Guests will soon have to bid farewell to one of the most iconic nighttime spectaculars at Walt Disney World, Epcot’s IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.  Disney has announced that IllumiNations will end its run at the end of summer 2019, almost 20 years after it was launched in October 1999.

I’ll stop there for a minute and let you cry a little.

The good news is that the Disney Parks Live Entertainment team is already hard at work in building the next big nighttime spectacular at Epcot, which will debut immediately following IllumiNations’ final show.  This ensures that guests will continue to enjoy a host of nightly entertainment across the World Showcase Lagoon.

This move is also part of the planned multi-year transformation of Epcot.  As was previously announced, Epcot is slated to debut a number of new experiences over the next few years:

  • A new, highly-anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy” roller coaster attraction will replace Ellen’s Universe of Energy
  • A Ratatouille-inspired ride will be built behind the Eiffel Tower in the France Pavilion
  • Design changes in Future World are coming – we have seen concept art that indicates more water features and green spaces, among other changes
  • Future World is now getting a new table service restaurant adjacent to Mission: SPACE that promises to be out of this world

With that, let me turn it over to you, our dear readers.  What do you think about the changes to the nighttime fireworks show at Epcot?  What are your favorite memories of IllumiNations?  What changes are you most excited about at Epcot?  Sound off in the comments below!

With so many new attractions and entertainment to look forward to, it really is a great time to plan a visit to Walt Disney World.  If you are thinking about planning a vacation to Disney, contact me at [email protected] or (920) 526-0809.  As the resident travel agent for Guide2WDW, it is my job to make sure you get a great deal when you travel and also give you the latest tips and tricks to make the most out of your vacation!  Contact me for a FREE quote today!


Myra S

Myra is a Disney travel specialist with World of Magic Travel and is the resident travel agent at Guide2WDW. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two little princesses, ages 8 and 5. Her family’s answer for their Disney fix is most frequently Walt Disney World, but they have also been to Disneyland in California and Hong Kong and aboard the Disney Dream & Fantasy. In between Disney trips, Myra and her family love to travel to nearby cities and try to do what the locals do. If you have questions about Disney or travel in general, Myra is always happy to share her geeky love of Disney and vacation planning. You can see more of her travel posts and tips on her Facebook page or you can send her an email directly at [email protected].

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