![]() ![]() We’re no longer looking at the next millennium and new frontiers. These final lines connect to each of our daily lives and a sense of purpose. That message remains with Illuminations and especially in the upbeat tone of “We Go On”. This optimistic view is what drew me to Future World as a kid. We should continue to “ discover new frontiers” and not lose sight of what’s possible. Those attractions remind us there is always more to learn. Large post-show areas extended the theme well beyond the main presentation. The attractions were just the starting point for new ideas and excitement about the future. We can only thrive if we don’t fall prey to despair.ĮPCOT Center conveyed a convincing feeling of discovery within each pavilion. Things may not be what I hope for now and challenges are everywhere, but they can improve if we stay diligent. Given current difficult happenings in this country (and beyond), I can identify strongly with this point. There will be joy and tears, but we will keep moving forward. We’ve reached the refrain, which recognizes that not everything will be ideal. Who knows what we can accomplish in the new millennium? With the right attitude, anything is possible. This version of Illuminations was developed for the Millennium Celebration, which connects directly to the thousand years indicated by the “ circles ‘round the sun”. We’re all looking for new horizons for you and me. It’s easy to connect this idea to the wonderful Horizons attraction, particularly the line about “ our dreams begin another”. ![]() The next lines just build on that message of looking towards a “ new horizon” to improve on past accomplishments. It transcended the concept of a theme park and connected with our core as people. That sentiment was everywhere in the original EPCOT Center, which looked ahead with excitement. Instead of getting cynical, let’s “ take the future in our hand” and improve it. Essentially, we are all here together and should work to build a better tomorrow. Instead, we’re taking a little time to understand our current place. We aren’t just rushing towards the next thrilling firework. A quiet moment connects directly to Coffee singing about “ the stillness of the night”. Illuminations masterfully adjusts its pace multiple times to provide a more convincing message. Let’s dive further into this song and how it connects to the original theme of EPCOT Center. Gavin Greenaway’s music and Don Dorsey’s lyrics combine with Coffee’s voice to deliver an inspiring experience. When Kellie Coffee’s voice booms across the lagoon, “We Go On” creates a much larger impact than it does apart from the show. That tone has been diminished in the park due to questionable creative choices from Disney, but it remains with Illuminations. After a quiet interlude in the show’s middle, the action picks up again and leads effectively into the climactic song.Įntitled “Hope for the Future”, the final act perfectly embodies what I love about the spirit of Epcot. The torches surrounding the lagoon create just the right mood for something magical and mysterious. The fireworks are stunning, and the mix of music and pyrotechnics is marvelous. That is where the similarities end, however. Guests circle the lagoon and prepare for one last highlight before heading home or back to their hotel. Illuminations is the type of fireworks show that concludes the day at many theme parks around the world. I love the simple optimism of the idea that we’ll keep moving forward as individuals and humanity in general. This article focuses on the inspiring message of this show, specifically through its climactic song “We Go On”. Disney also gave us plenty of advance notice, so fans will have time to experience Illuminations before its end next summer. ![]() I’m sad about the change next summer but appreciate that Epcot’s nighttime spectacular operated for two decades. This is not an article complaining about the loss of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |