First look: New Beacons of Magic lights on Speaceship Earth at Epcot
Testing is taking place on the new Beacons of Magic project coming to Walt Disney World for its 50th anniversary and Zach Riddley, Disney Imagineer Creative Portfolio Executive, is providing more behind-the-scenes photos.
The new lighting system for Spaceship Earth is a first-of-its-kind programmable LED lighting system invented by Disney Imagineers designed 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!!,” he wrote on Instagram.
Installation of the system is nearly complete. Disney Imagineers have been using the “pre-cueing” system to pre-visualize and program this new system virtually, allowing them to test many different ideas before locking in on the 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,” he wrote.
“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,” he wrote.
The surrounding Main Entrance Plaza and new fountain and pylon lighting light programs can be tied to that of the Beacons of Magic to create a fully immerse experience, he wrote.
The Beacons of Magic will light up each of the four theme parks at night starting Oct. 1 with an EARidescent glow:
- Cinderella Castle will illuminate Magic Kingdom with a dazzling radiance that sparkles with pixie dust.
- At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a warm light will emanate from the Tree of Life as magical fireflies gather to usher in the magic of nature.
- The Hollywood Tower Hotel at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be awash in a brilliance evoking the golden age of imagination and adventure.
- And 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 World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.
