Tears boys. Goddamn this show was magic. I saw it on it's first night when I was a kid, soon after my mother got a job at epcot so I probably saw it 500+ times and just last year I caught the last viewing of it. My family and I cried like we lost a loved one. That is how awesome and touching this show was. When I was 16 and got my liscense the first place I drove was from Sumter county to Orlando to see these fireworks. Had my first date and kissed my first girl to these fireworks, Drank my first legal beer to these fireworks..sweet nostalgia. RIP IllumiNations.
Can't beat that my friend... I proposed to my wife during this show right at the end, the timing of the pyrotechnics and music was almost out of a movie. Sad to think we haven't been able to go back since, and now we'll never be able to see the show again.......
I'm not a crier! Having said that, when I learned that there was no more possibility of me seeing this in person after watching it countless times while my dad, brother, and grandmother worked there while I was young....I was very emotional! I'm so grateful that people recorded the show before it was no more! This song and that show will ALWAYS bring back fond memories of my childhood and life in a Disney family!
I cried too! 😍This whole show is at the core of my soul!!!!🥰 Filled with soo much universal DIVINE LOVE Past, Present, Future!! No other show competes with this! 🕊️🏆🥇
That is one heck of a journey you had there with this show. I bet that those 20 years were the best years of your life. I love this show too and have watched it on youtube over 200 times in less than 2 years.
I started tearing up to be honest. Disney World is like my second home. I get nostalgia from the smallest things from a melody of "We Go On" to the monorail audio. It is entirely weird, but that's just me. Disney has really made up a fraction of my life. It's the memories that I have of that place.
+Allison Donofrio It very much does. I don't know one person who doesn't look back on their first trip to Disney and not get this sort of feeling of remembrance. Walt was aiming for the Disney parks to have a special place in our hearts, and oh boy did he succeed. ;)
Music like this has the same effect on me, I was closing my eyes and pretending I was there! Many special memories at WDW, I got goosebumps and was crying.
I remember rushing with my parents to by this CD at one of the shops around the lake after the fireworks were over. Incredible show that I'll always remember
7:56 | It's December 31st 1999, and you are watching the ABC 2000 coverage of the new millennium with Peter Jennings, the coverage starts, and then suddenly you heard this theme.
Good evening. On behalf of Walt Disney World, the place where dreams come true, we welcome you to EPCOT and World Showcase. We've gathered here tonight around the fire, as people of all land have gathered for thousands and thousands of years before us, to share the light, and to share a story. An amazing story, as old as time itself, but still being written. And though each of us have our own individual stories to tell, a true adventure emerges when we bring them all together as one. We hope you'll enjoy our story tonight, "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth".
I worked at Epcot for a year. I absolutely loved this show. And right now, I’m remembering all the late nights with all the special people I spent it with. Whether it was working, or just hanging out at the park with friends, I cried during this show. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When September comes, and she’s gone forever, I’m going to cry, a lot. I love you, Illuminations. We will go on.
you can say that again! about the only good things at MK are the parades (well MSEP at least). FoF feels like it's missing something..now what is it,OH YEAH!...the CASTLE FLOAT!
VenetianTemper I think that both wishes (basically my childhood) and IROE are amazing (haven't seen dreams yet)!!! If I had to choose one I'd choose IROE.
yep... Harmonious just debuted yesterday and its already disappointing. That and Epcot Forever never quite captured the special meaning that Illuminations did.
I agree! Illuminations was incredible! People, by the thousands, would stand around the lake, each and every night, to take home those dear memories of this show! The World Showcase taught the attendees about its different cultures and their way of living. Education was key! They taught that imagination, conservation and history are all important parts of life! But now, Disney seems to have a different agenda, and the magic is gone! The company only sees dollar signs. Magic moments have disappeared, and the customer service is out the window! Disney 2024 vs Disney 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s are two different experiences! Parents could take their families and feel good about their time spent! Not today! So not today! Lightning lane is despicable! Mid to lower middle class families can't afford Lightning lane. It cost enough to get in the gate! A family of 5+ may split some counter service meals, and wait forever to ride whatever they're in line for! All while watching others ride before them. People will leave, never wanting to come back, and Disney will lose generations of families in the long run! Their plan is to put a sub-par product out there and expect a maximum return, short term, on their investment! And in 10 years, you will see that WDW is just another Six Flags, with some old buildings that remind people of what this place was like at some point in the past! This is why this show meant so much to me! Reminds me of awesome times with my family, learning about other cultures, and on occasion, meeting people from around the globe. Our world teaches us division today and now the place where some of our fondest memories were made is doing the same thing! Thank you Illuminations for allowing me to have a glimpse of hope in mankind! I'd rather stay home, watch videos of better days gone by and hope that someone at the executive level remembers that Walt Disney had a heart for the American family! The executives seem to have lost that vision!
I agree! Illuminations was incredible! People, by the thousands, would stand around the lake, each and every night, to take home those dear memories of this show! The World Showcase taught the attendees about its different cultures and their way of living. Education was key! They taught that imagination, conservation and history are all important parts of life! But now, Disney seems to have a different agenda, and the magic is gone! The company only sees dollar signs. Magic moments have disappeared, and the customer service is out the window! Disney 2024 vs Disney 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s are two different experiences! Parents could take their families and feel good about their time spent! Not today! So not today! Lightning lane is despicable! Mid to lower middle class families can't afford Lightning lane. It cost enough to get in the gate! A family of 5+ may split some counter service meals, and wait forever to ride whatever they're in line for! All while watching others ride before them. People will leave, never wanting to come back, and Disney will lose generations of families in the long run! Their plan is to put a sub-par product out there and expect a maximum return, short term, on their investment! And in 10 years, you will see that WDW is just another Six Flags, with some old buildings that remind people of what this place was like at some point in the past! This is why this show meant so much to me! Reminds me of awesome times with my family, learning about other cultures, and on occasion, meeting people from around the globe. Our world teaches us division today and now the place where some of our fondest memories were made is doing the same thing! Thank you Illuminations for allowing me to have a glimpse of hope in mankind! I'd rather stay home, watch videos of better days gone by and hope that someone at the executive level remembers that Walt Disney had a heart for the American family! The executives seem to have lost that vision!
