Illuminations first premiered in 1988 and was briefly edited in 1996 to Illuminations 25 to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort (this was so much better than the pink castle cake!). In 2003 the title was officially changed to Illuminations: Reflections of Earth and given a new narration focusing on the importance of our cultures and histories combining to result in the beautiful place we live in today. The current show is highly dramatic and a gorgeous sight to be seen.

Before you get to actually experience the show, you have to figure out where you are going to watch from. This alone can be a difficult task depending on several factors. First off, take note of how crowded the park has been throughout the day. If it is a high volume day, be sure to stake out a spot at least 45 minutes early if you want to be guaranteed an unobstructed view. On less crowded days I would recommend still being situated at least a half hour early. Also be conscious of the wind. Illuminations creates a lot of smoke and depending on where the wind is blowing you could find yourself with a view consistently obstructed by a cloud of smoke. Be sure to find a spot that is upwind to have an optimal view. Some great places to watch can include the second floor terrace of Tokyo Dining, the bridge between France and the UK, the USA pavilion with Spaceship Earth in the background, or at the very beginning of World Showcase so that you can see every country around the lagoon. As these are some of the most coveted spots, really be sure to arrive early to secure the best viewing possible.

As the show is about to begin, look around the lagoon for subtle changes including the appearance of speakers and lights. Where did these large structures suddenly appear from? Don’t worry, you didn’t miss them during the day as they only come out for the showing of Illuminations each night. The speakers and lights are hidden inside props all throughout World Showcase and unfold right before Illuminations is set to begin. To see one in action, look for a rock in the Canada pavilion from which a tall pole emerges bearing speakers just before the show.

When it is finally time for the show to start, all of the lights around World Showcase dim, making the large flames surrounding the lagoon prominent in the night. These flames are my favorite part of the show as they set the tone for the dramatic and wondrous journey you are about to embark on. The narration that opens the show also helps to set the tone as it perfectly introduces the theme of Illuminations: “We are here tonight around the fire as people of all lands have gathered for thousands of years before us to share the light and to share a story- an amazing story as old as time itself but still being written. And though each of us has our own individual stories to tell, a true adventure emerges when we bring them together as one.” This opening narration is then followed by the sound of someone blowing out a candle as the flames dim and the real show begins.

Illuminations runs for around fourteen minutes and builds slowly to end with a sweeping finale. After the introductory narration, there are fireworks, laser lights, small pyrotechnics, and water fountains for the first several minutes of the show. Soon after, a large rotating globe emerges from the back of World Showcase and begins to make its way towards the center of the lagoon. This is no ordinary globe as it displays the countries of the world followed by moving images and picture montages on the land masses themselves. The globe has more than 180,000 LED lights and weighs roughly 350,000 pounds, making in a huge Imagineering feat. It is used to display images of different cultures, nature, and most importantly people coming together. As the globe is rotating, the fireworks and pyrotechnics continue to accompany it. Slowly the countries of World Showcase begin to light up the night one by one with beautiful white lights. Notice how one space looks a little dark? This is because the Morocco pavilion does not light up out of respect for the culture. When we finally reach the finale, the globe begins to transform itself by opening outwards like a flower to reveal a central flame uniting all of the countries of Earth.

The show is truly a wonderful presentation of the ability that Disney and Imagineering has of taking a theme or story and presenting it in a beautiful and dramatic way. However, once the show is over there is still more to be seen before leaving Epcot for the night! My main recommendation is to stay where you are for the first few minutes after Illuminations ends. There is always a surge in the crowd toward both the main gate and the International Gateway as everyone tries to get out to the buses and boats to get back to their resort or car. If you stay in your viewing spot for a few minutes and wait out the rush there are more than a few benefits. First off you obviously avoid some of the crowd, but you will also be in store for a special treat! About thirty minutes after the end of Illuminations, the “burn off” occurs. This involves the main barge seemingly exploding into a giant flame, but really it’s a practical way to burn off the excess gas and other elements left over from the nightly show. It’s truly a sight to be seen, but it happens very rapidly, so be sure to be on the lookout. While waiting for the crowds to thin, also be aware of the back of Spaceship Earth as often there are laser projections onto it portraying the rotating figure of Earth as well as the spelling out of both Illuminations and Epcot. The final benefit to waiting out the crowds after the show is the ability to wander out of World Showcase at a leisurely pace and take in the nighttime ambiance of the countries as the park settles down for the night.

