One of the most magical times on your Disney World vacation is watching one of the incredible nighttime spectaculars like Happily Ever After in Magic Kingdom, Fantasmic! in Hollywood Studios, or Luminous — The Symphony of Us at EPCOT. But sometimes that can take a turn!
Luminous at EPCOT
The nighttime shows can get cancelled, and it happens more than you might think. One of the most common reasons a show might be canceled is the weather. When it’s too windy or lightning is too close to the area, the show will be canceled for the safety of the guests and performers. But there’s another way that a Disney World show can be cancelled, and we bet you didn’t even know it was possible.
One night when Luminous at EPCOT was cancelled, we asked a Cast Member, who told us it was because the bridge that allows the barges to move to the middle of the World Showcase wouldn’t open. The fireworks couldn’t happen because they couldn’t get the equipment where it was supposed to be.
Luminous at EPCOT
If you’ve been walking around the World Showcase, you might have been stopped by Cast Members who said the bridge is opening. You’re usually only stopped for 10 minutes or so, but it can always be a bit frustrating when you’re rushing to your next Lightning Lane and realize you didn’t give yourself enough travel time. When the bridge is back down, you’ll be able to continue on with your day.
EPCTOT Bridge
One of EPCOT’s previous shows used to keep the barges on the water during the day, but this wasn’t popular amongst EPCOT fans because it blocked the views across the water. Now, they’re moved off the water for most of the day and brought back at night for the show.
EPCOT
We were also told that the same situation happened in Magic Kingdom for the bridge that opens for the Electrical Water Parade.
Electrical Water Pageant
While this isn’t something you can plan on, if you notice that it’s getting close to fireworks time and the barges aren’t out on the water, the bridge might not be working, and fireworks might be canceled.
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Interesting. I’ve been next to the bridge when the Illuminations sphere was being moved out. It was awesome to see it up close! Never really gave it a second thought about the bridge not opening. Thanks for the reminder!