IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth - a thoughtful look back at the past and present

A staple of Disney Parks and resorts are their nighttime shows. There is one show which has been running in some shape or form since 1983; since 1988 it has been known as IllumiNations. There have been many different versions of IllumiNations since 1988, but the one I want to focus on today is IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

As part of the Millennium celebration at Walt Disney World, IllumiNations got a make over and a new name, IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth. This would be the first IllumiNations with a interwoven with a story. Originally during the Millennium celebration there was a evening parade Tapestry of Nations which run before IllumiNations, then at park close IllumiNations ends the night.

The story of  IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is the one of planet earth. Usually 30 minutes before the the start of the show, 19 torches are lit that have been spread out along all 11 countries on World Showcase lagoon. This "lagoon" is huge, the shore line is a little over a mile around. The 19 torches represent the centuries that have past. The Narrator welcomes us to Epcot and sets the stage for the show. The Narrator then blows out the torches and the whole park goes dark.

Before we go on (that was a Epcot joke... you'll get it later) I must say that the score that was written for this show is probably the best there is. It is brilliantly choreographed with music, and personally, that's what makes it still the best nighttime show Disney has ever done.

 The beating of a drum is heard beating faster and faster until a single firework launches combined with an inferno barge lighting a ball huge ball of flames signifying the beginning of time.

Then the music slows and the whole lagoon, with the help of some lasers, lights installed in the water and a 28ft, 350 ton Earth globe starts moving to the center of the lagoon. Images start to appear on the globe (the globe itself has LED screens shaped as each continent). First images of space are projected, followed by an ocean and forests, representing the earth forming. Then images of animals that first inherited the earth, followed by a cave painting which is the introduction of mankind to the world. We see pictures of different cultures, famous locations, inventions all the way up to a space shuttle launch. The music builds and the countries all along world showcase begin to flash (strobe lights) until the planet earth is shown. Every single country (except Morocco which does not for cultural reasons) is lit up while the fireworks being launched are represent the stars in the sky, surrounding the earth.

The music becomes playful and the fireworks continues to be launched. Images of the puppets from the former Epcot parade Tapestry of Nations (ie Tapestry of Dreams)*. This portion celebrates all we have accomplished in the last 2000 years. This segment ends with what I call a "fake out" finale.

*Tapestry of Nations was a widely popular parade that actually debuted with IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth. Because of the popularity both shows were extended indefinitely both being renamed, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, and Tapestry of Dreams.

People at this point think the show has ended, however the globe is still showing images, and and the song "We Go On" written for the show (performed by Kellie Coffey) starts.

With the stillness of the night
There comes a time to understand
To reach out and touch tomorrow
Take the future in our hand 

We can see a new horizon
Built on all that we have done
And our dreams begin another
Thousand circles 'round the sun

My absolute favorite part of the show is right after "Thousand circles 'round the sun". The nineteen torches once again lit, and each pavilions lighting is brought up.

        We go on
        To the joy and through the tears
        We go on
        To discover new frontiers
        Moving on
        With the current of the years

The earth globe starts rotating and opening up to reveal the twentieth torch (representing the twentieth century passed).

        We go on
        Moving forward now as one
        Moving on
        With the spirit born to run
        Ever on
        With each rising sun
        To a new day
        We go on

This is the actual finale, the sky is almost blinding with fireworks, and after a second of silence, Epcot unloads pretty much everything its got in the air.

The song Promise plays as guests exit, followed by the score to the parade Tapestry of Nations.

Tips for viewing!

Here are some tips and tricks to help you enjoy IllumiNations on your next visit.

If you miss the music to the parade Tapestry of Nations, stick around about 10 minutes after the finale and all of Epcot will be playing this while you exit the park.

IllumiNations ends the day at Epcot (with the exception of extra magic hours). Be aware that once the show is over, everyone will be leaving Epcot all at once. On busy days that can be upwards of 25,000 people leaving at once. According to touringplans.com, IllumiNations is the #1 way groups and children get separated at WDW. My grandparents always had us pick a spot to meet if we get lost, I would recommend Spaceship Earth.

I recommend if you travel by car, park at the Yacht and Beach Club resort and walking in through the International gateway. This will save you a bunch of time.

If you want to make sure you have a good spot, I would start looking 40-30 minutes before the start of the show. A lot of times I've actually been able to find pretty decent spots around 10-15 minutes, but that depends on if the park is busy.

Location is a huge difference maker. Here are a list of my recommended locations.

1, Italy (Gondola Landing): This is my absolute favorite location. You're basically on a little island that protrudes from the shore. There are no overhead obstructions. (note: If you are visiting anywhere from September - early November, know that this is reserved for Disney Chase card members. Even if it is reserved, you can stand on the bridge connecting the island to Italy.)



2. International Gateway island: This is also a good option. Depending on where you stand there are a few overhead obstructions most notably the trees, especially if you are viewing from the bridge to France. This spot tends to be forgotten by some, so that makes for a good spot to head too if you don't have a lot of time to scout for a place.


3. World Showcase Plaza: This is the intended viewing place and the best view, however you'll need to find your spot an hour to 45 minutes before the show. There is also the IllumiNations fast pass area and the dessert party area here, so the space is very limited.