Overall, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is a show that simply can’t be missed. I love being able to try and find a new spot to watch every time I visit Epcot and am captivated the moment the beginning narration begins. I am already counting down the days until my next vacation when I am able to end my day in Epcot with this great show.

What is your favorite part of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth? Do you have a special place that you watch from every time? Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!

Caitlin Corsello was born and raised in New York. She graduated from Adelphi University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. Her love for Disney started as an infant and has continued to grow with family vacations to Disney parks almost every year since. She holds a particular interest in WDW’s parks and attractions, never passing up an opportunity to visit. She looks forward to continuing to explore and learn about all things Disney and to share that passion with readers.

The post Disney From The Twenty-Something: Illuminations: Reflections of Earth appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

1. Enjoy a Hot Dog at Casey’s Corner of Main Street, USA – Nothing says summertime in America like a hot dog at the ballpark, and Casey’s Corner at the end of Main Street, USA. It is themed to an American baseball park, complete with bleachers, scoreboard, an antique coin-operated baseball game, authentic memorabilia, pennants, and a movie screen showing old Disney animated shorts starring Mickey and Goofy which focus on sports. And now with new, “designer” hot dogs like Barbecue Slaw and Chili Cheese, it’s an even better way to celebrate America’s national pastime.
2. The American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase - Celebrate America in this pavilion which features more than an awe-inspiring show that uses Audio-Animatronics, historic film footage and breathtaking music to honor extraordinary people and events in American history. Inside, the pavilion also features a majestic rotunda filled with numerous paintings and quotations from well-known Americans such as Walt Disney, Charles A. Lindbergh and many others. The Liberty Inn serves traditional American fare like burgers and BBQ and outside you can find turkey legs and funnel cakes. The Voices of Liberty a capella group harmonizes under the acoustically pure dome of the rotunda singing American classics. The Hall of Flags exhibit displays the different flags throughout U.S. history. Outside, The Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corps performs patriotic songs in traditional Colonial garb, and Heritage Manor Gifts offers handcrafted goods, Americana items such as replicas of historical documents like the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence, as well as Voices of Liberty CDs.
3. The Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square - Liberty Square is the ultimate realization of Walt Disney’s dream to showcase the stories, history and dreams of the American people that never came to be in Disneyland’s “Liberty Street and Edison Square.” The Hall of Presidents is a 23-minute stage show features every American president, past and present, in a fascinating tribute that combines film, Audio-Animatronics characters and storytelling to honor their legacies. Each president is introduced on stage, and Presidents Washington and Obama deliver patriotic speeches (President Obama recorded his speech at the Oval Office in the While House). The opening film illuminates our country’s origins, the formation of our Constitution and the hard-fought struggles, including the Civil War before President Lincoln recites the Gettysburg Address. The Hall of Presidents is something that was originally envisioned by Walt Disney himself, but may even exceed his original vision.
4. Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3-D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios - What? Muppets? Of course! Why? Because As Sam the Eagle reminds us during the pre-show, “It’s a salute to all nations, but mostly America.” Not only that, be sure and check out Miss Piggy at the end of the film and as the centerpiece (of course) of the fountain in the Muppet*Vision plaza courtyard – she’s dressed like the Statue of Liberty!
5. Main Street, USA – No other area of Walt Disney World or Disneyland embodies the spirit of America more so that Main Street, USA. Walt said of Disneyland’s Main Street that “Main Street, U.S.A. is America at the turn of the century – the crossroads of an era. The gas lamps and the electric lamps, the horse drawn car and the auto car. Main Street is everyone’s home town…the heartline of America.” Main Street, USA is meant to be sentimental, evocative, colorful and ideal, but was grounded in reality with the introduction of authentic props such as lamps from Boston and Philadelphia, and antiques found in store windows. And while it was meant to be symbolic and theatrical, yet inviting and practical for people to wander, shop and explore, it was important to Walt that his “town” in MSU would really reflect the American dreams and work ethics that helped build this great nation. And did you know that on Main Street, USA,  EVERY day is July 4? That’s right – Notice the pennants (they aren’t flags or they would have to be taken down each evening) at the tops of the buildings that line the street.
6. The Journey from Liberty Square Through Frontierland -Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom is replete with little details and significance in design and architecture. It is a land that is less about fantasy and more about reality in American history, both real and imagined, and was also built to fulfill one of Walt Disney’s fondest personal dreams. Walt had a great love and fascination for American history and often had impromptu discussions around the dinner table at home with his family where he read aloud parts of the Constitution. He was also honored throughout his life for his patriotism, including receiving an award from the American Legion for “for dramatizing to old and young alike the unique heritage of America.” And that patriotism bled through to his work, as in a 1957 interview about Disneyland, Walt stated:  “There’s an American theme behind the whole park. I believe in emphasizing the story of what made America great and what will keep it great.” Walt Disney once said, in describing his plans for Disneyland’s Frontierland, “All of us have cause to be proud of our country’s history… Here you can return to frontier America, from the Revolutionary War era to the final taming of the great southwest.”  Liberty Square takes you through the history of America on a three-dimensional stage, and is a journey through story of the Westward expansion of America east of the Mississippi river. Heading towards Frontierland, 
