Harmonious (Epcot)

Harmonious
Harmonious on opening night
Epcot
AreaWorld Showcase
(World Showcase Lagoon)
StatusRemoved
Soft opening dateSeptember 29, 2021
Opening dateOctober 1, 2021
Closing dateApril 2, 2023
ReplacedEpcot Forever
Replaced byLuminous: The Symphony of Us
Ride statistics
Attraction typeFireworks, laser, water, and light show
DesignerDisney Live Entertainment
ThemeDisney music and films in an international context
MusicVarious Artists (Music)
Mark Hammond and Yaron Spiwak[1] (Arrangements)
Duration20 minutes
Disabled access Wheelchair accessible

Harmonious was a multimedia, fireworks-based nighttime spectacular at EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida. Intended as the long-term replacement for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, Harmonious showcased and celebrated the cultures and stories of the world that have inspired various Disney films and music, and how it can unite us all, overcoming any language or border.[2] The show utilized pyrotechnics, choreographed water fountains, water curtains, lasers, searchlights, and LED screens to present a 360° audio-visual experience on the park's World Showcase Lagoon.[3][4] The primary show equipment was notably housed on a collective of floating barges that were permanently moored at the center of the lagoon.[5] Before its retirement, Harmonious was described as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created by Disney Live Entertainment.[6]

Conceptualized by then-chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products and former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Chapek, and developed further by Disney Live Entertainment under the direction of its vice president of parades and spectaculars, Steve Davison, Harmonious was a celebration of the Disney stories and songs that have inspired and empowered the world, emphasizing its ability to unite people from all walks of life.[7] Told through reimagined and reinterpreted Disney visuals and music by 240 international artists, the show was divided into three chapters: "Gather", "Celebrate", and "Unite".[2][8]

The show was announced at the biennial D23 Destination D event in 2018.[9][10][11][12] Originally set to premiere in 2020 after the limited run of its direct predecessor Epcot Forever, the show was delayed to September 29, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[13]

On June 21, 2022, a livestream of the show was broadcast on Disney+, hosted by Idina Menzel with narration by Auliʻi Cravalho and the music performed by a live orchestra, choir, mariachi band, gospel choir, and singers. The livestream was removed from the service on May 26, 2023.[14]

On September 11, 2022, at D23 Expo 2022, it was announced that Harmonious would be replaced with another nighttime spectacular, Luminous: The Symphony of Us, which premiered on December 5, 2023, as part of Disney's centennial celebration.[15] Harmonious played its final performance on April 2, 2023, two days after the culmination of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration, with Epcot Forever returning in its place the following night.

  1. ^ Slater, Shawn (August 13, 2021). "'Harmonious' Brings to EPCOT a Global Ensemble of Musical Artists from Around the World". Disney Parks Blog. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Slater, Shawn (July 27, 2021). "'Harmonious' Will Tell a Story of Global Connection When it Debuts October 1 at EPCOT as Part of 'The World's Most Magical Celebration'". Disney Parks Blog. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  3. ^ Riddley, Zach (February 27, 2021). "The World Is Coming Together As Work Continues on 'Harmonious' at EPCOT". Disney Parks Blog. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  4. ^ "Harmonious to Debut October 1st at EPCOT". BlogMickey.com - Disney World News, Photos, and Info. June 22, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  5. ^ "Harmonious Barges Will Be Permanently Installed on World Showcase Lagoon, Daytime Fountains". BlogMickey.com - Disney World News, Photos, and Info. November 19, 2020. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  6. ^ "'Harmonious' Brings Global Voices Together at EPCOT to Celebrate the Magic of Disney Music". Walt Disney World News. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  7. ^ "Disney CEO Bob Chapek Came Up With Concept for EPCOT's "Harmonious" Nighttime Show". BlogMickey.com - Disney World News, Photos, and Info. October 11, 2021. Retrieved October 12, 2021.
  8. ^ Carter, Ashley (July 27, 2021). "Disney World shares more details about Epcot's 'Harmonious' show". www.mynews13.com. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  9. ^ Fickley-Baker, Jennifer (November 17, 2018). "New Nighttime Spectaculars & 'Beauty & The Beast' Sing-Along Announced for Epcot". Disney Parks Blog. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  10. ^ Schoolfield, Jeremy (August 25, 2019). "New Details Revealed for the Historic Transformation of Epcot Underway at Walt Disney World Resort". Disney Parks Blog. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  11. ^ Deitchman, Beth (August 26, 2019). "Every Incredible Announcement from Disney Parks, Experiences and Products at D23 Expo 2019". D23. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  12. ^ Bevil, Dewayne (August 25, 2019). "Disney unveils more changes at Epcot, including Mary Poppins attraction". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  13. ^ Slater, Shawn (February 10, 2020). "Sharing an Update on 'Harmonious' Coming to EPCOT Later This Year". Disney Parks Blog. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
  14. ^ Weatherbed, Jess (May 19, 2023). "Disney will remove over 50 shows from Disney Plus and Hulu this month". The Verge. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  15. ^ "EPCOT's Harmonious to be replaced with new nighttime spectacular in 2023". WDWMagic.