Disney makes a ton of announcements about theme parks, including emerging details about Epcot reboot and Avengers in California

YOU HATE FUN THINGS.

For nightime spectaculars I can understand the push toward Disney-style entertainment and music. One, thousands of people see those shows every night. Sticking the tried and true brand into these shows seems like a crowd pleaser and also is further promotion. (Like they need to remind everyone one more time, but whatever. It’s who they are and what they do)Two, there’s nothing wrong with Disney music. I honestly think it’s some of the most beautiful music ever written and the history of mainstream hits over the years and popularity speaks for itself. Three, what I often hear at the park is “What time are the fireworks?” I’ve come to realize it’s what many families are there to see. And the parks don’t slack in that regard. Everyone leaves happy.

Anyway, for those who think that and silly cartoons are all there is to Disney entertainment, I’d beg to differ. At every visit I’m always so pleasantly surprised by the amount of diverse shows and extraordinary talent sprinkled around the parks and resorts one of my all-time favorite acts is Voices of Liberty at EPCOT. Their singing is superb and there’s a little bit of everything in their preview to American Adventure. Their occasional full shows for holidays are awesome. That’s not all to EPCOT- every day there’s a list of acts that perform around the park, each with a particular cultural bend.

Another place where excellent evening entertainment abounds is Disney Springs. You can’t turn a corner without coming across a live act that’s far away from and above typical amusement park fare. Springs has really stepped up its game in that regard and once again, there’s something for everyone. We also caught really great acts at AK, and not just Lion King or Nemo.

Before I stop I’m going to go out on a limb and say I may be in the minority of people who say IllumiNations had run its course. I’ve seen it many times and the last few I’ve been left with the “already seen it” taste in my mouth. It’s good, but for me it’s time for something else. As to whether or not it’s an improvement, we’ll see. I reckon the new three story observation/party pavilion will be a Fast Pass item and a lot better than the previous arrangement. (Yes, we totally wasted a FP on that show once and were sorry. The “exclusive viewing area” was less than satisfactory and we were hoppin mad) We’ve never done the recommended dessert party.

Illuminations was a crowd pleaser for 20+ years. You can go now and see that it still has all of the feels. The music is the reason, I guarantee it. I'm not saying it hasn't run its course, that's not the issue for me. My issue is that what made it special was that it was a original music, purpose built for that show. It's why they create new themes for the Olympics (some better than others, and more enduring when John Williams wrote them). In fact, Disney is no stranger to custom music written for shows, every bit as timeless as the music from the animated movies. See the "Mainstreet Electrical Parade," "Tiki Room" or "There's A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" as examples still in use.

Yes, I’d agree. The American Adventure is still one of my favorites and it’s the music moreso than the previously-innovative animatronics and stage pieces. If they were to pull Golden Dreams from that show I’d be devastated, so I understand. It makes me puddle up every time.

Maybe I should revisit the IllumiNations music and see how I feel. Later, though. I’m at the Burger King and I hate to bust out crying here.

I’ve mentioned it before, but Rivers of Light in Animal Kingdom has an original score, and IMO it works very well. Not quite Illuminations well, but still good.

https://open.spotify.com/album/5cvtz8yCRsxrXMWjmp2bZ2?si=U-Aa3J2BRPCcdRh5t1eqyA

I guess this doesn't show a ton, but it certainly shows some original music for the interim show. And drones

Technically those are from classic Epcot attractions and not original to the interim show. One could argue it's no different from pulling in scores from films rather than rides as a reference, but I agree with you that an original score created for the new show could be great. Maybe they want the IP, maybe they don't think they can top the original.

Original art in any form always worth applauding, though I will say the World of Color show circa 2014 was full of IP / movie music and I still found it very cool. But it just doesn't feel as Epcot to me. Time will tell.

Jeff said:

small quibble with MSEP, as didn’t they steal Baroque Hoedown and then eventually buy the guy off? (My Disney music history is a tad lacking)