Disney World's Illuminations: A Visual and Musical Extravaganza

Disney World's Illuminations attraction, the Reflections Of the Earth is a synchronized masterpiece between fireworks, fountains, flames and music that is held at the Lagoon of Epcot World and light up not only the sky but the lagoon itself.

Disney World's Illuminations begins with a representation of the origins of Earth. It is an amazing dance of fire, chaos on a cosmic level. The chaos settles into Floating pyrotechnics that create a sea of stars on the Lagoon and sets the stage for the appearance of the Earth Globe, which is the show's centerpiece.

The Earth Globe is a sphere with a 28-foot diameter that becomes a video screen, which shows a series of images, which show both human diversity and spirit three stories high. The Earth Globe is covered in continent shaped video screens and rotates on a 350-ton island. The island itself houses an infrared guidance system, strobe lights and computer processors to help make the attraction possible.

Enjoy images of primal seas, forests, and cultural landmarks including the Himalayas, Sphinx, Easter Island, and Mount Rushmore. Famous people like Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Salk, Mother Teresa, Einstein, the Dalai Lama and Muhammad Ali are also displayed during the presentation using more than 180,000 diodes.

Gavin Greenaway, a Hollywood and British television composer produced the score used in the visual mix of fountains, fire and fireworks. It creates a unifying theme by combining many regional cultures melodies and rhythms into a single piece.

The show lasts only a short 13 minutes however; it takes a significant amount of equipment, energy and labor to create. There are 67 computers in 40 locations, hundred of lighting fixtures, 4 fountain barges and an inferno barge. In addition, 2800 shells are used each night and 750 mortar tubs and 56 firing modules in 34 locations provide the extensive display of fireworks.

Disney World's Illuminations is definitely something that should not be missed when visiting the area. It is a quick show but a dazzling one especially on extremely clear nights. It may not however be a show for everyone. The pulsing lights may cause headaches in individuals sensitive to that sort of stimulation. It is also a loud display, which some children may find frightening so younger children may not find the show as enjoyable. It can however been seen from a distance so if being up close and personal is not your thing you can still enjoy some of the show.