Epcot’s Luminous the Symphony of Us soars with a unifying message

A visit to Disney Parks does not end when the sun sets. As the darkness fills the night and the twinkling stars appear, the anticipation grows for another illumination in the sky. With Epcot’s Luminous the Symphony of Us, the message fills the heart with each emphatic burst of visual excitement.

For many Disney guests, the nighttime shows are more than just a nightcap to an eventful day. People recall fondly the first moment that they saw Tinkerbell fly over a castle or might feel a little spark when the first notes about Imagination are heard in the distance. Those favorite, even familiar, scenes hold much personal meaning. When a new show takes over the night sky, it needs to resonate in a new way.

Debuting on December 5, Epcot’s Luminous the Symphony of Us takes uses the musical arrangements to explore human connection. While there is a significant amount of narration, the blend of familiar songs and two new pieces, made exclusively for the show, help to tap into people’s imagination and hopefully open their minds and hearts to what a full life can be.

Although this nighttime show might not have the dance forward, toe tapping numbers or the whimsy of previous shows, it is meant to be something more. In a world where screens and distance foster disconnection, it is a few moments where people can appreciate that there are commonalities to be celebrated. Everyone can gaze into the sky and dream of what can be. A particular image can conjure a smile and resonate with a memory. The person standing next to you might not speak your language, but they can appreciate how family can make for a more fulfilling life.

Those sentiments might be lofty or even beyond the concepts intended by the creators, but Disney nighttime shows do not have to be a retelling of favorite tales. Especially at Epcot, the theme park invites guests to immerse themselves into a taste of another country, escape into another galaxy, or just appreciate a moment of diversion. This park’s nighttime spectacular should invite people to think and hopefully have them react.

Looking at the Disney songs incorporated into Luminous the Symphony of Us, the themes capture that willingness to see beyond the here and now and appreciate the gratitude for being able to make lasting connections. From “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” to “When She Loved Me,” the song choice plays into how people and actions impact a life. Without becoming cheesy, the songs move in and out of the scenes in a way that is welcoming. People might not be singing along, but they can appreciate the moment.

The original pieces “Heartbeat Symphony” and “Beating of our Hearts” capture the concept conveyed in the title. Music is a unifier. There is an underlying beat to every day, every action, and every feeling. It is a form of expression; it evokes a response. Whether it returns in an unexpected moment or lingers throughout the day, a handful of chords can be far more fulfilling than silence.

Like any new show, there will be cheerleaders and detractors, but those extremes are important. As the title says, it is about a musical movement of “us.” Just like the orchestra needs the tiny triangle and the boisterous timpani, everyone needs to feel empowered to have their own experience and reactions to this show.

Epcot’s Luminous the Symphony of Us runs nightly at the Disney theme park. Check with the daily schedule for timing. In addition, Epcot recently opened World Celebration Gardens, which includes Dreamers Point.

Check with Disney Parks for theme park admission prices and available reservations. Hours, pricing and availability can vary throughout the year.