Construction work continues in the World Showcase Lagoon at EPCOT as crews prepare for a new Disney100 nighttime spectacular that honors 100 years of The Walt Disney Company. In June, we noticed that piling had begun. Now, in August, more progress is appearing.
World Showcase Lagoon Construction
A large barge was stationed next to an island in the lagoon near the China Pavilion.
Multiple construction vehicles and equipment were on the barge for work.
Though the new nighttime spectacular won’t have the unsightly taco barges in the lagoon all day, it will have at least a few fireworks barges, which may go in and out of the lagoon. The piling in June was to create a foundation for future barges, so even if they aren’t permanently sitting in the water, they can be secured during shows.
Sheets of steel were stacked on the construction barge.
There are two tall red poles vertical on the barge.
Most notable was this crane we saw, parked next to a long black pole placed horizontally.
Harmonious Nighttime Spectacular
The 50th Anniversary celebration has come to a close across Walt Disney World, and the nighttime spectaculars introduced as part of “The Most Magical Celebration on Earth” have now been performed for the final time. On April 2, guests visiting EPCOT were able to watch the last performance of the “Harmonious” nighttime spectacular before it was replaced by the limited return of “EPCOT Forever.”
“Harmonious” debuted on October 1, 2021, using five barges within the waters of the World Showcase Lagoon to deliver an all-new 20-minute nighttime fireworks spectacular. Harmonious featured a soundtrack of 15 songs in 13 languages from 240 artists around the world.
EPCOT Forever
EPCOT Forever initially debuted in October 2019 with the end of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. It’s currently being performed in the interim between Harmonious and the upcoming show.
The nighttime show honors the park’s musical heritage, with a massive display of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers, and special effects set to revamped versions of iconic songs from classic EPCOT attractions such as “Journey Into Imagination,” “Spaceship Earth,” “Soarin’,” “Tapestry of Nations,” and “Universe of Energy.” The show was designed to pay tribute to the past, present, and future of EPCOT.
Disney100 Nighttime Spectacular
The new nighttime spectacular was announced in September 2022. In September 2023, Disney100 celebrations will officially begin in EPCOT with Mickey and Minnie meeting in their platinum outfits and more — though it seems the nighttime spectacular won’t be ready by then and a debut date has not been announced.
The Walt Disney Company’s actual 100th anniversary is October 16, 2023, so we would expect the Disney100-inspired nighttime spectacular to premiere at that point, but Disney has made no promises.
Disneyland Resort has its own Disney100 nighttime spectaculars in the form of “Wondrous Journeys” in Disneyland Park and “World of Color – ONE” in Disney California Adventure.
Are you looking forward to the new EPCOT Disney100 nighttime spectacular? Let us know in the comments.
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