To me, Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park represents a celebration of diversity and in that regard, there’s no better way to embrace cultural similarities and differences while in Orlando than by experiencing the park’s nightly finale, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

This is the second in a series of three separate posts in which I hope to share some insight on the primary after-dark theme park shows at Walt Disney World. To read my previous story on “Fantasmic,” which takes place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, click here.

Though I’ve seen it many times, I continue to marvel at the seemingly-flawless timing and precise intricacy required to produce IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, which combines dancing flames, fountain bursts, lasers and fireworks with a majestic musical score that takes place in and around the Epcot World Showcase lagoon.

The 13-minute show, which utilizes 67 computers in 40 locations, tells the story of Earth’s creation and evolution while often focusing on a 28-foot diameter sphere in the middle of the lagoon—the Earth Globe—that slowly spins while becoming a three-story video screen. As the Earth Globe rotates on a 350-ton floating island, images that depict the development of famous cultural landmarks, such as the Sphynx and Mount Rushmore, can be seen. In addition, famous people from around the world, like Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa, are also honored through lighted pictorials.

Toward the end of the performance, the Earth Globe opens up like a lotus flower and emits a giant fire torch that stretches 40 feet into the air. All the while, fireworks, pyrotechnics and special lighting effects combine to help emphasize the predominant theme.

Tip: Generally speaking, the show is clearly visible from almost any location around the lagoon but for an optimal viewing experience, try to secure a spot as close to the water as you can so that you don’t have to look over and between others who may be standing or sitting in front of you. The key is to lock in your preferred location at least an hour and 15 minutes before the show is scheduled to begin.

There are a few eateries in the area that provide front-row settings for your dining and viewing pleasure, but as you can imagine, those fill up very quickly on any given evening.
Of the many vantage points I’ve tried so far, my favorite is the elevated lagoon bridge on the back side of the World Showcase that connects the areas dedicated to the United Kingdom and France.

However, when positioning yourself, take wind direction into account. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth produces a lot of smoke that can irate sensitive eyes and if the evening wind is blowing in your direction, you’re bound to be immersed. That was the case for me during my last Epcot visit, but I willingly tolerated a small degree of eye tearing in exchange for the pleasure of knowing the smoke was also helping keep swarming knats and mosquitoes away.

Facts and Figures:

• IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth requires hundreds of special lighting fixtures, four fountain barges pumping 5,000 gallons per minute, a 150,000-pound inferno barge with 37 nozzles shooting propane flames into the air and lasers delivering a kaleidoscope of colors.
• Earth Globe, the world’s first spherical video display system, is three stories tall and wrapped in more than 180,000 LED lights.
• British television and Hollywood motion-picture composer Gavin Greenaway created an original symphonic score to accompany the combination of cascading fountains of water, glowing flames and lively fireworks.
• Some 2,800 firework shells are used for each show.

Guests wanting additional information on IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth may visit the Disney World website.