IllumiNations 25 | DISNEY THIS DAY

IllumiNations 25 | DISNEY THIS DAY | September 21, 1996

September 21, 2026

On this day in 1996, IllumiNations 25 debuted at EPCOT to mark the 25th anniversary of Walt Disney World. The anniversary update to IllumiNations, which had run since 1988, added four fireworks barges, a new storyline, contemporary music, and enhanced programming. The new score, featuring pop songs and film themes such as “Circle of Life” from The Lion King, was phased out following guest feedback. A classical music replacement score debuted in 1997, and the show continued as IllumiNations 25 until Reflections of Earth took over in 1999. [30 years ago in 2026]

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