UNA RADIO DE ARGENTINA USABA ESTA CORTINA MUSICAL EN LOS PARTIDOS DE BOCA... SE REFLEJABA TODO ESO... AÑOS 2000 EN ADELANTE... SITUACIONES EXTREMAS VS AMERICA DE MEXICO EN EL 2000... CONTRA PALMEIRAS... LOS PENALES... GANARLE AL REAL MADRID... PERDER CON OLIMPIA SE PARAGUAY EN EL 2002... VOLVER Y GANAR LA LIBERTADORES SIN PESTAÑEAR EN EL 2003...GANARLE AL MILAN.. PERDER LA FINAL CON UN EQUIPO DESCONOCIDO COMO ONCE CALDAS DE COLOMBIA EN EL 2004... VOLVER A SALIR CAMPEON EN EL 2007... HOY... NO GANAMOS NADA... PERO ESTAMOS TRANQUILOS... VIMOS TODO. 💪🏾💪🏾💙💛💙⚽⚽🥇🏆
I am sure gonna miss this show when it ends. This is possibly the most musically complex composition ever written for a fireworks show, especially the part at 8:35 where it launches into 7/4 time! I remember first hearing that in the ads for Epcot shown on the TV at the resorts. But the only thing missing from the score is that large cluster of fireworks explosions at the very end! Get goosebumps every time.
I finally got to see this show in person on my 21st birthday, on July 17, 2015. Actually, I officially turned 21 just as "We Go On" was starting (around 9:10pm, I think). I started crying when the chorus began and the lanterns relit. It was all just too beautiful to take.
Chris P I was very young when I first saw the show and it has always held a very special place in my heart. this show is one of the main reasons I love EPCOT
Man that's beautiful! Disney also helped make my birthday a memorable one only instead of my 21st birthday it was my 18th. (Well technically it was the day after but whatever.) The very first thing my twin sister and I got to sign as legal consenting adults was a waiver to be in the water segment of the Hollywood back lot tour. It was a good thing we did that because the ride closed all together a few months later.
I played an arrangement of this in high school 21 years ago, I can still see the sheet music in my head. I got to see it at Epcot a year later and it moved me to tears. I just randomly thought of it, looked it up, and I'm getting misty eyed all over again two decades later.
@@lapisgamer5549 ours went from 3:20 through 9:30 minus 6:30 through 8:30, and it was blended with Tapestry of Nations. It was part of our halftime field show.
I first saw Illuminations in 2005 and I was completely blown away. It fast became a priority on every trip, never missed a show until it ended. I know a lot of people are upset to see it gone, but I say this... like yearning to go back to our childhood, we cannot go back. But if you live in the present and fully enjoy things as they happen, you will make these new memories last forever. Once me and my wife got married and had our 2 boys, they quickly got to experience Illuminations, along with everything else Disney. I now have the most fun and special memories with them. For anyone upset about its non-existence and how Disney has "changed" I say embrace changes and everything Disney. It is still and will always be one of the most unique and wonderful things on this earth
I cried joyful tears when I was a teenager and saw this show for the fist time. Then, I took my children to watch it. Now, and I can't believe I'm saying this, I've decided it will be part of my memorial video. Life has been hard lately but the memories this music brings and the fact that I can beautifully ugly cry when listening to it means the world. Thank you for keeping the memory alive Danny. I know the new shows are different and I enjoy them a lot, but this will always be my favorite
as a world showcase cast member I can say that I never get sick of this. even though I see/hear it almost every night, I love it everytime. I just need to listen to this music and I in my head I see the whole show with every detail.
I don't know why this music stirs up my emotions, but I get kinda teary at certain parts. Beautiful show, amazing music! Truly some of Disney's best work, as far as their nighttime shows go.
I heard this for the first time running through the Nations, January 2000 in the WDW Half Marathon/Marathon (they were on the same day back then). It was inspiring. The torches were lit, the music was playing, it was about 6:30AM. I have no pictures or film, but I can remember it like yesterday. Later on in the week, we stayed in EPCOT for the fireworks. The music played. To this day, every time I go back and watch IllumiNations, I can still visualize running next to my sister as the torches were lit, the music played, and we ran with inspiration. And each time we cry.
Exact same here. I just always thought it was because I was a musician but there is something so gratifying in the EXACT timing in this portion of the song. It made this show for me. The lyrical part is secondary but that part makes you feel incredible right before they hit you with the moving words. It's really a well constructed piece of music to move you emotionally. I don't think the "we go on" portion would be anywhere near as moving without this musical precursor.
Yeah I'm still salty about it. At least we have the music. Can't legally use it for other stuff though which sucks in a way because I want to keep it alive.
I’m sad too. It was such a uniquely beautiful and moving show. I wish they’d find a way to keep it around, but I know they like to mix things up so people won’t get bored and stop coming to the parks.
I'm back, to cry to the final song. I never got to see Iroe, but I held it in my heart every single night on the Disney minecraft McParks, and witnessed it until it too ..ended. and with the current events, I really needed to just...hear this song. We can go on.
Somehow, the music just carries the feeling of Hope with it. From 4:26 on, it makes my heart swell and almost brings me to tears, but I can't explain why.
they can bring it back if popular demand for it was strong and the new show dosent do well. I'm sure its there plan c. they spent a billion on galaxy's edge to cater to fans, anything is possabal. lets just hope
Was a passholder, and always used a Fastpass for Illuminations every visit to EPCOT (my favorite park anyway), and would queue up 2 hrs early to get a front row place. Loved the off-site music that started about a half-hour before Illuminations began...that was part of the experience of the show, too...the torches...the opening monologue...the breath that blew us into darkness as the drums began...I knew exactly when the globe came alive...when each "land" relit its pavilion...the final blast of fireworks at the end of "We Go On"...like others have said, I hope they bring it back from time to time, and I hope I'm back at EPCOT when they do...
