Figment Asks "Can They Imagine, too?"

Now that Imagineer Zach Riddley's EPCOT seems almost complete, like many fans of Figment, I'd make a hard to disprove case that the original EPCOT Center attraction Journey into Imagination is the most beloved Disney attraction created since Pirates of the Caribbean. Before that, I say the most beloved attraction title was given to Disneyland's opening day classic Peter Pan's Flight. I'll be very, very curious to see how the revisions to the second park at Walt Disney World bring in the crowds, ie. increased attendance or flattened. Are Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, The Journey of Water inspired by Moana and the new night time show Luminous enough?  Will all the changes enhance Epcot's reputation among guests too young to remember when it was great? If it doesn't succeed, the Imagineers can always come back to Figment as they always do when they need a boost in revue and fan excitement. Fans of the purple dragon and his friend Dreamfinder will lap it all up. This one included.  

(Photograph copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Epcot's New Luminous Is A More Than Worthy Replacement for Harmonious

 It's not Reflections of Earth, the great nighttime show of Epcot Past. But it's something pretty substantial and clearly in line with the new focus of the park. Epcot's shimmering Luminous - The Symphony of Us is ions better than its predecessor Harmonious. That's not saying much as that show was lacking in many areas.

The theme is executed well. The whole idea of life's journey- starting with a mother's soothing words- and how much we need each other is something our world needs right now. We're so busy hating on those who disagree with us instead of loving them even if we disagree. Perhaps this can be a show to last a decade or more.

Imagineering hit a solid triple when it came to choosing music. Toy Story is unfortunately mined again, but beyond that, it's a rather diverse and clever set of songs. In addition to the new show song, Luminous gives us a taste of Coco, a bit of Frozen, and two very well used songs in So Close (from Enchanted) and I See the Light (from Tangled). Not a Bruno or a Let It Go in sight. Thank God!

The narration is as close to flawless as it gets. Rarely does it go overboard even when the inevitable "We all experience loss" segment comes on. This may be due to the skills of the narrator (sounds like Michelle Yeoh to me) as much as the show writers. A great balance that gives the experience some much needed depth.

Pyrotechnics are spot on with a variety of colors and patterns you'd expect from a First Class creative unit. The water fountains are understated. The lighting of the countries of World Showcase only add to the impact of it all. (Do I torches light? I do not see them in action.)

Will Luminous and the new center of World Celebration make you book a trip to Walt Disney World? Not on its own- but maybe a few more expansions and improvements to the park could change my mind. Anyone else up for a new Journey into Imagination? That'll do the trick!

Watch the great opening night video from Blog Mickey below.