The kites are hard to get a good picture of! When IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth ended in 2019, Walt Disney World gave us a temporary fireworks show called Epcot Forever. The show was automatically dismissed by many guests, who claimed that it wasn’t on the same scale as IllumiNations and that Disney had made a mistake. Of course, it’s been over a year since we’ve seen Disney fireworks, so those same people might tell a different story now. I personally really enjoy Epcot Forever, and I can’t wait to see it again.
There are a couple of things that guests need to keep in mind. Epcot Forever is not going to be the permanent fireworks show at Epcot. Work has continued on Harmonious, which will be the official replacement for IllumiNations. Disney didn’t have to give us fireworks at Epcot, but they decided to have something for guests to watch while the new show is being prepared; it looks like Harmonious is a lot of work.
Also, another complaint has been that the entire show for Epcot Forever takes place in the sky. IllumiNations used World Showcase Lagoon, and from what we can see so far Harmonious will as well. Since other work is taking place in the lagoon, Epcot Forever needs to be overhead. I honestly think that’s a silly complaint, but I’ve heard it several times.
There is a lot to love about Epcot Forever. The music will take you back through Epcot’s history, and give you a glimpse into the future. The kites are amazing to watch. (Those might be canceled if there’s too much wind.) I really like having the fireworks so high in the sky, there is not a bad view along World Showcase! You don’t even have to be in Epcot to enjoy the show, the fireworks can be seen from several places on and off Walt Disney World property.
I live close enough to Walt Disney World that I used to be able to tell the time because of the fireworks at Epcot. I’ve missed that. It’s going to be great to hear them in the distance from my living room again, and to be able to see them when on property. I am really looking forward to July 1.