Tonight’s the night. The last day. I’ll really miss this show, it’s always been my favorite, and I’ll probably miss it even more than I miss The Main Street electrical parade, and that was my favorite parade. The soundtrack to illuminations is just so perfect, and the message is so beautiful. I’ll miss seeing it. Farewell Illuminations.
Random Garbage Is Drowning it’s really sad. I’ve been coming to Disney since 2004 when I was 1-2 years old. And this was the only show I knew. And out of all the Disney shows this one was the best
As a cast member who has listened and watched this a million times, well seems like that, I continue to enjoy the music without having to see the fireworks! It's kind of amazing the images are stored in my brain forever. Goodbye Illuminations in 2019! Welcome whatever comes. As long as I can hear the music, the memories will always be there.
Ugh, will always be one of my top favorite shows at WDW. I bawled like a baby when I saw it for the last time before it closed. I was there the year it opened for the Millennium Celebration and remember being in complete awe. I will definitely miss this one :-(
I am so going to miss this show when it ends next year. I have seen it over 50 times and never gets old. Best show was a night it was delayed 50 minutes due to nasty storm. Very few people stayed. On the rail by Italy with just 6 other people. Love the Holiday add on for the Holidays.
*9:29 PM Mon Sept 30th. From the aftermath of the LAST show of Illuminations* This is it my friends, the end of a legacy. AND WHAT A FANTASTIC WAY TO LEAVE THE NIGHT!!!!!
Thank you all for joining us for this celebration of life. All of us at EPCOT have enjoyed hosting you at World Showcase lagoon, and we hope you have enjoyed "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth", presented by Sylvania, a Siemens company. Thank you, and may all your dreams come true.
The portion from 8:00 was used by ABC Network in its Y2K New Year broadcast, coverage of 2000 and 2004 US presidential elections, and 2009 Obama inauguration. This shows how ABC is proud to become part of Disney Group of Companies.
This piece and this show will always have a place in my heart. Watching Illuminations was always my favorite part about going to Walt Disney World, and I am so incredibly sad to see this show go. This score means so much to me, and is by far my favorite piece of music ever written. I can honestly say that this score is what made me fall in love with music, and is what led me to pursue a career in it. This music was one of the few scores to come out of the florida parks, and it has done a stellar job at touching the lives of so many the past 20 years it has premiered at Epcot. Watching it for the last time a few weeks truly brought me to tears, but I am so incredibly glad this show was around when it was. Thank you for everything Gavin Greenaway and Disney.
As a first timer Australian going to Disney world in 2014 reflections was by far the best night time spectacular I enjoyed and will always be in my memories as wth my trip currently looking forward to visiting again some time in the near future
I remember this show and all of its beauty. Even coming from someone who listens to death metal this is something that is a true inspiration. RIP to this show.
❤ I worked at the park for over a year. My best memory closing down the restaurant after the fireworks. Such a meaningful song. IllumiNATION supremacy over the current one.
I was probably 7 or 8 years old when I saw this show, and to this day it was the most magical day of my life. I'll never forget how I felt that night.⭐
Totally agreed. I've long said that, for majestic Disney scores like this, I would pay good money to sit in on the studio recording, quiet as a mouse, and just absorb the magnificence firsthand
I got to see this one last time, after fifteen years, I took my very close friend for her first time to Epcot ever. She got to witness Illuminations after years of me rambling about how amazing it is. Reliving my childhood, and seeing the absolute purity on her face melted my cold heart for the first time in a long time. Rest in Peace Illuminations. May we one day be honored to have it make a return.
I was in middle school in 2000 and I'll never forget being on one of our family Disney vacations and watching the Tapestry of Nations parade in the afternoon, followed by Reflections of Earth at night. These performances absolutely touched my soul and changed my life for the better--they just struck deep. And when i got the Millennium Celebration CD (possibly for Christmas), I was absolutely thrilled. I am so sad this show is long over, but each time I listen to this soundtrack, I cannot help but get goosebumps and, frequently, I tear up, because it's so powerful, beautiful, magnificent, and perfect!
To think we are going from what is arguably one of the greatest musical compositions of the 20th century to a montage of songs from Disney movies in the new show is nothing short of a travesty.
IllumiNations will always have a special place in my heart. The few times in my life that I was lucky enough to visit EPCOT I would cry happy tears every time I watched this show. Of course I love all of the Disney firework shows, but something about this one in particular made me feel so emotional and so moved.
I went to Disney World for the first time last November. My brother was wanting me to go again with him this year, and I kept debating back and forth in my head whether I could afford it, whether I wanted to, etc. I listened to this today, just on a whim, and... well... it kinda sealed the deal for me.
I love this stimulating soundtrack! I've seen this show in person dozens of times, as a pass-holder who lives in Orlando, but it never gets old. I even have the fireworks patterns memorized! I plan to see it again on Saturday night with my family. First time with my daughter and her family, so it will be a special occasion for me!
I just watched the last show tonight at the park. I gotta say, I’m pretty happy with the send off it got! I didn’t think as many people cared about this show, so while it was pretty harrowing to see so many people, it was heartwarming to see that so many people cared about the show. Everyone clapped, sang, smiled and cried together. It was wonderful. And you know, I really feel like that’s what Disney is all about besides all the news around companies and money and all that stuff. It’s about the magic, the magic of putting a smile on a child’s face, the magic of coming together as one to say goodbye to something we all love so dearly, and to move on together with our arms linked in harmony. It really is something to hear an ocean of people sing together, remembering the happy memories and creating new ones. You could feel the magic in the air. I can still feel it during this car ride home. I don’t know the last time I’ve had a smile for this long. It’s always sad to say goodbye to something so incredible and awesome, but as the show says itself: we move on. IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth will always be my favorite nighttime show and will always be in my heart.
