VIDEO - The final performance of IllumiNations Reflections of Earth

By WDWMAGIC Staff · Tuesday October 1, 2019 7:16am ET · "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth"
VIDEO - The final performance of IllumiNations Reflections of Earth
After 20 years, Epcot's firework show is closing to begin a new spectacular.

Epoct's IllumiNations Reflections of Earth had its final performance last night - 20 years since its debut in 1999. 

Previously called "IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth," the name changed to "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," on January 1, 2001 following the close of the Walt Disney World 15-month Millennium Celebration.

The unofficial opening for "IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth" took place on September 22, 1999. 

IllumiNations 2000: Reflections of Earth was introduced at Epcot for the Walt Disney World 15-month Millennium Celebration as an all new show.

More than a simple update, the show was created from "scratch," with more than 30 percent more fireworks than any prior show at Epcot. 

Epcot's firework legacy will continue with the debut of 'Epcot Forever' on October 1, followed by an all new show in 2020 - HarmonioUS.

This video is of the final show, shot from World Showcase Plaza, and includes a look at the Earth barge leaving the lagoon for the final time.

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↩ replying to brb1006
It was something they did prior to RoE and disappeared when that show debuted. It returned when Siemens picked up sponsorship.
↩ replying to wdwmagic
I think you were a few people behind me.

Also for everyone's delight
Illuminations has been deleted from the My Disney Experience app.
↩ replying to *Q*
Wonder if there exists any photos and videos of the SSE effect pre-ROE?
↩ replying to *Q*
They did it during the holidays, at least, before Siemens. This picture is from 12/22/2004.
Just wanted to share some of my favorite shots I got when I visited in July.
They should ceremonially scuttle the globe in the lagoon 😉
↩ replying to The Empress Lilly
Did you go to the special panel they did at the beach club? I was so sad to find out about that AFTER the fact. Couldn’t believe that wasn’t discussed on this site anywhere.
Very sad watching the final show (a stream, not there in-person). Illuminations: Reflections of Earth was special. It was timeless, relevant, family, and Disney. Unfortunately, it was all of those things for a different era of TWDC, and the things that made it exactly that no longer apply to this era - a timeless message, a relevant message, a family message, and a uniquely Disney message. No characters, no talking, no tie-ins of any sort, just an inspirational show, one hopeful for the future. Those are what (allegedly) matter to guests now, not nighttime shows designed to move you and inspire you.

To all involved with the creation and operation of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth for the past 20 years - Thank you. It will be missed.
↩ replying to realBobChapek
↩ replying to marni1971
fun fact: that suit has no sleeves
↩ replying to Jeffxz
Did you take this photo over my head? I was essentially where you were standing.
😢 So we come to the end of the road. It's a natural you belong to me, I belong to you.
↩ replying to HauntedPirate
Can we share the heck out of this, please?!
↩ replying to AndyS2992
Filming lady should have been more concerned about ruining the experience of other people who were there - sorry, but they paid to be there, they have a right to enjoy the show, too, her live-stream doesn't take priority over that. Other lady should NOT have touched filming lady's umbrella, but I get why she did.