9. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
There’s no better place in Disney World to celebrate the world’s diverse legacy than at Epcot’s World Showcase. And there’s no better nighttime spectacular that does so more than IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Telling the story of humanity and the planet’s past, present, and future, this stellar fireworks display is shown night over the World Showcase Lagoon and can be seen from all vantage points within the World Showcase. The first part of the presentation tells of the Earth’s birth, with flames and fireworks erupting from the lagoon in an explosive introduction followed by a gently gliding globe of Earth hovering over the water. Then the show focuses on the triumph of life, with the surface of the globe changing to reveal diverse scenes of human development and achievements throughout history and during our time. The finale emphasizes the hope for the planet’s future, with comets shooting through the night sky and the globe blossoming into a lotus flower to reveal a torch ablaze of the dreams of humankind. Music, light, and water all come together for this stellar spectacle.