Disney has been sending out surveys to recent EPCOT visitors, and in one of the questions, guests are asked about their experience with the new nighttime show Harmonious.
The question asks, "How would you rate your overall experience with Harmonious compared to your overall experience with Illuminations: Reflections of Earth? Would you say that Harmonious was...
Better
About the same
Worse"
Disney frequently sends out surveys, but they typically don't make direct comparisons to previous attractions and offer a rating option of "worse."
It is no secret that Harmonious has had a very lukewarm reception from EPCOT visitors since its debut in late 2021.
Like the doomed Rivers of Light before it, Harmonious was years in the making, resulting in very high expectations that for many were not met. Critics of the show point to the reliance on existing IP, the daytime intrusion into the lagoon sightlines, and no cohesive story.
Disney is well known for using survey results to support a particular direction being pushed internally. What isn't clear is if Disney is looking to support Harmonious or perhaps make a case for a rework of the show.
It wouldn't be the first time a Walt Disney World nighttime show had a rework shortly after opening. IllumiNations 25 at EPCOT had a disastrous debut, resulting in a rapid rework that saw a new soundtrack and pyro design. Coincidentally, the original IllumiNations 25 used music from the Lion King, and the replacement saw a return of classical, non-movie music.
Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom also had a rework less than two years after debuting, with more movie IP brought in to try to boost guest ratings. That ultimately did not appear to work, and the show was soon canceled.
EPCOT's nighttime spectacular is one of Walt Disney World's most important shows. It serves as an anchor to keep guests in a park that is light on attractions and where evening dining is a huge revenue driver for the company.
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