Walt Disney World continues to remove set pieces for the recently canceled fireworks show, and thanks to @bioreconstruct on Twitter, we can see a Harmonious barge being deconstructed backstage at EPCOT.
Harmonious Barge Deconstructed
Walt Disney World Cast Members have begun to remove the nighttime spectacular infrastructure in World Showcase Lagoon with the ending of Harmonious earlier this month. Thanks to @bioreconstruct on Twitter, we can take a closer look at the deconstruction of one of these controversial show pieces.
He pointed out for us the base of the former fireworks platform, as well as the curved sides, which are now facing down. These used to show a rippling water graphic and the 50th Anniversary logo on the screen.
In addition, bioreconstruct pointed out an arm with its mechanics still intact, as well as platforms with stairs. The barge is now in several pieces as cranes assist in deconstructing the behemoth fireworks platform.
Here is an alternate view of the barge being deconstructed. The curved screens lie on the left, with the barge’s former platform in the center of the shot.
World Showcase Lagoon Aerial View
Bioreconstruct also showed us the current state of the World Showcase Lagoon. Labeled on the image are two locations: a small power platform and a power distributor.
In the back of the photo, the International Gateway can be seen on the left. Prominent structures throughout England and Canada within the World Showcase are pictured centrally and to the right of the photo, respectively.
Three curved barges and the central fireworks platform still remain in the lagoon at this time, though Disney plans to remove all of the infrastructure used during the Harmonious nighttime spectacular.
Harmonious Barges’ Controversial Existence
The barges have had a turbulent existence. Last October, one of the structures caught fire in World Showcase Lagoon.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Previously, following a performance of Harmonious, part of the America Gardens Theater in The American Adventure caught fire. The theater was quickly cleaned up and able to operate normally for scheduled Eat to the Beat concert performances during the 2022 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival.
In addition to setting fires, the barges sparked controversy amongst guests. Many EPCOT fans found the structures to be an eyesore seated in the center of World Showcase Lagoon, blocking the view from one world pavilion to another. Often referred to as a “stargate and tacos,” the constructs featured digital screens on each side showcasing a rippling water graphic and the 50th Anniversary Celebration logo. Even so, many felt it wasn’t enough to hide the industrial look these structures brought to the center of the lagoon.
The Harmonious show itself received a mixed reception amongst park-goers, and many expressed relief when it was announced the production would be ending alongside the “World’s Most Magical Celebration.”
Harmonious’ final performance was April 2, 2023. The production has been replaced with EPCOT Forever as an interim show, which started April 3, 2023. Disney has confirmed a brand-new EPCOT fireworks show will premiere later in 2023. The barge being deconstructed today is part of the planned, phased removal of the fireworks platform in World Showcase lagoon.
On April 1, before the last showing of Harmonious, the barges were removed from the EPCOT digital map found on the My Disney Experience App.
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