Omg...I just saw this the other day twice *due to being in Epcot more than once* and it was so amazing, we stood near the bridge in between France and England I believe, and ate fish and chips from England in just our socks. So much fun:3 I remember running down the Japanese Edo restaurant stairs to get to Mitsukoshi - and the music at 6:45 was playing. Unfortunately we got there at just closing time, and they didn't let us in, so we just watched the rest of this show even tho I couldn't shop till the next day ~ memories :)
Gavin Greenaway's anthem has never been equaled. It's a visceral experience that cuts to the soul. Playing it on my surround system is an immersive, fantastical event. Greenaway's shifts from haunting to joyful, mysterious, and then, sheer exuberance for the finale lift the spirit. A real roller coaster auditory experience.
First saw this in 2015 with the Christmas special. It was December 23rd, 2015. Best firework show I've ever seen. Went back in August of 2021, and it was gone. Heatbreaking. I loved the spinning globe
I so love this show, I’m so sad to hear it’s ending this year. I’ve just taken my 7-year old son to Epcot and this blew him away. I’m glad I got to share this with him before it closes. So many happy memories are wrapped up in this for me. I saw this a number of times in the past with my parents. My Dad sadly passed away in 2015, and this makes me tear up for more reasons now than it just being a wonderful show.
I'm surprised more people haven't listened to this awesome music. I have an appreciation for it because I was actually there. I'd see the show over and over again if I could, spectacular firework displays and very meaningful. Disney outdid themselves with this one.
I'm going to be working in Epcot from July! I cannot wait! My favourite theme park ever! and this is my favourite show! Amazing how it unifies all nations so well, it demonstrates how we are all one! Rock on Disney!!!
This fireworks show is one of my favorites! Also the music is used in the welcome video at customs at Orlando airport, it always gets me psyched up for going!
man this brings back amazing memories... epcot is my favorite park.... and i especially like the part that begins at 2:31 its so peaceful sounding.. i am listening to it on repeat.
Brings me back to Marching Band. :D Wonderful memories. So glad I found this. Thank you, Danny94James for posting this. It means a great deal to me. :) Company front at 8:01. Those were the best days of my life.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Tears boys. Goddamn this show was magic. I saw it on it's first night when I was a kid, soon after my mother got a job at epcot so I probably saw it 500+ times and just last year I caught the last viewing of it. My family and I cried like we lost a loved one. That is how awesome and touching this show was. When I was 16 and got my liscense the first place I drove was from Sumter county to Orlando to see these fireworks. Had my first date and kissed my first girl to these fireworks, Drank my first legal beer to these fireworks..sweet nostalgia. RIP IllumiNations.
Can't beat that my friend... I proposed to my wife during this show right at the end, the timing of the pyrotechnics and music was almost out of a movie. Sad to think we haven't been able to go back since, and now we'll never be able to see the show again.......
I'm not a crier! Having said that, when I learned that there was no more possibility of me seeing this in person after watching it countless times while my dad, brother, and grandmother worked there while I was young....I was very emotional! I'm so grateful that people recorded the show before it was no more! This song and that show will ALWAYS bring back fond memories of my childhood and life in a Disney family!
I cried too! 😍This whole show is at the core of my soul!!!!🥰 Filled with soo much universal DIVINE LOVE Past, Present, Future!! No other show competes with this! 🕊️🏆🥇
That is one heck of a journey you had there with this show. I bet that those 20 years were the best years of your life. I love this show too and have watched it on youtube over 200 times in less than 2 years.
Its been officially 1 year you've been gone but haven't left our hearts
About 5 years now :-(
It’s 9:04 pm EST on Sept. 30, 2019. Illuminations is going on for the final time. God bless you illuminations. Forever!
already happened D:
Da Skillet farewell illuminations. You were the best show at Disney
WAIT NO! IT'S NO LONGER PERFORMED?! @.@ I.. I feel like I just lost part of myself.
@@christopherlopez5134 Sameeee
Yes, God Bless. Loved this show and I continue to love His creation.... Earth.
I started tearing up to be honest. Disney World is like my second home. I get nostalgia from the smallest things from a melody of "We Go On" to the monorail audio. It is entirely weird, but that's just me. Disney has really made up a fraction of my life. It's the memories that I have of that place.
Honestly also how I feel as well.
Allison Donofrio I'm glad to know that I'm not alone in this ;)
AllThoseDonutz Definitely not. I may only be in my early 20s and went as a preteen to early teen, it holds a special place in my heart.
+Allison Donofrio It very much does. I don't know one person who doesn't look back on their first trip to Disney and not get this sort of feeling of remembrance. Walt was aiming for the Disney parks to have a special place in our hearts, and oh boy did he succeed. ;)
Music like this has the same effect on me, I was closing my eyes and pretending I was there! Many special memories at WDW, I got goosebumps and was crying.
IllumiNations will never be beat. I wish they'd bring it back.
I remember rushing with my parents to by this CD at one of the shops around the lake after the fireworks were over. Incredible show that I'll always remember
7:56 | It's December 31st 1999, and you are watching the ABC 2000 coverage of the new millennium with Peter Jennings, the coverage starts, and then suddenly you heard this theme.
I actually remember watching ABC 2000 when I was 4 years old
BRING IT BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is way better than the new show.
Good evening. On behalf of Walt Disney World, the place where dreams come true, we welcome you to EPCOT and World Showcase. We've gathered here tonight around the fire, as people of all land have gathered for thousands and thousands of years before us, to share the light, and to share a story. An amazing story, as old as time itself, but still being written. And though each of us have our own individual stories to tell, a true adventure emerges when we bring them all together as one. We hope you'll enjoy our story tonight, "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth".
(blows out the candles, queue music)
You mean accelerating drum.
*Everything gets dark and the torches light*
Reading that I got so emotional
+MspLucyPlayz I got chills and teared up a bit
This score, the intro especially, has no business going this hard. Played this back in high school for band. We bodied it.
