The first iteration of Illuminations launched in 1988 as the replacement to the prior night show, Laserphonic Fantasy. The show featured fireworks set off from the World Showcase lagoon, timed to international music selections.
In 1994, a new tradition began in which the show was slightly modified each holiday season. Holiday Illuminations ran from 1994-1998.
The second revised version of Illuminations debuted in 1996 for the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World. It was appropriately titled Illuminations 25. Still inclusive of fireworks and international theming, the new show included a literal highlight of each country of the World Showcase, as well as laser and water effects.
4-years later, to celebrate the new millennium, Illuminations 2000: Reflections of Earth debuted. At the end of the millennium celebration, the “2000” was dropped, and the show continued through 2019 as Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.
On September 30, 2019, the final showing of Illuminations took place. A new “temporary” show followed immediately, titled Epcot Forever.
