Late last year it was confirmed for the first time that Harmonious (which is seemingly no longer being stylized as HarmonioUS) will be making its debut at Epcot sometime in spring 2020. In preparation for this opening, work is progressing quickly around Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon on infrastructure for this show, seemingly hinting that we may see an opening sooner rather than later. And though Disney has made no formal announcement about an official opening date just yet, thanks to a newly-released behind the scenes video now we know some additional details about what to expect from this show when it opens in the next few weeks.
New show action barges with screens will form a “Compass”
In a newly-released behind the scenes video (which you can check out above), it revealed that Harmonious will feature a total of 5 “show action” barges that will form a “compass”, with one extra large barge in the center and four surrounding it. The barge featured in the video is 30ft wide by 75ft long and, like the other barges that will be featured in this show, features large screens, as well as equipment for pyrotechnic, light, and water effects.
Testing for this show is currently going on after hours
Though Harmonious isn’t quite ready to go yet, reports have surfaced indicating that Disney is already testing certain show elements at the park after hours, including lighting and audio. In addition, Epcot’s World Showcase torches (which are currently out of service) are being refurbished so they will be ready to be lit once again as part of the new Harmonious show.
There will be a strong character focus in this show
As announced previously, this new show will be a celebration of Disney music, and will show how Disney music inspires people around the globe, and will feature large floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, kites with special effects, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, and lasers. Confirmed Disney IPs that will be featured in this new production include Coco, Hercules, Pocahontas, and Moana. A special preview of this new show is currently being shown as part of Walt Disney Imagineering Presents the Epcot Experience, which is located in the former Odyssey restaurant area.
Epcot Forever’s days are officially numbered
Image: Disney
Though it debuted to decidedly mixed reviews, if you want to experience Epcot Forever, we’d say definitely try and see the show very soon, as Disney is likely eyeing a mid-Spring debut for Harmonious to take advantage of the busy Spring Break travel season, especially as Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will also be opening this spring over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Though we’re still waiting on an official opening date for Harmonious, it looks like work is progressing very quickly on this new show, and we should know more very soon about when guests can check out this new character-focused nighttime spectacular at Epcot!