Fr though. The intro and the "celebration" part literally goes hard,
We’re playing it this year for band
@@johnfontana5885 GO HARD!!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
I saw a show being done with it that had the globe and they lit it up
I worked at Epcot for a year. I absolutely loved this show. And right now, I’m remembering all the late nights with all the special people I spent it with. Whether it was working, or just hanging out at the park with friends, I cried during this show. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When September comes, and she’s gone forever, I’m going to cry, a lot. I love you, Illuminations. We will go on.
Now you're making me cry with the last words you used 😭😭😭
Forget the Magic Kingdom, this was the show to see in Disney World.
you can say that again! about the only good things at MK are the parades (well MSEP at least). FoF feels like it's missing something..now what is it,OH YEAH!...the CASTLE FLOAT!
+Brownie875cp I totally agree
VenetianTemper I think that both wishes (basically my childhood) and IROE are amazing (haven't seen dreams yet)!!! If I had to choose one I'd choose IROE.
There both great but l choose illuminations
Amen, this is the best WDW has to offer. A shame they are going to eleminate it
Don't think Disney will ever get it as right in the future as they did with this show. I miss it already :(
I agree!!!
Yup but the ceo was the worst shoe give me 2 million bonus
yep... Harmonious just debuted yesterday and its already disappointing. That and Epcot Forever never quite captured the special meaning that Illuminations did.
This is the best thing Disney has ever created. I cry every time.
I agree! Illuminations was incredible! People, by the thousands, would stand around the lake, each and every night, to take home those dear memories of this show! The World Showcase taught the attendees about its different cultures and their way of living. Education was key! They taught that imagination, conservation and history are all important parts of life! But now, Disney seems to have a different agenda, and the magic is gone! The company only sees dollar signs. Magic moments have disappeared, and the customer service is out the window! Disney 2024 vs Disney 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s are two different experiences! Parents could take their families and feel good about their time spent! Not today! So not today! Lightning lane is despicable! Mid to lower middle class families can't afford Lightning lane. It cost enough to get in the gate! A family of 5+ may split some counter service meals, and wait forever to ride whatever they're in line for! All while watching others ride before them. People will leave, never wanting to come back, and Disney will lose generations of families in the long run! Their plan is to put a sub-par product out there and expect a maximum return, short term, on their investment! And in 10 years, you will see that WDW is just another Six Flags, with some old buildings that remind people of what this place was like at some point in the past! This is why this show meant so much to me! Reminds me of awesome times with my family, learning about other cultures, and on occasion, meeting people from around the globe. Our world teaches us division today and now the place where some of our fondest memories were made is doing the same thing! Thank you Illuminations for allowing me to have a glimpse of hope in mankind! I'd rather stay home, watch videos of better days gone by and hope that someone at the executive level remembers that Walt Disney had a heart for the American family! The executives seem to have lost that vision!
I agree! Illuminations was incredible! People, by the thousands, would stand around the lake, each and every night, to take home those dear memories of this show! The World Showcase taught the attendees about its different cultures and their way of living. Education was key! They taught that imagination, conservation and history are all important parts of life! But now, Disney seems to have a different agenda, and the magic is gone! The company only sees dollar signs. Magic moments have disappeared, and the customer service is out the window! Disney 2024 vs Disney 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s are two different experiences! Parents could take their families and feel good about their time spent! Not today! So not today! Lightning lane is despicable! Mid to lower middle class families can't afford Lightning lane. It cost enough to get in the gate! A family of 5+ may split some counter service meals, and wait forever to ride whatever they're in line for! All while watching others ride before them. People will leave, never wanting to come back, and Disney will lose generations of families in the long run! Their plan is to put a sub-par product out there and expect a maximum return, short term, on their investment! And in 10 years, you will see that WDW is just another Six Flags, with some old buildings that remind people of what this place was like at some point in the past! This is why this show meant so much to me! Reminds me of awesome times with my family, learning about other cultures, and on occasion, meeting people from around the globe. Our world teaches us division today and now the place where some of our fondest memories were made is doing the same thing! Thank you Illuminations for allowing me to have a glimpse of hope in mankind! I'd rather stay home, watch videos of better days gone by and hope that someone at the executive level remembers that Walt Disney had a heart for the American family! The executives seem to have lost that vision!
0:00 - Acceleration (Prologue)
0:26 - Chaos
2:07 - Space
3:40 - Life
4:41 - Adventure
8:01 - Home
8:35 - Celebration
9:31 - We Go On (Meaning)
UNA RADIO DE ARGENTINA USABA ESTA CORTINA MUSICAL EN LOS PARTIDOS DE BOCA... SE REFLEJABA TODO ESO... AÑOS 2000 EN ADELANTE... SITUACIONES EXTREMAS VS AMERICA DE MEXICO EN EL 2000... CONTRA PALMEIRAS... LOS PENALES... GANARLE AL REAL MADRID... PERDER CON OLIMPIA SE PARAGUAY EN EL 2002... VOLVER Y GANAR LA LIBERTADORES SIN PESTAÑEAR EN EL 2003...GANARLE AL MILAN.. PERDER LA FINAL CON UN EQUIPO DESCONOCIDO COMO ONCE CALDAS DE COLOMBIA EN EL 2004... VOLVER A SALIR CAMPEON EN EL 2007... HOY... NO GANAMOS NADA... PERO ESTAMOS TRANQUILOS... VIMOS TODO. 💪🏾💪🏾💙💛💙⚽⚽🥇🏆
I am sure gonna miss this show when it ends. This is possibly the most musically complex composition ever written for a fireworks show, especially the part at 8:35 where it launches into 7/4 time! I remember first hearing that in the ads for Epcot shown on the TV at the resorts. But the only thing missing from the score is that large cluster of fireworks explosions at the very end! Get goosebumps every time.
Was here 2000 best ever hols
I wasn't expecting to literally cry listening to this on my way to work.
