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

By WDWMAGIC Staff · Wednesday September 14, 2022 8:46am ET · "Epcot Forever"
EPCOT Forever expected to return to Walt Disney World for a third time
EPCOT Forever will likely bridge the gap between the end of Harmonious and the start of EPCOT's next nighttime spectacular.

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EPCOT Forever 2.0 preview show

EPCOT Forever  2.0 preview showEPCOT Forever  2.0 preview show

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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↩ replying to Homemade Imagineering
I would prefer a fireworks show in World Showcase have something to do with the world.
↩ replying to Homemade Imagineering
I'm kind of tired of the EPCOT history trip. Epcot forever left a bad taste in my mouth. I'd like to keep the trend of international themes going
↩ replying to mikejs78
Illuminations: tacos and donuts
↩ replying to CaptainAmerica
I’ve said it elsewhere, but they have to realise “more Disney” doesn’t always mean “more Diznee’

The speech at the 35th set alarm bells ringing even back then.
↩ replying to marni1971
Sadly, I think for many (most?) guests, it does.
Epcot Ever After....Im kidding but,,something generic like that wouldn't surprise me. Except its sounding like some better effort is being put forth this time.
IllumiNations: EPCOT’s Adventure.
↩ replying to CaptainAmerica
Guests don’t care if they see fireworks with cartoons or fireworks with proper meaning.

They need to do it right again for those who do care.
I just hope they use an original score again.

Hands down, the best part about Illuminations was the music. I still get chills when I listen to it.
↩ replying to marni1971
The problem is those that do care are a small amount of their guests. Your average guest doesn't care.
↩ replying to aladdin2007
I would mind an Epcot Focused HEA.........It did wonders for MK....

Or a RDCT Style Show with more Effects than EF.

Please know I'm NOT asking for IP to stay in WSL!!!!!!! But those 2 two Castle Shows were done so brilliantly, it could be done in WSL, with the right focus of course!!!
↩ replying to Jrb1979
Exactly. Give them whizz bangs and they’ll be happy. Give those who care more, should they want to find it.

Much like riding BTM because it’s a “coaster”. Or you can dig deeper and understand the backstory and what every area represents. Especially BTM Paris - it can be enjoyed on multiple levels from most shallow to very deep.
↩ replying to marni1971
We can't just beat those people up?
↩ replying to marni1971
That costs money and with what they announced for D13 they aren't looking to spend money.
↩ replying to CaptainAmerica
I ride it cause it's a coaster. I love a good story on a ride but IMO it needs thrill to make it worthwhile.