On this night in 1988, the first iteration of IllumiNations premiered on EPCOT Center’s World Showcase Lagoon.

The crown jewel of Epcot’s World Showcase is the spectacular nighttime fireworks show, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. So much more than bursts of color in a darkened sky, this 14-minute presentation involves pyrotechnics, a revolving globe and laser projections all synced to a booming symphonic score.

Spectacular fireworks synchronized to a symphonic score burst above Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon during IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Lasers, dancing flames, cascading fountains and eye-popping fireworks synchronized to dramatic musical score light the skies in the nightly 13-minute spectacle.

It’s no surprise to anyone who knows me, reads this blog, or listens to Generation Mouse, that I LOVE Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. I’ve never elaborated on why this nighttime show is so special to me, and why after almost 13 years, I get goosebumps every time, so please allow me to do just that.. and I hope you enjoy our story tonight, Reflections of Illuminations.

IllumiNations, like IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth today, was the culmination of all the nighttime spectaculars that came before it when it was launched in January of 1988. It featured fireworks, lighting effects, lasers, and a score composed from every corner of the world, and it could be seen from all corners of World Showcase.

When it comes to Illuminations I think most return guests have their favorite spot from which they like to watch the show. For us it’s Canada, but we do like to move around the World Showcase and watch from other countries as well. As long as the wind is behaving and not blowing the smoke in your direction, there are many fantastic viewing locations around the lagoon. Today we’re looking at the view from Germany.

Debuting in the summer 1983, it was the second fireworks spectacular to run at EPCOT and featured classical music. The show featured floating barges that held rear-projection screens onto which these cels were projected onto throughout the show.

An "in the boat" look at the Illuminations fireworks cruise at Epcot.

The 4th of July fireworks at Epcot combine the "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" and a special light show and fireworks centered over the American Pavilion, the center of World Showcase.