Imagineer Zach Riddley has shared a better glimpse of what we can expect to see when Spaceship Earth at EPCOT is turned into one of the Beacons of Magic (and for years afterward) for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary.
What’s Happening:
- As part of the World’s Most Magical Celebration, Spaceship Earth at EPCOT is getting a brand new permanent lighting package that will help transform it into a Beacon of Magic for the celebration and for years afterward.
- Walt Disney Imagineering Site Portfolio Executive Zach Riddley has taken to Instagram to show off some of the new lighting that has been installed.
- Riddley captioned the photos: Last week we shared an exciting new look at all four Beacons on Magic coming to life as part of the WDW 50th Anniversary. Our new lighting system for Spaceship Earth is something entirely original – a first-of-its-kind programmable LED lighting system invented by our very own Imagineers to integrate seamlessly into the iconic Spaceship Earth façade. I'm proud to share today a few pics from behind the scenes of the project, led by Imagineers Jason Read and Galen Lande. Take a look!!
Installation of the system is nearly complete, and our team has been hard at work testing. Jason, Galen, and their team are leveraging a "pre-cueing" system to pre-visualize and program this new system virtually – allowing us to test many different ideas before locking in on our best look. And we are finding some very cool effects – giving the surface of Spaceship Earth an entirely new feeling and visual identity visible from all corners of the park.
We are exploring visual poetry that respects the lighting legacy of this grand icon while bringing rich new depth and motion to life – all inspired by colors and textures that evoke stardust and the mystery and wonder of our universe. And we'll be able to tie this program into the surrounding Main Entrance Plaza and new fountain and pylon lighting to fully immerse Guests with an experience that is … EPCOT. We have more work to do before we're ready to reveal this to the world as part of the Most Magical Celebration on Earth, starting Oct 1st!!
- 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World and they’re celebrating with a countdown to the big day. All four parks will be decked out with special celebratory decorations, including new lighting packages on the four park icons. These “Beacons of Magic” will transform the icons every night.
- At EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another in a symbol of optimism resembling stars in a nighttime sky. The iconic structure’s permanent new lighting will continue beyond the 50th celebration.
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