Brought up our daughters to this beautiful orchestral delight. Please come back😢❤
4/10/18.... senior year High School Band Trip..... I miss this show 😭😭😭😭
I finally got to see this show in person on my 21st birthday, on July 17, 2015.
Actually, I officially turned 21 just as "We Go On" was starting (around 9:10pm, I think).
I started crying when the chorus began and the lanterns relit. It was all just too beautiful to take.
That's so cool, you've also got the same birthday as Disneyland in California lol
Chris P I was very young when I first saw the show and it has always held a very special place in my heart. this show is one of the main reasons I love EPCOT
Chris P
Chris P first time I saw it I also started crying.
Man that's beautiful! Disney also helped make my birthday a memorable one only instead of my 21st birthday it was my 18th. (Well technically it was the day after but whatever.) The very first thing my twin sister and I got to sign as legal consenting adults was a waiver to be in the water segment of the Hollywood back lot tour. It was a good thing we did that because the ride closed all together a few months later.
Apparently, they stopped giving out the Golden Ticket award for best outdoor night show. Because Illuminations won it 11 years in a row.
I played an arrangement of this in high school 21 years ago, I can still see the sheet music in my head. I got to see it at Epcot a year later and it moved me to tears. I just randomly thought of it, looked it up, and I'm getting misty eyed all over again two decades later.
I sang in it! A friend who also sang in it just sent it to me!! ❤🎉😢😊
What part of the song did your arrangement start? 4:40 is the start of the arrangement we did
@@lapisgamer5549 ours went from 3:20 through 9:30 minus 6:30 through 8:30, and it was blended with Tapestry of Nations. It was part of our halftime field show.
The most beautiful fireworks show I've ever seen. Simply unforgettable!
I first saw Illuminations in 2005 and I was completely blown away. It fast became a priority on every trip, never missed a show until it ended. I know a lot of people are upset to see it gone, but I say this... like yearning to go back to our childhood, we cannot go back. But if you live in the present and fully enjoy things as they happen, you will make these new memories last forever. Once me and my wife got married and had our 2 boys, they quickly got to experience Illuminations, along with everything else Disney. I now have the most fun and special memories with them. For anyone upset about its non-existence and how Disney has "changed" I say embrace changes and everything Disney. It is still and will always be one of the most unique and wonderful things on this earth
I cried joyful tears when I was a teenager and saw this show for the fist time. Then, I took my children to watch it. Now, and I can't believe I'm saying this, I've decided it will be part of my memorial video. Life has been hard lately but the memories this music brings and the fact that I can beautifully ugly cry when listening to it means the world. Thank you for keeping the memory alive Danny. I know the new shows are different and I enjoy them a lot, but this will always be my favorite
Farewell Illuminations. The pyro may be dated but the soundtrack will always be one of the best around.
as a world showcase cast member I can say that I never get sick of this. even though I see/hear it almost every night, I love it everytime. I just need to listen to this music and I in my head I see the whole show with every detail.
Same
It's fantastic! Especially first part is so dynamic!
I don't know why this music stirs up my emotions, but I get kinda teary at certain parts. Beautiful show, amazing music! Truly some of Disney's best work, as far as their nighttime shows go.
The BEST!!!Magical!!!
Ditto
Please, please, please bring this back!
Man, the build up and hit at 8:18 is just incredible
I heard this for the first time running through the Nations, January 2000 in the WDW Half Marathon/Marathon (they were on the same day back then). It was inspiring. The torches were lit, the music was playing, it was about 6:30AM. I have no pictures or film, but I can remember it like yesterday.
Later on in the week, we stayed in EPCOT for the fireworks. The music played. To this day, every time I go back and watch IllumiNations, I can still visualize running next to my sister as the torches were lit, the music played, and we ran with inspiration. And each time we cry.
That sounds incredible.
The shiver going through your body though at 8:01...
+Michael Samuel Thank God I'm not the only one....
I just got accepted into the disney college program today and 8:01 played in my head while reading the email lol
That's the best part in the whole song
I haven't even pressed play yet and know exactly what part you're talking about.
Exact same here. I just always thought it was because I was a musician but there is something so gratifying in the EXACT timing in this portion of the song. It made this show for me. The lyrical part is secondary but that part makes you feel incredible right before they hit you with the moving words. It's really a well constructed piece of music to move you emotionally. I don't think the "we go on" portion would be anywhere near as moving without this musical precursor.
I know it sounds dramatic but I can't believe I will never see this show in person again🥺
Yeah I'm still salty about it. At least we have the music. Can't legally use it for other stuff though which sucks in a way because I want to keep it alive.
A tragedy in retrospect.
Very sad I watched it every night for 5 months when I did the dcp there
I’m sad too. It was such a uniquely beautiful and moving show. I wish they’d find a way to keep it around, but I know they like to mix things up so people won’t get bored and stop coming to the parks.
Especially since it’s where and when I asked my wife to marry me right at the end. Fireworks, music boom boom boom it was movie picture perfect!
4:45 - 6:30....gives me the chills and tears every time! That is my Disney :') Love it all but the bit gets me every time
So uplifting and hopeful!
Can't believe it's been a year. I went to the last show a year ago today on my Disney College Program!
I'm not crying. You're crying.
+BabyBeazle I am crying *cries* ;w;
Cries forever
9:50, here come the waterworks
BabyBeazle have you seen the new Happily Ever After? That killed me.
I'm back, to cry to the final song. I never got to see Iroe, but I held it in my heart every single night on the Disney minecraft McParks, and witnessed it until it too ..ended. and with the current events, I really needed to just...hear this song. We can go on.
The best show Disney has and will forever make
Somehow, the music just carries the feeling of Hope with it. From 4:26 on, it makes my heart swell and almost brings me to tears, but I can't explain why.
Anyone here trying to listen to the sound track because they won’t be able to see reflections of earth ever again after 9/30/2019? 😔
Why?
Ruben Gonzalez it is being replaced by another fireworks show
Ruben Gonzalez it was replaced by a new show.
