Detailed look at EPCOT'S recent Harmonious fountain and lighting test

Mar 24, 2021 in "Harmonious"

Harmonious Mexico barge fountain test and icon barge lighting test - March 24 2021
Posted: Wednesday March 24, 2021 9:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Installation crews were carrying out a number of tests at EPCOT yesterday on the fountains and lighting systems for the upcoming Harmonious show set to debut later this year.

The Mexico barge, which was one of the first to be installed, was running through a high pressure vertical fountain test.

The show platforms have a number of fountain nozzles on various parts of the structure, including some on the articulating arm that extends from the platform.

In the vertical mode, the fountains are capable of some considerable height, somewhere in the region of at least 100ft.

The water falling from the lower third towards the front is interesting. It isn't clear if this is actually a powered cascade fountain, or run-off of water collected on the platform from the main fountains.

The morning sunlight refraction was causing an interesting color effect on the mist coming off the fountains.

Although there will be a daytime fountain display to disguise to some extent the show hardware, it seems unlikely that this particular test is for that mode. However, this wide view from near World Showcase Plaza gives an idea of what the fountains look like from a distance.

The video below shows the test from various point around World Showcase Lagoon. For a 4K version, head to our video page.

In the center of World Showcase Lagoon, testing was being carried out on the 6 story tall icon ring barge lighting systems.

Close-ups show multi-colored lighting surrounding the ring. These light fixtures appear to be RGB color changing modules.


With the addition of the third barge yesterday, there is just one large piece of hardware still to be brought out into the lagoon. From then on it should be a case of testing, completing the show design and debuting to guests sometime later this year. Disney is yet to announce an opening date.

Click the gallery to see more pictures of the Harmonious fountain test.

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SoFloMagic11 days ago

I think this is right. But bridge closed (not raised) when pyro was brought under. At least thats my memory

Tiggerish14 days ago

That was always my favorite part, too! ROE was the best nighttime show, IMO.

etc9814 days ago

You just reminded me of such a good memory, of waiting at the drawbridge for the Earth Globe to pass one night after the show. I was probably 10 years old, and seeing it up close was so cool. The cast member there talked with my family about the show while we waited, and asked what our favorite part was. I said mine was when the announcer blew out the torches at the beginning, and she was surprised and said not many people even notice that detail, let along say it’s their favorite part. I think that’s part of the reason why I always look out for the little details in the parks, even now.

jrhwdw14 days ago

It only raised for the Earth Globe correct?

peter1143515 days ago

No. Typically not. If the illuminations barges were left out it was normally for another reason. Due to size and number the illuminations barges were able to be brought out in one shorter bridge raise.

Disstevefan115 days ago

Good to know. Thanks. I have a bad memory. For illuminations did they leave the barges out during busy times too?

peter1143515 days ago

There are a couple issues with doing it all at once. One being the length of time traffic would be stopped.

jrhwdw15 days ago

2 Times? Couldn't Epcot float everything out at one time?

peter1143515 days ago

Correct. Luminous requires the bridge being raised twice per afternoon for several minutes each time.

Disstevefan115 days ago

You are the expert. Please educate me. Please educate me on the reasoning why they are moved (or not moved) based on attendance? Is it to not use the draw bridge during crowded times?

peter1143515 days ago

That’s not true. There’s been a mix of both over that period.

peter1143515 days ago

It has nothing to do with saving money. The techs that load the product are the same ones that move the barges. There is no labor savings either way and it is far easier for them to service the barges in the Mariana than it is in the middle of the lagoon. The decision regarding if they stay out or are moved in is based on projected park attendance for the following day.

Nottamus16 days ago

I was there from 11/10-11/17 and it wasn’t there all day that week. I’ve heard they play Tapestry Of Nations music as they brought out - I never got to see it happen We did mornings there until 1 pm and they weren’t there - by night they were !

Disstevefan116 days ago

It obviously costs less to just leave them there rather than have cast members do the work to move them. I think this is exactly why they leave them there. Is it a bad show? Absolutely yes. But Disney does not care anymore. They just do the minimum they can get away with.