Anyone Remember the old Illuminations?

[DisneyFr33k]

We watched illuminations, expecting it to be like it was in the early 90's (when we last saw it). We were very disappointed.

Anyone else remember the previous illuminations? The one where each country was announced and lit up in sync with the music?

I miss that one.....

[bruin1344]

yea i remember that, the individual countries would flash up on the globe, i remember france would light up the most and morocco always stayed dark

[Bay Lake]

New Years Eve is kind of like the old version, They show each country, with the lasers and native music.

[DisneyFr33k]

New Years Eve is kind of like the old version, They show each country, with the lasers and native music.

Cool! We'll have to go for New Years on year!

Yes, I remember the lazer show and each building around the world showcase would light up. It gave me chills!

[Dyanna]

Hope one day they bring the "old" version back! I loved it!!!

[jray21]

I loved it when they played the "beef Commercial" music. For some reason I always got hungry at that point

[Imagineer1981]

Hence the name "Illuminations" ( Illuminate Nations).... I miss it too!!!!

[Fangorn]

I remember it, but I can't say that I miss it. I always thought it was a bit cheesy and the music was stereotypical - the "Can-Can" for France, "Rodeo" for the US - not the most imaginative music choices.

On the other hand, I genuinely enjoy "Reflections of Earth". I think it's really good theatre, and I love the music.

"Tapestry of Nations" was better than either, both as a show and for the music. THAT, I miss.

But that's just my opinion.

Steve

[Buttercup]

Yes, I do remember that one and miss how each building would do a little laser show with different music.
But I like the newer one too. Not as much - but it's still alright. I'd rather watch that every night at 9:00 than be at home watching Larry King! haha

[Gator]

Hope one day they bring the "old" version back! I loved it!!!

There's absolutely no way that the old version could be better than the new version. No way.

[SillySymphony]

Funny, isn't it how we all seem to love the ideals of progress in so many ways... For example... here we are congregating on a website which, when the first Illuminations! was born, didn't exist... And yet, for all the "progress" we are happy for... those things which we truly yearn for aren't ever signs of progress... this being just another fine example.

I've got the music for IllumiNations! and even IllumiNations 25. And, my guess is, with each passing version there were those who longed to see and hear the previous incarnation one more time... Personally, of all the various versions my favorite has been the Gavin Greenaway "Reflections of Earth". It is heroic and contemplative at the same time. Great score! Don Dorsey has created a great visual show to go with it. And I know that when it is finally replaced I will miss it.... But... look forward to the new version...

[Darbylew]

We like the old verison better as well. We also
loved the parade they used to have at Epcot. I
wish they would bring it back as well.

[Melanie]

Loved, loved, loved the old version! Talked about it many times this past week while we were there, and we didn't even attempt to see the current version. Even had an awesome outside table in the UK which we gave up about 20 minutes prior to Illuminations starting.

While I don't wish for them to necessarily bring back the old version, I would love to see them move on from Reflections of Earth.

[ILoveLegos]

I remember it, but I can't say that I miss it. I always thought it was a bit cheesy and the music was stereotypical - the "Can-Can" for France, "Rodeo" for the US - not the most imaginative music choices.

On the other hand, I genuinely enjoy "Reflections of Earth". I think it's really good theatre, and I love the music.

"Tapestry of Nations" was better than either, both as a show and for the music. THAT, I miss.

But that's just my opinion.

Steve

Yeah, on my first visit to Epcot - while watching that version of Illuminations, I thought at the end - I missed riding Horizons tonight for this???? I have plenty of "classical" music in my personal collection and the transitions seemed forced, it was not a seemless movement like Reflections of Earth's score currently exhibits. The lasers and fireworks of the original were not nearly as triumphant as the Castle fireworks in the Magic Kingdom to me, and they didn't meld together very well.

Sadly, that was my last visit to Epcot while Horizons was open.

On the other hand, the musical score of the current Illuminations ties the fireworks and lasers in nicely. I like the way the countries light up all together - it becomes more of a celebration of all people despite their nation of origin. More human, less patriotic - a celebration of LIFE!

So Fangorn, I too share your opinion.

[Ian]

I remember it, but I can't say that I miss it. I always thought it was a bit cheesy and the music was stereotypical - the "Can-Can" for France, "Rodeo" for the US - not the most imaginative music choices.

On the other hand, I genuinely enjoy "Reflections of Earth". I think it's really good theatre, and I love the music.

"Tapestry of Nations" was better than either, both as a show and for the music. THAT, I miss.

But that's just my opinion.

Steve

Nope, it's not just your opinion. I agree with you 100%!

[disneyworld55925592]

That was awesome, I also loved the old parade that went around the countries. It has an awesome soundtrack, with the people on stilts, i cant think of the name??

[Fangorn]

The parade was "Tapestry of Nations", later to become "Tapestry of Dreams" for the Millenium Celebration. The same music was used for for both, but they modified the storyline for "Dreams". Basically, the same parade though. I don't really care for parades, but that was and incredible experience.

Steve

[IamBelle]

I have never seen it in person, but I have seen the old Illuminations on home video. It looked beautiful!! I remember the first time I saw it, I expected to see what I saw on the video, and I was wondering what happened to it. I think it would be great for that to come back. Or, maybe combine the two together somehow...

[Tinksalot]

I remember the old Illuminations. I miss it. I liked the way they lit up each country.

[andreallybadeggs]

Well I really like Reflections of Earth but you can put me on the "cheesy" team because I loved the old show, Rodeo and all. Kind of like I enjoyed the "new" (not so new anymore) "Parent Trap" but not as much as the Hayley Mills, Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith version. Color me nostalgic or just call me a geezer, I guess. I accept change cheerfully, but I don't embrace it.