we are now on the verge of new century and the westward expansion, symbolically be crossing the Mississippi River and moving south and west to new adventures in Frontierland - through St. Louis in the early 1840s all the way to a ghost town in the late 1880s, after the gold rush boom of the time. Progressing from Liberty Square down the street into Frontierland, you are moving east to west… and west to east as you journey from Big Thunder Mountain towards Liberty Square. Remember that not only was there expansion from east to west during the 1800s, but also from west to east at the same time. So just as the Rivers of America joins Liberty Square and Frontierland, the Walt Disney World Railroad station in Frontierland represents the meeting of east and west with the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad across the United States connecting the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads on May 10, 1869 at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory. The architectural styles, building materials, and even the numbers on the buildings indicate the passage of time from the 1787 of the Hall of Presidents to the 1840s of the Diamond Horseshoe. Set in St. Louis, the “gateway to the west” played a prominent role in the westward expansion of the United States. But Frontierland also tells the story of America through folklore and “fakelore,” with stories of “Texas” John Slaughter, Pecos Bill, Tom Sawyer, Davy Crockett, Mark Twain and many others.
7. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – Personally created by Walt Disney for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a journey through time as we follow an American family (we never know exactly where they live) that continues to discover new technologies that make their lives more easy, comfortable and fun. The show takes place over a series of four Acts, four seasons, and four holidays, narrated by the father (John). The first act takes place during Valentine’s Day around the beginning of the 20th century. The second act take place on the 4th of July in the 1920s (most likely 1927, based on a Charles Lindbergh reference). The third act is set around Halloween in the 1940s, and the final act is on Christmas the time frame is set somewhere in the 1990′s. So much like Main Street, USA, it’s one of two places in the Magic Kingdom where it actually always IS the 4th of July!
8. Dine at The Liberty Tree Tavern- “Past this gateway stirs a new nation waiting to be born. Thirteen separate colonies have banded together to declare their independence from the bonds of tyranny. It is a time when silversmiths put away their tools and march to the drums of a revolution, a time when gentlemen planters leave their farms to become generals, a time when tradesmen leave the safety of home to become heroes. Welcome to Liberty Square”  That inscription is found on a plaque that marks the entrance to Liberty Square from the central hub in the Magic Kingdom. And the story of the Colonial village that is told in and throughout Liberty Square affords Guests the opportunity to experience and learn about life around the time of the American Revolution. Part of that experience can be found inside the Liberty Tree Tavern, atable service dining location which serves traditional American fare such as clam chowder, homestyle roast turkey and pot roast, as well as salads and sandwiches. The Tavern itself is patterned after 18th century colonial inns. Its windows are fashioned from handmade “seed glass” with visible bubbles that would be authentic for that time period.  Each of its six dining areas features a unique fireplace and detailed artifacts and theming appropriate for and dedicated to an American patriot like the nautical items in the John Paul Jones room, the silversmith tools in Paul Revere’s room, Benjamin Franklin’s kite and keys, and countless others. The restaurant represents the type of early community hall, where colonists would gather to break bread together as they planted the seeds of a new nation. It’s a wonderful dining and learning experience full of wonderful detail and story, that is a classic Walt Disney World favorite.
9. Daily Flag Retreat Ceremony in the Magic Kingdom-  Each day Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom holds a Flag Retreat Ceremony in the center of Town Square on Main Street, USA. Taking place daily at 5:00 pm, it is a moving and patriotic event, which involves a color-guard lowering and folding the American Flag. Veterans are often invited to take part in the flag-retreat ceremony, and Guests can inquire at City Hall (I recommend going first thing in the morning) for more information or to see how you can be a part of it. You can also call Walt Disney World at 407-824-2222 and ask for Magic Kingdom City Hall. Tell them the date your or the veteran you know will be at Magic Kingdom and request them to be the Veteran of the Day (Please note that the selection process may be random at this time. Inquire at City Hall or by calling the hotline). At the end of the ceremony, the veteran receives a commemorative certificate and a special trading pin that says “Veteran” as well as a photo of the ceremony. I believe each and every Guest, whether they call America home or not, should see this moving ceremony, pay their respects to the flag and those in the military (all of whom I believe are all true heroes), and honor their service to our country.
10. Explore! - Walt Disney World is meant to be savored. While I understand that many families and visitors have a limited amount of time and want to experience as many attractions and shows as possible, I also believe that the parks and resorts are meant to be meandered through, discovered, and enjoyed for the details and stories they possess. For me, the “attractions” aren’t necessarily things enumerated on a map. Instead, they include the storytelling elements that define and create the environments in which the attractions exist. And in terms of celebrating America and the 4th of July, there are countless ones to seek out. From the replica of the Liberty Bell in the center of the Court of Flags, to the Minuteman’s rifle and Paul Revere’s lanterns in
    the windows of the buildings, there is real history to be experienced. Reminding ourselves or educating our children of the stories of Davy Crockett, Paul Bunyan, Wild Bill Hickock or Johnny Appleseed in the props at Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe bring American folk tales to life. Authentic, rare articles that played a part of the daily lives of famous Americans, past and present, are showcased in “National Treasures” at the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot. Abraham Lincoln’s hat, George Washington Carver’s microscope, Benjamin Franklin’s chair, Frederick Douglas’ writing instruments and Thomas Edison’s early kinetoscope are among some of the the showcased items, which are on loan from museums and private collections around the country, each providing a tangible link to the personalities of the people who owned them. In the rotunda of the Hall of Presidents is an attraction unto itself, so be sure to explore and enjoy all the wonderful Presidential portraits and artifacts from past Presidents, including Bill Clinton’s saxaphone, Lincoln’s inkwell used during the writing of his Inaugural address, and numerous other mementos from the Presidents and First Ladies. Look at dates on buildings, such as the year on the Hall of Presidents, and learn what they represent. See if you can find the Chinese Laundry facade in Frontierland, and piece together the significance of this small establishment. Find out who “Texas” John Slaughter was, and why he’s represented in Frontierland as well. Wander through the nooks and crannies of Main Street, USA and discover “…America at the turn of the century – the crossroads of an era. The gas lamps and the electric lamps, the horse drawn car and the auto car. Main Street is everyone’s home town…the heartline of America…” – just as Walt Disney had envisioned it.

