This is not an article complaining about the loss of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. I’m sad about the change next summer but appreciate that Epcot’s nighttime spectacular operated for two decades. Disney also gave us plenty of advance notice, so fans will have time to experience Illuminations before its end next summer. This article focuses on the inspiring message of this show, specifically through its climactic song “We Go On”. I love the simple optimism of the idea that we’ll keep moving forward as individuals and humanity in general.
Illuminations is the type of fireworks show that concludes the day at many theme parks around the world. Guests circle the lagoon and prepare for one last highlight before heading home or back to their hotel. That is where the similarities end, however. The fireworks are stunning, and the mix of music and pyrotechnics is marvelous. The torches surrounding the lagoon create just the right mood for something magical and mysterious. After a quiet interlude in the show’s middle, the action picks up again and leads effectively into the climactic song.
Entitled “Hope for the Future”, the final act perfectly embodies what I love about the spirit of Epcot. That tone has been diminished in the park due to questionable creative choices from Disney, but it remains with Illuminations. When Kellie Coffee’s voice booms across the lagoon, “We Go On” creates a much larger impact than it does apart from the show. Gavin Greenaway’s music and Don Dorsey’s lyrics combine with Coffee’s voice to deliver an inspiring experience. Let’s dive further into this song and how it connects to the original theme of EPCOT Center.
New Horizons
With the stillness of the night,
There comes a time to understand,
To reach out and touch tomorrow,
Take the future in our hand,
Illuminations masterfully adjusts its pace multiple times to provide a more convincing message. A quiet moment connects directly to Coffee singing about “the stillness of the night”. We aren’t just rushing towards the next thrilling firework. Instead, we’re taking a little time to understand our current place. Essentially, we are all here together and should work to build a better tomorrow. Instead of getting cynical, let’s “take the future in our hand” and improve it. That sentiment was everywhere in the original EPCOT Center, which looked ahead with excitement. It transcended the concept of a theme park and connected with our core as people.
We can see a new horizon,
Built on all that we have done,
And our dreams begin another,
Thousand circles ’round the sun,
The next lines just build on that message of looking towards a “new horizon” to improve on past accomplishments. It’s easy to connect this idea to the wonderful Horizons attraction, particularly the line about “our dreams begin another”. We’re all looking for new horizons for you and me. This version of Illuminations was developed for the Millennium Celebration, which connects directly to the thousand years indicated by the “circles ‘round the sun”. Who knows what we can accomplish in the new millennium? With the right attitude, anything is possible.
Discovering New Frontiers
We go on,
To the joy and through the tears,
We go on,
To discover new frontiers,
Moving on,
With the current of the years,
We’ve reached the refrain, which recognizes that not everything will be ideal. There will be joy and tears, but we will keep moving forward. Given current difficult happenings in this country (and beyond), I can identify strongly with this point. Things may not be what I hope for now and challenges are everywhere, but they can improve if we stay diligent. We can only thrive if we don’t fall prey to despair.
EPCOT Center conveyed a convincing feeling of discovery within each pavilion. The attractions were just the starting point for new ideas and excitement about the future. Large post-show areas extended the theme well beyond the main presentation. Those attractions remind us there is always more to learn. We should continue to “discover new frontiers” and not lose sight of what’s possible. This optimistic view is what drew me to Future World as a kid. That message remains with Illuminations and especially in the upbeat tone of “We Go On”.
Spirit and Unity
We go on,
Moving forward, now as one,
Moving on,
With a spirit born to run
Ever on,
With each rising sun,
To a new day,
We go on,
We go on!
These final lines connect to each of our daily lives and a sense of purpose. We’re no longer looking at the next millennium and new frontiers. Instead, we focus on “each rising sun” with a chance to make a difference. Our hectic lives move rapidly and rarely give us a chance to consider more. I’m not talking about religion; it’s about a unified feeling of connection with other people. Every day offers that opportunity.
Coffee sings about “moving forward, now as one”, and that idea of working together hits home for me. It is one reason that I love the movie Tomorrowland and its optimistic message. Brad Bird’s film promotes the idea that we can build a better world through a collective spirit. Leaders and politicians may showcase the worst in people, but we control our ultimate destiny. Each of us can go on and try to find joy through the tears.
Epcot’s Promise
As we stroll out of Epcot, Coffee’s voice returns with “The Promise”. This upbeat song continues themes from “We Go On” and sends us home on the right note. Such lines as “every sunset leads to morning with the promise of opportunity” reinforce the concept of bringing more to daily life. It may be obvious yet rings true when you stand near the beautiful structure of Spaceship Earth. If we can build something that amazing, what else can we accomplish?
What I love about EPCOT Center is the way that it goes beyond what we expect in a theme park. Attractions expand our outlook on what’s possible and never take the easy road. Some might say it was boring or a history lesson; I call it magic. Illuminations takes the idea of a nighttime show and creates a unique experience. There’s nothing like it anywhere! My hope is that Disney will recognize the value of doing more than what’s expected. Make this new show even more inspiring than anything we can imagine! No matter what happens, the message of Illuminations and “We Go On” remains. Let’s discover new frontiers and move towards a better future.
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You’ve captured most of my sentiments perfectly. I love this show, especially the music, and especially the callbacks to the Millenium Celebration and the Tapestry of Nations/Dreams after the other music fades out. I purposely walk the “long way” around the World Showcase Lagoon to listen to all of the music as the torches light the evening. As much as my enjoyment is probably based on nostalgia and memories over the last 15+ years, it’s going to be tough not judging the new show against this very high bar.
I know! The more I think about it, the more I want to visit a few times just to experience the entire thing again. I’ve probably taken Illuminations for granted more than I should. I’ll try to give the next show a fair shake, but it’s going to be tough. I can even remember the previous version where all the countries played their own tunes, and that was equally strong. The bar is very high for Disney now.
I couldn’t agree more with your comments! The music really set the tone, especially as our family would pack up and leave for the night as the fireworks (Illuminations) ended. The lyrics truly inspired me and made the visit so much more meaningful. Thanks for sharing your post!
Thanks Ron! It’s going to feel different to see a new show at Epcot at night, but I’ll hope for the best until we see it. I will miss Illuminations for sure.
Well, if you have seen the show you are probably not happy! Disney is going for the theme to remind you of their products.
I assume you’re referring to Epcot Forever, and I did see the live stream on Tuesday. I know that fan consensus is generally negative against it, but I enjoyed the look back at EPCOT Center music! For a temporary show that will run for less than a year, it still looked impressive. I do have concerns for HarmoniUS, which seems too character-focused for me. But I’ll try to keep an open mind until it arrives next year…