In my opinion this new show has nothing on Illuminations. It can’t even compare
they can bring it back if popular demand for it was strong and the new show dosent do well. I'm sure its there plan c. they spent a billion on galaxy's edge to cater to fans, anything is possabal. lets just hope
Long live Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.
May your spirit live on within the next firework shows.
Was a passholder, and always used a Fastpass for Illuminations every visit to EPCOT (my favorite park anyway), and would queue up 2 hrs early to get a front row place. Loved the off-site music that started about a half-hour before Illuminations began...that was part of the experience of the show, too...the torches...the opening monologue...the breath that blew us into darkness as the drums began...I knew exactly when the globe came alive...when each "land" relit its pavilion...the final blast of fireworks at the end of "We Go On"...like others have said, I hope they bring it back from time to time, and I hope I'm back at EPCOT when they do...
Got to see it on the last night will definitely miss it my child hood was this when growing up :(
The fact that there is so much love for this makes me smile.
Tonight’s the night. The last day. I’ll really miss this show, it’s always been my favorite, and I’ll probably miss it even more than I miss The Main Street electrical parade, and that was my favorite parade. The soundtrack to illuminations is just so perfect, and the message is so beautiful. I’ll miss seeing it. Farewell Illuminations.
Random Garbage Is Drowning it’s really sad. I’ve been coming to Disney since 2004 when I was 1-2 years old. And this was the only show I knew. And out of all the Disney shows this one was the best
Missing this show :(
Me Too
Legit sitting at home crying cause I know I won’t ever see this again in real life
Shoitu it’s so hurtful, it was such a good show, shouldn’t be gone :/
SAME
@@neon__dragon47 it’s just so sad to this day nothing has been close to this shows caliber and connection
I think this is one of the greatest musical compositions of ALL TIME
Bring this show back!!!
As a cast member who has listened and watched this a million times, well seems like that, I continue to enjoy the music without having to see the fireworks! It's kind of amazing the images are stored in my brain forever. Goodbye Illuminations in 2019! Welcome whatever comes. As long as I can hear the music, the memories will always be there.
Ugh, will always be one of my top favorite shows at WDW. I bawled like a baby when I saw it for the last time before it closed. I was there the year it opened for the Millennium Celebration and remember being in complete awe. I will definitely miss this one :-(
The last few minutes always send shivers down my spine. Well played Disney
I am so going to miss this show when it ends next year. I have seen it over 50 times and never gets old. Best show was a night it was delayed 50 minutes due to nasty storm. Very few people stayed. On the rail by Italy with just 6 other people. Love the Holiday add on for the Holidays.
Agree with the holidays add on
*9:29 PM Mon Sept 30th. From the aftermath of the LAST show of Illuminations* This is it my friends, the end of a legacy.
AND WHAT A FANTASTIC WAY TO LEAVE THE NIGHT!!!!!
Thank you all for joining us for this celebration of life. All of us at EPCOT have enjoyed hosting you at World Showcase lagoon, and we hope you have enjoyed "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth", presented by Sylvania, a Siemens company. Thank you, and may all your dreams come true.
best epcot fireworks show. case and point.
One of, if not THE best soundtrack to come out of a nighttime spectacular
The portion from 8:00 was used by ABC Network in its Y2K New Year broadcast, coverage of 2000 and 2004 US presidential elections, and 2009 Obama inauguration. This shows how ABC is proud to become part of Disney Group of Companies.
tambien la usaban en Argentina en una radio llamada Continental cuando habia algun partido de futbol, linda parte!
The very best fireworks show in Disney and how long I’ve missed seeing it!
You just can't imagine how fantastic this show is until you see it in real life
My apologies to anyone who missed it.
This piece and this show will always have a place in my heart. Watching Illuminations was always my favorite part about going to Walt Disney World, and I am so incredibly sad to see this show go. This score means so much to me, and is by far my favorite piece of music ever written. I can honestly say that this score is what made me fall in love with music, and is what led me to pursue a career in it. This music was one of the few scores to come out of the florida parks, and it has done a stellar job at touching the lives of so many the past 20 years it has premiered at Epcot. Watching it for the last time a few weeks truly brought me to tears, but I am so incredibly glad this show was around when it was. Thank you for everything Gavin Greenaway and Disney.
9:50 this the hardest song parents will cry watching there little babies becoming adults and moving on to the future.
Even Walt Disney himself
Agreed. He was and is a man of vision. The Shigeru Miyamoto of his day.
As a first timer Australian going to Disney world in 2014 reflections was by far the best night time spectacular I enjoyed and will always be in my memories as wth my trip currently looking forward to visiting again some time in the near future
Best fireworks display and soundtrack KNOWN TO MANKIND! Totally worth the price of the ticket! I tear up at 8:01. SO EPIC
So true.
Love the WHOLE song but agree that 8:01 def brings on the power of the song....and it's my favorite part of the song lol
That part always gives me chills but your right, it is completely worth the ticket
Man how I miss this night time experience!😔😔😔😔😔😔😔
I remember this show and all of its beauty. Even coming from someone who listens to death metal this is something that is a true inspiration. RIP to this show.
❤ I worked at the park for over a year. My best memory closing down the restaurant after the fireworks. Such a meaningful song. IllumiNATION supremacy over the current one.
I was probably 7 or 8 years old when I saw this show, and to this day it was the most magical day of my life. I'll never forget how I felt that night.⭐
I'm glad I'm not the only one trying to hold back tears while listening to this.
What I would give to perform this sountrack or see an orchestra play it live 😭😭😭
bro literalllllyy
Totally agreed. I've long said that, for majestic Disney scores like this, I would pay good money to sit in on the studio recording, quiet as a mouse, and just absorb the magnificence firsthand
Everyone! Play this exactly at 11:48pm on December 31. You won't regret it!
Najay you're a genius
Awww. Thanks! :)
Going to try this!
NaJay You’re such a witty person!’ OMG I CANT TAKE THIS.
