EPCOT Forever expected to return to Walt Disney World for a third time

Sep 14, 2022 in "Epcot Forever"

Posted: Wednesday September 14, 2022 8:46am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Following Disney's announcement that EPCOT's Harmonious nighttime spectacular will be closing in 2023, attention turns to the likely line-up of the park's nighttime shows during the year.

Although not announced, the final performance of Harmonious will likely occur alongside the conclusion of Walt Disney World's 50th celebration on March 31 2023.

We don't have an opening date for the currently unnamed new show, but Disney has given the vague timeline of late 2023. Should Harmonious end on March 31, and the new show make its debut in late 2023, expect to see EPCOT Forever return as an interim show.

Originally developed as an interim show to be performed between Reflections of Earth and Harmonious, EPCOT Forever requires little specific hardware in the lagoon, relying primarily on mobile launch platforms that can be brought out into the lagoon each day.

The first version of EPCOT Forever that debuted on October 1 2019 featured fireworks and stunt kites. and played until Walt Disney World's closure in 2020. The show resumed on July 1 2021 as firework shows returned to Walt Disney World after the pandemic shutdown. The second version dropped the stunt kites, but added more fireworks in their place. Its last performance was September 28 2021, making way for Harmonious on September 29.

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jrhwdw22 hours ago

Looks great but the Summer Upgrade has not returned I believe.....

Sthebest22 hours ago

I think they added back a lot of the extra fireworks again. I just saw it tonight. Wonder why it happens on and off

Chef idea Mickey`=26 days ago

Epcot Forever did that!

ToTBellHopSep 28, 2024

That’s all Epcot fireworks. Depending on wind direction, someone gets smoked out. This very site started out like 25 years ago with a feature that predicted where you should avoid during IllumiNations if you don’t want to get smoked out.

Chef idea Mickey`=Sep 27, 2024

It happens to be the one show that when it's over just seeing it at the entrance of international gateway or even nearby Riveria even you can see the smoke air the atmosphere. Can't imagine how or if it's healthy in the park.

SquishySep 26, 2024

Wonder if it's a technical issue or too early of a call to not fill the smaller close proximity barges.

jrhwdwSep 26, 2024

Perimeters did start the show.

SquishySep 26, 2024

Luminous is running with reduced close proximity pyro tonight. Basically only pyro that launches from the main barges. Wind doesn't seem that crazy though? Only 9mph with 20mph gusts..

SquishySep 25, 2024

Chef idea Mickey`=Sep 25, 2024

You know what, you've just made me realize a point where it's baffling for them to incorporate one song to with even if it rhythms or blends with the other song. Remember Me is fine because it's about telling saying "remember me". As for "When She Loved Me is strange." this song is about the relationship lost and/or that once was between a girl and her doll toy. The girl didn't pass away. Using death for the segment and hearing "When She" is like saying they loved you only when they were alive and now it's gone.

MisterPenguinSep 24, 2024

A permanent giant globe that was raised up from the surface level a good bit would work and be totally in-theme to be out in the middle of World Showcase Lagoon permanently. Jus' sayin'....

Starship824Sep 24, 2024

I totally agree, I think they do need some kind of globe though. You can't just do the show without the globe. I think drones would be the best way to represent the globe and then you have them making different shapes throughout the show otherwise. I would also include flamethrowers on the barges for the inferno barge since I'm not really sure there's another way to do it.

Chef idea Mickey`=Sep 24, 2024

But poster said it's not enough for him to like it MisterPenguin!😜

Disgruntled WaltSep 24, 2024

I feel like if they bring RoE back with the Luminous hardware, it would mitigate all of RoE's flaws, namely that dang Globe that no one could see. The quiet parts could have some pyro, or even just be fountain-centered. It would be a better version of the best show.