will resume Walt Disney World firework shows on July 1, Disney's fireworks team just carried out an overnight full show test of the new version of 'EPCOT Forever.'

EPCOT Forever 2021 edition test - June 16 2021

Late into the night, the team brought out the fireworks platforms into position on World Showcase Lagoon ready for the test which took place just before 1am.

EPCOT Forever 2021 edition test - June 16 2021

As with the recent full test of Harmonious, guests at the BoardWalk got to see and hear a preview of the new version of the show, which includes more pyrotechnics in place of the now retired kites. You can see some of the kite replacement firework sections in the video below.

Although the low level parts of the show can't be seen over the tree line, it was apparent that some elements of the Harmonious show platforms were in use, including the fountains during the pre-show announcements.

With 'EPCOT Forever' being mostly a firework show, the majority of the pyrotechnics are fired from the 8 smaller midi barges, seawall perimeter launchers, and 2 large 'World War III' firework platforms - all of which are also used for Harmonious in addition to its 5 main video display and water fountain barges.

Here is a video of the 'EPCOT Forever' test in full from early this morning.

'EPCOT Forever' was originally designed as a limited-time interim show debuting in October 2019, and only played for a few months before the parks were closed due to the pandemic.

EPCOT Forever show

EPCOT'S all-new nighttime spectacular, Harmonious, will debut later this year - likely in the fall as part of the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebrations.

Here is a look at the original 'EPCOT Forever' show from opening night on 2019.

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SoFloMagicDec 02, 2024

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

TiggerishNov 29, 2024

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

etc98Nov 29, 2024

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.

jrhwdwNov 29, 2024

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.