At Destination D23 2023, Disney finally announced a debut date for the new nighttime spectacular coming to EPCOT (and the full name — Luminous: The Symphony of Us). The show will premiere on December 5. Since the show was billed as part of the 100th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company, many have wondered why it isn’t starting on September 22 with the rest of the celebrations at EPCOT?

It was supposed to, according to reports from those close to the project. Disney fully intended for the show to debut in “late September or early October” for the 100th. Sources indicated that the primary cause of the delay is the music. The soundtrack for a nighttime spectacular is part of what sets Disney fireworks apart from smaller productions. Guests often cite the main theme from their first Disney fireworks show as a strong memory from their visit.

Luminous’ predecessor, Harmonious, was oft-criticized by Parks fans for many reasons, but an unremarkable soundtrack was among them for some.

Reportedly, Disney was very unhappy with the work done by composer Pinar Toprak, a longtime collaborator who also worked with Disney on Harmonious, as well as “Captain Marvel” and the new “EPCOT Anthem.” Sources indicated that “about 70% of the show’s music is being redone”.

Listen to the EPCOT Anthem by Pinar Toprak from the Beacons of Magic show below.

Sources say the production delays on the music are the main cause of the delay until December.

Disney100 Celebrations at EPCOT

A new platinum Mickey Mouse sculpture will be installed in front of the giant 100 in World Celebration, so guests can capture both icons and Spaceship Earth in their photos.

A new mural also in World Celebration will feature 100 Disney characters in the neighborhoods of EPCOT. It will be located along the walkway to World Showcase. The rest of World Celebration will also be decked out with Disney100 platinum banners and other décor.

Mickey and Minnie will meet Walt Disney World guests in their platinum Disney100 attire at the Imagination! Pavilion, alongside the new Figment meet and greet.

At night, Spaceship Earth will light up with a special Disney100 spectacle of light featuring a special rendition of “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

Four new food kitchens will debut as part of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which is already underway. The booths will also open on September 22.

The purple metallic Mickey Balloon Premium Popcorn Bucket will also be available at EPCOT during this time.

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