To learn more about the details, stories, history, hidden treasures and experiences of Walt Disney World, download the Audio Tours of Walt Disney World – my narrated, walking tour of the parks, complete with the ambient sounds of the lands and attractions to transport and immerse you in the exeprience! The first 6 lands of the Magic Kindgom are now available on the WDW Radio store.

To celebrate America (and July 4th), for a limited time I’m offering a
50% discount on your ENTIRE order! Just use code JULY4 at checkout!

So where and how do YOU like to celebrate America (or the 4th of July) in Walt Disney World? Leave your answer in the comments below

The post Top 10 Ways to Celebrate America and July 4 at Walt Disney World – Without Fireworks! appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Welcome to the WDW Radio Show – your Walt Disney World Information Station. This is show #56 for the week of March 2, 2008. As always, I am your host Lou Mongello, and I want to thank you for tuning in again this week.

I just returned from Walt Disney World, and in addition to getting some work done for the next CD and new features I’m going to be adding to the site, I also came back with some great information for both the Walt Disney World News section, as well as the Rumor Mill. In fact, there is SO much to cover this week that I invite Jeff Pepper to come in and discuss with me the variety of topics this week.

In the News, we’ll talk about some changes coming to Extra Magic Hours, The Kingdom Tower, how to enjoy the resorts right at home, a new meet and greet, an exclusive look at the new Disney Parks television specials coming to the Travel Channel, and more.

The Rumor Mill is full this week, as we talk about some big changes coming to the Magic Kingdom turnstiles and FASTPASS systems, is Illuminations really leaving, and a super-sneak peek at new Star Wars Weekends merchandise. We’ll also talk about Star Tours 2 point NO?, Indiana Jones at the Studios, and so so much more.

Celebrating its 5th anniversary, MagicMeets is returning this summer for another fan gathering in Camp Hill, PA. Founder Fred Block joins me to discuss the event, some of the featured speakers, and how you can be a part of it.