NaJay I will
I got to see this one last time, after fifteen years, I took my very close friend for her first time to Epcot ever. She got to witness Illuminations after years of me rambling about how amazing it is. Reliving my childhood, and seeing the absolute purity on her face melted my cold heart for the first time in a long time. Rest in Peace Illuminations. May we one day be honored to have it make a return.
I was in middle school in 2000 and I'll never forget being on one of our family Disney vacations and watching the Tapestry of Nations parade in the afternoon, followed by Reflections of Earth at night. These performances absolutely touched my soul and changed my life for the better--they just struck deep. And when i got the Millennium Celebration CD (possibly for Christmas), I was absolutely thrilled. I am so sad this show is long over, but each time I listen to this soundtrack, I cannot help but get goosebumps and, frequently, I tear up, because it's so powerful, beautiful, magnificent, and perfect!
I can actually visualize the show going on as I listen to the music.
Brings a homesick Disney Fan some comfort to listen to it. Thank you for posting!
This song deserves every award it can possibly get
To think we are going from what is arguably one of the greatest musical compositions of the 20th century to a montage of songs from Disney movies in the new show is nothing short of a travesty.
IllumiNations will always have a special place in my heart. The few times in my life that I was lucky enough to visit EPCOT I would cry happy tears every time I watched this show. Of course I love all of the Disney firework shows, but something about this one in particular made me feel so emotional and so moved.
idgaf about disney world but this is literally the best song ever...
Man.... This song makes me tear up.
I went to Disney World for the first time last November. My brother was wanting me to go again with him this year, and I kept debating back and forth in my head whether I could afford it, whether I wanted to, etc. I listened to this today, just on a whim, and... well... it kinda sealed the deal for me.
I love this stimulating soundtrack! I've seen this show in person dozens of times, as a pass-holder who lives in Orlando, but it never gets old. I even have the fireworks patterns memorized! I plan to see it again on Saturday night with my family. First time with my daughter and her family, so it will be a special occasion for me!
Loved this show best ever always makes me tear up
I just watched the last show tonight at the park. I gotta say, I’m pretty happy with the send off it got! I didn’t think as many people cared about this show, so while it was pretty harrowing to see so many people, it was heartwarming to see that so many people cared about the show. Everyone clapped, sang, smiled and cried together. It was wonderful. And you know, I really feel like that’s what Disney is all about besides all the news around companies and money and all that stuff. It’s about the magic, the magic of putting a smile on a child’s face, the magic of coming together as one to say goodbye to something we all love so dearly, and to move on together with our arms linked in harmony. It really is something to hear an ocean of people sing together, remembering the happy memories and creating new ones. You could feel the magic in the air. I can still feel it during this car ride home. I don’t know the last time I’ve had a smile for this long. It’s always sad to say goodbye to something so incredible and awesome, but as the show says itself: we move on. IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth will always be my favorite nighttime show and will always be in my heart.
Omg...I just saw this the other day twice *due to being in Epcot more than once* and it was so amazing, we stood near the bridge in between France and England I believe, and ate fish and chips from England in just our socks. So much fun:3 I remember running down the Japanese Edo restaurant stairs to get to Mitsukoshi - and the music at 6:45 was playing. Unfortunately we got there at just closing time, and they didn't let us in, so we just watched the rest of this show even tho I couldn't shop till the next day ~ memories :)
Gavin Greenaway's anthem has never been equaled. It's a visceral experience that cuts to the soul. Playing it on my surround system is an immersive, fantastical event. Greenaway's shifts from haunting to joyful, mysterious, and then, sheer exuberance for the finale lift the spirit. A real roller coaster auditory experience.
First saw this in 2015 with the Christmas special. It was December 23rd, 2015. Best firework show I've ever seen. Went back in August of 2021, and it was gone. Heatbreaking. I loved the spinning globe
I so love this show, I’m so sad to hear it’s ending this year. I’ve just taken my 7-year old son to Epcot and this blew him away. I’m glad I got to share this with him before it closes. So many happy memories are wrapped up in this for me. I saw this a number of times in the past with my parents. My Dad sadly passed away in 2015, and this makes me tear up for more reasons now than it just being a wonderful show.
I'm surprised more people haven't listened to this awesome music. I have an appreciation for it because I was actually there. I'd see the show over and over again if I could, spectacular firework displays and very meaningful. Disney outdid themselves with this one.
after watching the new show, i can positively say illuminations was way better
THANK YOU THANK YOU, ANOTHER PERSON AGREES
@@Iuventius i thought i was the only one! 😂
@@shep2210 Everyone is saying how amazing it was while I'm here banging my head against the wall. Lmao
@@Iuventius lol
I completely agree, and most ppl I have seen actually agree as well. A lot of people really dislike EPCOT Forever
It's bizzare that everyone has the same emotions when hearing this, you feel like you've heard and saw something the rest of the world needs to!
I'm going to be working in Epcot from July! I cannot wait! My favourite theme park ever! and this is my favourite show!
Amazing how it unifies all nations so well, it demonstrates how we are all one! Rock on Disney!!!
8:00 to 9:30 best part of the soundtrack
dave joson 0:00-12:00
Totally understand!!! You ARE SO RIGHT!!!!
It just makes my spine chill. I love this part!
Makes me cry every time I watch/listen to the show but such beautiful music :)
This fireworks show is one of my favorites! Also the music is used in the welcome video at customs at Orlando airport, it always gets me psyched up for going!
You know what lessens the chaos of this time. IllumiNations at 1 am in the morning
man this brings back amazing memories... epcot is my favorite park.... and i especially like the part that begins at 2:31 its so peaceful sounding.. i am listening to it on repeat.
Not a good idea listening to this in the office... Tears appeared... Colleagues where looking at me confused...
Michael W nice.
Brings me back to Marching Band. :D Wonderful memories. So glad I found this. Thank you, Danny94James for posting this. It means a great deal to me. :) Company front at 8:01.
Those were the best days of my life.
R.I.P. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth! :(
A watch this mostly every day and I still cry