Harmony Has Been Restored in EPCOT: Controversial Disney Attraction Officially Demolished 

Walt Disney World rarely misses the mark when it comes to aesthetically-pleasing attractions. With manicured Mickey Mouse lawns, perfectly-plumped Resort pillowcases, and pristine Park pathways, it’s rare to get a peek behind Disney’s tightly-drawn curtain.

One particularly innovative Disney Park—EPCOT—takes the crown for meticulous details. Imported pieces from global destinations adorn EPCOT’s World Showcase, and Spaceship Earth marks the center of a futuristic land meant to thrill as much as it educates. With the addition of the Park’s first smash-hit roller coaster, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and whispers of a Moana-themed attraction called Journey of Water, the theme park has been on a roll with its new additions.

Related: Disney Confirms End Date for “Harmonious,” Return of “EPCOT Forever”

That is, until one show barged into The World Showcase at EPCOT on October 1, 2021: Harmonious. The replacement for the applauded show, ​​Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, Harmonious featured stunning visuals, pyrotechnics, and musical stylings intended to “wow” Disney Guests for the long haul. The show may have delivered cutting-edge effects, but it did the Park a disservice with massive barges that overwhelmed The World Showcase.

Considered “monstrous,” the taco-shaped barges took center stage in The World Showcase lagoon and obstructed Guests’ view of the scenic country pavilions during the day. Designed to emit lights, fireworks, and smoky action, the behemoths packed a lot of power, but their industrial appearance interfered with one of the best views in all of Walt Disney World.

Related: The 3 Most Underrated World Showcase Pavilions in EPCOT

News of the Harmonious run ending broke at the D23 summit in 2022 when Disney Parks chairman Josh D’Amaro announced a replacement nighttime show was coming. After the show’s end on April 2, 2023, fans rejoiced about Disney removing the controversial barges. Although Disney promptly removed them from the Park map on the My Disney Experience App on April 3, 2023, the barges held their ground in the lagoon.

Finally, on May 17, 2023, the demolition of the infamous barges was complete, solidifying the show’s conclusion. Across several posts, @bioreconstruction shared an aerial view of the barges’ demolition.

At left in this aerial is the demolition site of the Harmonious barges. Note the service barges staged at the island. pic.twitter.com/4cHRsXAosb

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) May 12, 2023

Aerial look at demolition of a Harmonious stargate barge section (it had 3, as a square) and an in-park view today of a taco barge.
Bases of these barges were similar. Note in first photo how relatively thin the below-water buoyancy was. pic.twitter.com/3oU6OD4GYv

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) May 13, 2023

While the resounding response to the barge removal has been a positive one from Disney Guests, some, like @DereksTravel, took to Twitter to showcase the now-missing Showcase production, stating:

The Harmonious barges are officially all removed. The view has been restored but my favorite nighttime show will never return 

The Harmonious barges are officially all removed. The view has been restored but my favorite nighttime show will never return 😭 #wdw #epcot pic.twitter.com/rC53fN9EC1

— Derek (@DereksTravel) May 17, 2023

 

Although everyone can agree The World Showcase lagoon view got a significant upgrade, Disney Fans are itching for a new nighttime spectacular show at EPCOT. Recently, Disney announced the return of EPCOT Forever to (ironically) fill the show’s void temporarily.

Some Disney fan speculation has surrounded a drone-powered show inspired by the Disney D-Light show at Disneyland Paris, but EPCOT Forever will be the new show to light up the Park for now.