First look at EPCOT's new nighttime firework spectacular show barges backstage

Aug 02, 2023 in "Harmonious"

Gallery / 1 Photo
World Showcase Lagoon firework platform construction - July 29 2023

Posted: Wednesday August 2, 2023 10:37am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

New aerial photos from @bioreconstruct offer a first look at the new firework platform barges for the upcoming unnamed nighttime spectacular at EPCOT.

As work progresses in World Showcase Lagoon on preparing docking points for the new barges backstage, work is well underway on prepping the new platforms.

Photo by bioreconstruct

Based on the concept art and work in the lagoon, we expect to see a central barge in World Showcase Lagoon surrounded by six large central "fork" barges pictured above in the aerial photo. Each of the fork barges will have three smaller individual barges docked inside the fork to deploy out in the lagoon - radiating outwards like spokes in a wheel when viewed overhead. Each barge will carry lighting and pyrotechnics.

Storing the three smaller barges inside the fork of each of the larger barges will make it much easier to logistically move the platforms from backstage to the lagoon each day. Unlike Harmonious, the new show will have minimal daytime intrusion of the lagoon view, with hardware being brought in and out of the lagoon before each performance.

In the few details that have been released, Disney says that the show will feature lights, lasers, and fireworks. We do not expect to see drones or video projections. Fire effects and fountains remain a possibility but are not confirmed.

New 2023 EPCOT firework show concept art

Disney has previously said that the show will feature an original composition and evocative selections from the Disney songbook – all woven together to remind us that we are more alike than different. Some fans may be concerned that this show is heading in a similar direction to Harmonious, but as more details are released in the coming months, we expect a positive outlook on the soundtrack.

The new show will be the permanent replacement for Harmonious, which came to a close at the end of March 2023. EPCOT Forever continues to play as an interim show while the new show is developed for its debut later in 2023.

World Showcase Lagoon firework platform construction - July 25 2023

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Disone2 days ago

Great questions .... And I don't want to be rude and ignore your questions, as in general I enjoy your posts a lot, but at the same time I said my peace on this. Thank you.

peter114352 days ago

What costs would it save? What hassle would it avoid other than inconveniencing guests? If cost and hassle were their reasoning why wouldn’t they do it everyday?

Disone2 days ago

Having waited through the process once... I did not notice it being longer. They brought through two large ones and lowered it back. There's was still more to bring out later. But as I said.... The harmonious barges really were not the deal breaker for me they were for so many others so.... Shruggs. I still think they are putting a cost savings and hassles avoidance over safety and show but I am also "it is what it is regardless of what I think" on this one.

peter114352 days ago

Except there were times even with Illuminations that the barges or some of the barges would be left in the lagoon. Although that was far less frequent. The amount of time the bridge needs to be raised for Luminous IS consequentially longer.

Cmdr_Crimson2 days ago

Ehh..Kinda? Like a tribute to the beginning. But, also more lighting and using Pavillion buildings from left to right and then all at once for the last few beats to then go into the flying sparks to convey life has started... After that The segments of Happiness, Darkness, Inspiration and Celebration..With different fireworks and such..No clue what I would have in the lagoon for projection use if it was needed nor how the score would even sound like but, the finale would have perimeter fireworks launching off the WS pavillions at the finale..Not many but, just enough..

Chef idea Mickey`=2 days ago

Wow that concept is identical to how Illuminations ROE started except now your using an actual heartbeat sound? Instead of one flying spark, your concept is going with sparks all around the lagoon launching together. Your calling the show Illuminations: Eternal Flame Is this a bringing back Illuminations in a bigger way I would think is what your trying to convey here?

Cmdr_Crimson2 days ago

I would also include using the lighting on SSE and the....*sigh & grumble* Dreamers point area... The way I see the opening is as the torches blew out..You just slowly start hearing a heartbeat as it gets louder and louder and then around the lagoon the sparks launch to create life...Aaannd that's all I got for the moment..Feel free to add what could go next...

aladdin20072 days ago

I know I would really enjoy that.

aladdin20072 days ago

Agree, the first one is way over produced and I feel like Im being shouted at. One Heart Beat is really nice and would have preferred just that one used instead of the other.

Chef idea Mickey`=2 days ago

I agree with you, how I know this is because those songs took me almost three weeks to like them. And you want to know something crazy, I refused to dish on the after songs until I went in person and the first day there I absolutely loved them performed 🎭!

TTA942 days ago

Perhaps. But it’s not just the singer it’s the song all together that not catchy. I am partially team upbeat party type music, but I do also enjoy orchestral and slow music as long as it’s catchy and an ear warm. “Heartbeat Symphony” and “Beating Of Our Hearts” is not that.

Chef idea Mickey`=2 days ago

What made Harmonious for me was the different singers from different parts of the world that came together, loved the duet or even trio, back and forth, especially the Italian Tenor, French tenor, so powerful, so very Epcot vocally. Luminous is all females except the male that sings So Close and When She Loved Me which is okay but very HEA. That's why I wouldn't mind if they kept the first song in Harmonious and interesting now that Moana is officially in the park, it is removed from the nighttime show. Same feeling with having children voices in Epcot Forever! Having a male sing the 2nd song with the two ladies would change the vibe, throw the tenors in there, you know just like they did Someday. Perhaps this didn't come to fruition because Luminious didn't have a chance to have the budget as Harmonious did.

Chef idea Mickey`=2 days ago

Would your opinion change if they brought back Kellie Coffey who did "We Go On and Promise" to sing Heartbeat Symphony. I love the songs lyrics and meaning, it's just I feel if it was her then it be like a tribute of her turning the page to another lesson of life.

Chef idea Mickey`=2 days ago

Actually had Harmonious, or Illuminations stayed at Epcot, Luminous would've worked as it's own at Animal Kingdom because the heartbeat of nature's animals and creatures share the same values and living life cycle as well. However it would have visuals or just fountains with color and not fireworks.