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Would You Rather… Disney Edition–Week 4

by Benjamin Greenberg

In our last Would You Rather, I asked the readers whether they would enjoy watching Wishes on Main Street U.S.A. or IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth from their favorite World Showcase Pavilion. The results are in, and with a 66 percent majority, my readers would rather watch the Wishes nighttime spectacular.

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth is a nighttime spectacular that has been presented nightly at Epcot nightly since October 1st, 1999.  The centerpiece of the show is the huge illuminationsLED screen covered Earth Globe barge.  In the middle of this barge is a torch that emits flames and releases part of the final firework baggage in the show’s finale. In addition to this barge there are an array of inferno and firework barges, as well as laser light systems housed in the American Adventure, Canada, and Mexico pavilions. The show also utilizes four water fountain barges and 19 torches that are dispersed over the World Showcase promenade.

The story of IllumiNations is broken down into three sections. The first is Chaos, a pyrotechnic representation of Earth’s creation and alludes to the Big Bang.  During the Order portion of the show the Earth Globe glides to the center of the lagoon and depicts famous landmarks, people, and moments in history. During the third act, Meaning, the Earth Globe barge opens up to present the torch and a final storm of white fireworks flood Epcot night sky.  IllumiNations is an emotional show that displays the beauty of life and the promise of the world’s future.

Wishes is definitely a more traditional Disney nighttime spectacular. Wishes tells the story of many classic Disney characters and their various wishes.  Music featured includes songs from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, wishesPinocchio, Fantasia, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Hercules. Wishes is hosted by Jiminy Cricket and The Blue Fairy. The show prominently features high shooting fireworks above the castle and various colored lighting schemes that use the castle as a canvas. Another awesome feature of Wishes is Tinkerbelle’s nightly flight from the castle.

During the Halloween and Christmas holiday seasons Wishes uses perimeter fireworks to present Hallowishes and Holiday Wishes. IllumiNations is tagged with an even grander finale during 4th of July, New Years Eve and the Christmas season.
While IllumiNations may display more technical wonders and may be visually stunning, Wishes is the classic Disney fireworks show telling a classic Disney story. Both are able to create miraculous emotional responses from every viewer no matter how many times he or she has seen the displays.

 


 

This week’s options are… would you rather

 

Option A:  Enjoying a ride through the Living With the Land boat ride and experiencing the Land Greenhouse.

 

Option B: Enjoying a ride on the Seas with Nemo and Friends and touring the aquarium.

 

[poll id=”156″]

 

Benjamin Greenberg is a sophomore at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, who is passionate about Walt Disney World, the Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Pixar. He is proud to play offensive line for the Cornell University Sprint Football team and is the recorder for Sigma Nu Gamma Theta Chapter.

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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