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IllumiNations, Epcot's
Nightly Extravaganza, Delights and Amazes
Dancing flames, cascading fountains and eye-popping
fireworks synchronized to a dramatic musical score light the
skies and decorate the lagoon of Epcot World Showcase during
“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.”
The nightly spectacle, created by Show Director Don Dorsey,
is the grand finale each day at Epcot.
“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” begins with a
cosmic event that leads to a ballet of fire and “chaos”
signifying the origins of the planet. That mayhem transforms
into a sea of floating pyrotechnic stars on World Showcase
Lagoon, setting the stage for the appearance of the show’s
centerpiece, Earth Globe.
The dramatically spinning Earth Globe, a 28-foot diameter
sphere, becomes a three-story video screen projecting vivid
pictorial images that celebrate both human diversity and the
unified spirit of humankind.
Covered with video screens in the shape of the continents,
the twinkling, steel-ribbed Earth Globe rotates on a 350-ton
floating island that houses six computer processors, 258
strobe lights and an infrared guidance system.
Using more than 180,000 Light Emitting Diodes, the
electronic pictures depict primal seas and forest and the
development of famous cultural landmarks including the
Himalayas, the Sphynx, the Easter Island statues and Mount
Rushmore. Diverse visages of famous people from around the
world such as Martin Luther King, Dr. Jonas Salk, Mother
Teresa, Albert Einstein, Muhammad Ali and the Dalai Lama are
captured on the Earth Globe sphere during the presentation.
A dazzling visual mix of leaping fountains of water, fire
and fireworks is choreographed to a symphonic score crafted by
British television and Hollywood motion-picture composer Gavin
Greenaway. This powerful composition blends the melodies and
rhythms of many regional cultures with an uplifting, unifying
theme.
The inspiring performance concludes with the Earth Globe
opening up like a lotus flower. From its heart emerges a giant
fire torch rising 40 feet into the air. Nineteen additional
torches ringing the lagoon combine with a confetti of
fireworks creating color-rich reflections across the rippling
waters.
“My goal was to remind people that our home planet is an
amazing place,” said Dorsey. “This show weaves the story
of our planet, using mystical elements that signify unity and
peace for all humankind. ‘Reflections of Earth,’ like
Epcot itself, is a celebration of our home planet, our
humanity and our potential.”
The 13-minute show requires 67 computers in 40 locations,
hundreds of special lighting fixtures, four fountain barges
pumping 5,000 gallons per minute, a 150,000-pound inferno
barge with 37 nozzles shooting propane flames into the air,
and lasers delivering a kaleidoscope of colors.
Some 2,800 shells are exploded during the nightly display
-- more than twice the number used in previous productions.
Fireworks are launched from 750 mortar tubes and 56 firing
modules at 34 locations.
“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”
Fast Facts
- The Show of the Century: “IllumiNations:
Reflections of Earth” is an exhilarating nighttime
spectacular filled with music, flames, fireworks and
fountains on and above Epcot World Showcase Lagoon.
- A Whole New World: Earth Globe is a 28-foot
diameter sphere on World Showcase Lagoon and the
centerpiece of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.”
Earth Globe is covered with video screens in the shape of
the continents, all of which project vivid images that
celebrate both human diversity and the unified spirit of
humankind.
- Circle of Light: Earth Globe, the world’s first
spherical video display system, is three stories tall and
wrapped in more than 180,000 Light Emitting Diodes. The
gigantic sphere rotates on a 350-ton floating island that
houses six computer processors, 258 strobe lights and an
infrared guidance system.
- Magnificent Melody: British television and
Hollywood motion-picture composer Gavin Greenaway created
an original symphonic score to accompany the combination
of cascading fountains of water, glowing flames and lively
fireworks.
- Double Blast: Some 2,800 shells are used for each
show -- more than twice the number ever used in previous
nighttime productions at Epcot.
- A World of Color: Sixty-seven computers in 40
locations, hundreds of special lighting fixtures, four
fountain barges pumping 5,000 gallons of water per minute,
a 150,000-pound inferno barge with 37 nozzles to shoot
propane flames skyward, and a full color spectrum of
lasers in custom Disney shades are required to produce the
brilliant 13-minute show.
- Great Ball of Fire: In the grand finale, the
Earth Globe opens up like a lotus flower as a giant fire
torch emerges from the center and rises 40 feet into the
air. Nineteen additional torches encircle the lagoon
making a wall of flames that, when combined with the
radiant explosion of fireworks, creates resplendent images
across the lagoon.
The
photos directly above and below show the barges being
positioned for the show, which is about six hours away. It's
amazing how much preparation goes into this spectacular
performance each day!
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