Around 4:15pm, something magical happens in the World Showcase to prepare for Epcot’s nighttime spectacular, “Epcot Forever”.

The bridge located between China and the African Outpost in the World Showcase is closed off as the floats and barges would enter from backstage here for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Now, the bridge stays how it normally is, because sadly there’s no Earth Globe to pass through. A new spiel is played over the speakers for guests to understand what’s going on with the preparations.

Here, we can see the barges coming into the World Showcase Lagoon from backstage.

These barges are equipped with lights, pryotechnics and more to set the stage for “Epcot Forever”.

The barges are brought out by a team of Cast Members who help make sure that everything is in preparation for the nightly show. Probably more preparations are needed for tonight, as it marks the big debut of “Epcot Forever” to guests.

We happened to be at the bridge around 4:00pm today to witness this. Check out our video of the new spiel and watch as the barges are taken out into the middle of the lagoon.

Are you looking forward to “Epcot Forever” tonight? Or are you still emotional from last night’s final preformance of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”?