The EPCOT entrance area has already gotten some seriously MASSIVE upgrades.
Jaw. Dropping. Beauty.
First, there’s the new entrance fountain, which lights up beautifully. Then, we’ve got the new flags and the new entrance music. And not too long ago we got to see those incredible new lights all around the entrance area that make this spot truly SPECTACULAR at night. But, this whole area will soon be getting ANOTHER new addition!
As part of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, the different park icons will be getting a special look. At EPCOT, Spaceship Earth will be transformed into a “Beacon of Magic” with a new lighting package.
WOW! ©Disney
As part of this transformation, there will be new lights shining across Spaceship Earth’s reflective panels, which will connect to form a starry night sky. And while it’ll debut as part of the 50th Anniversary, this new lighting package will actually sticking around WELL past the 18 month celebrations.
We know, these lights are STUNNING!
Up until now we’ve really only been able to see concept art for what this will look like. But, today Imagineer Zach Riddley shared a post on his Instagram and gave us a peek behind-the-scenes at what’s coming! Riddley shares that the photo below actually shows one of the points of light that will eventually be added to Spaceship Earth to create this new “Beacon of Magic” look.
©Zach Riddley via Instagram (@thezachriddley)
The team actually test fit the very first light recently. Later, the team is set to move forward with installing the points of light starting at the top of Spaceship Earth and working their way down. You can see it’s actually an individual little light that will be installed at certain points throughout Spaceship Earth.
©Zach Riddley via Instagram (@thezachriddley)
Riddley shared that the team had to get “quite ingenious” in how to install these new fixtures and the high-tech systems that make them work so that they seamlessly integrate with the “iconic profile of Spaceship Earth.”
Riddley also shared that the new Spaceship Earth lighting will debut on October 1st, 2021 — that is the start of the 50th anniversary celebrations. We can’t wait to see what this lighting looks like, especially when put together with the fountain and the other area lights.
Welcome to Spaceship Earth
Wondering what the other park icons are going to look like during the 50th Anniversary? Well, decorations have already been going up on Cinderella Castle!
Decorations are already going up!
Here’s a peek at concept art of the full anniversary Castle look.
©Disney
The Tree of Life and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will also be getting a special look.
Click here to see more photos showing how the other park icons will be transformed for the 50th Anniversary!
As part of the 50th Anniversary celebrations, Mickey and Minnie will be getting new costumes and Disney has announced a global ambassador.
©Disney
Park passes for the 50th Anniversary are ALREADY filling up though! So, if you’re planning to visit the parks right when the celebrations begin on October 1st, be sure to book those Park Pass reservations soon!
But, new lights on Spaceship Earth won’t be the only thing EPCOT will be getting on October 1st. On October 1st, a new attraction and new restaurant will also open in EPCOT! Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and La Creperie de Paris, both located in the expanded area at the France pavilion, will be opening on October 1st.
France Pavilion Expansion
We’ve got just a few months left before the lights on Spaceship Earth and other special things around Disney World for the 50th Anniversary will officially debut, but we’ll keep an eye out for more updates. Be sure to check back with us for more Disney news.
Click here to learn more about the 50th Anniversary celebrations!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think of this new lighting package coming to Spaceship Earth? Let us know in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
The Death Star has lights?
I hope they do not change the inside attraction features
That is the one enhancement that I cannot wait to see.
They need to do projections on to spaceship earth like they do with castle in MK and theater in HS. They could project a rotating earth onto it and even a death star overlay or many others!