Full scale Harmonious test shows off impressive fireworks ahead of the show's debut later this year at Disney World

Jun 04, 2021 in "Harmonious"

Harmonious firework test June 3 2021
Posted: Friday June 4, 2021 12:31am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Guests in the EPCOT resort area were treated to a surprise performance of Harmonious late last night as Walt Disney Imagineering completed a full pyro test for the upcoming Walt Disney World nighttime spectacular.

The fully loaded firework platforms were brought out into World Showcase Lagoon around 6pm, with the show's designers stationed in World Showcase Plaza to fire the show a couple of hours after park close.

Along with giving guests a sneak preview of the full pyrotechnics design, tonight's test also confirms a 20 minute run time for Harmonious, making it one of the longest firework shows that Disney has produced.

Although the music was played around the World Showcase promenade, it was not really audible outside of the park at the BoardWalk, but "I Can Go The Distance" was heard very near to the start of the show. Other songs heard include "How Far I'll Go," "Arabian Nights" and "Reflection" from Mulan.

At around 8 minutes longer than past EPCOT firework shows, a significant amount of fireworks are part of Harmonious, which will be welcome news to those who thought the show may be screen heavy in place of fireworks. From tonight's test, Harmonious would appear to have more fireworks than Reflections of Earth.

Here is a look at the full Harmonious show as seen from the BoardWalk. Obviously the video screens, fountains and low level effects are not visible over the tree line, but a large amount of the show can be seen. The full lighting package also doesn't appear to be present, specifically the lasers. Be warned the video contains significant spoilers. 

We still expect to see a revised version of EPCOT Forever to debut ahead of Harmonious, which leaves the big new show to potentially coincide with the start of a big Walt Disney World anniversary celebration later in the year.

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SoFloMagic19 days ago

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

Tiggerish22 days ago

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

etc9822 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.

jrhwdw23 days ago

It only raised for the Earth Globe correct?

peter1143523 days ago

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.

Disstevefan123 days ago

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

peter1143523 days ago

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

jrhwdw23 days ago

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

peter1143523 days ago

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

Disstevefan123 days ago

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?

peter1143523 days ago

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

peter1143523 days ago

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.

Nottamus24 days ago

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 !

Disstevefan124 days ago

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.