We have a lot to cover this week, so sit back, relax and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio Show.

WDW Times Guides now in Color

Changes coming to the turnstiles and FASTPASS

Guests have the ability to order Disney Resort Collection products during their stay for home delivery or receive additional information by calling 1-877-888-8287. Guests can also order from www.DisneyResortCollection.com

Come and join us at Magic Meets!!

Upcoming Disney Programming on the Travel Channel

Samantha Brown’s Disney Favorites 4/11 at 9PM

Samantha Brown, who appeared on the WDW Radio Show #53 (Feb. 10) is traveling the East coast to West coast to show her favorite Disney attractions, rides, restaurants, and characters at both Disney World in Orlando, Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim, California.  In the parks she soars above the clouds on the rides, encounters wild animals on a safari, dines at the chef’s table, steps inside the dream princess suite, and watches a unique acrobatic performance.

Disney on a Dime 4/18 9 PM

Money-saving tips from travel experts are put to the test by actual Walt Disney World guests.  These families show viewers how to have a memorable Disney experience on a budget by using the expert’s frugal suggestions.

Disney Luxury Celebrations 4/25 at 9 PM

During DISNEY LUXURY CELEBRATIONS, viewers are treated to a guided tour through the many extravagant amenities, activities and events that are available to those seeking a unique way to celebrate the special occasions in their lives in Disney style.  Events highlight a fantasy honeymoon celebration, an ultimate father’s day celebration, a castaway birthday party, and a dream anniversary celebration.

The Disney Royal Treatment 5/2 9 PM

THE DISNEY ROYAL TREATMENT will follow real families and guests as they become part of an elegant Disney fairytale story. In the Magic Kingdom, an enchanted wedding, being crowned princess for a day, and a sweet sixteen fit for royalty are all ways that guests’ fairytale dreams come true.

Fantasyland Circus Wagon filing

The Walt Disney Company looks to Ausatralia?
Sega tried an indoor park in Sydney. The area being looked at is prime real estate and only minutes from the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Sydney CBD.

The post Show #56 – March 2, 2008 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.

Welcome back to The WDW Radio Show – Your Walt Disney World information Station, hosted by Lou Mongello. Thanks for tuning in once again. This is Show #15 for the week of May 20, 2007.

With the popular Star Wars Weekends events at the Disney-MGM Studios rapidly approaching, I am joined this week by two Disney fans who share a love for Star Wars as well: Matt Hochberg and Jonathan Dichter, who come to to discuss the special events, celebrities, characters and merchandise, as well as planning for the weekend and tips for making the most out of the event.

Listener Jarred Matthes was able to obtain an exclusive interview with Don Dorsey, creator of such musical events in Walt Disney World as the Main Street Electrical Parade and Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.

I received a phone call from Margaret “Tinker Bell” Kerry, who will be on board the Disney Magic with me this November for our Trivia Cruise. She’ll join me on the show to invite you to come aboard with us, talk about some of the events she and I have planned for the cruise and more.

Thank you again for tuning in, so sit back, relax and enjoy this week’s episode of the WDW Radio show!

You can email the show at lou@wdwradio.com or

call our voicemail at 206-202-4WDW.

Talk about the show by visiting and posting in the

WDW Radio Show message forums at DisneyWorldTrivia.com

Thank you for your reviews on iTunes and for

clicking the Digg button for each episode

 

Thanks to the legendary Don Dorsey for granting an exclusive interview to listener Jarred Matthes which we played on this week’s show. Jarred has also sent in a number of tracks of background music that you’ve heard on the show since it began, and I want to thank him for that as well. You can download the entire, unedited interview from the DisneyWorldTrivia.com Downloads section HERE.

You can also visit Don’s official web site at DorseyProductions.com.

 

As I announced on last week’s show, I have revealed the next in the 7 Wonders of Walt Disney World series, as I want you to be a part of the discussion and show. This will give you the chance to talk about something that I think we all agree is a truly magical part of Walt Disney World. So don’t forget to call the voicemail at 206-202-4WDW (4939) and share with us a story, magical moment, etc., I’ll play them on the show, and we’ll go more into WHY this is a wonder during that show. You can also discuss this upcoming wonder in the WDWRadio message forums

Thanks for your help and for being a part of the show!

The post Show #15 – May 20, 2007 appeared first on WDW Radio - Your Walt Disney World Information Station by Lou Mongello.