That Park Place has previously covered how the proverbial knives are now out for Bob Chapek as Disney+ subscriptions slow, Bob Iger sends veiled attacks, and Disney talent feels angered by various lawsuits. Now, it would appear that Walt Disney Imagineering is getting in on the action.
Across the spectrum of Disney World sites, the story has been running that Bob Chapek essentially designed the Epcot fireworks show, Harmonious. You might recall that the show has not been received well, with first impressions on Twitter having been downright vicious. The show replaces a popular decades-old display called Illuminations. Harmonious, going in a very different direction, is essentially a Disney music slideshow with some versions being sung in different languages. While the set pieces are impressive at night, they’re also hideous during the day… ruining the visuals of the once-beautiful World Showcase Lagoon.
WARNING: Harmonious Is Not A Real Fireworks Show in Disney Worldhttps://t.co/80Jnuz6FTR pic.twitter.com/smrnxiCR4C
— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) October 10, 2021
That Park Place, meanwhile, has not run a story saying that Bob Chapek designed Harmonious. It would have been an easy story to run, and would have picked up plenty of views. However, it’s also not true. And after days of talking with contacts, we’re ready to relay that to you. For as much as Bob Chapek has made big mistakes, Harmonious is not something he personally designed.
So what are the real facts?
First, everyone at Disney knows Harmonious is a stinker. According to one of the best Disney World insiders, Marni1971 (Martin), Harmonious was negatively received even before it premiered:
“[Harmonious] Already generated negatives before opening.” — Martin
Another fact is that in an interview with Laughing Place, it was revealed that Bob Chapek suggested Harmonious be based around Disney music — like a Disney concert.
But that’s it.
From that point on, Harmonious is all on WDI, and specifically the Creative Director for Harmonious, Steve Davison. When he offhandedly claims this is all Bob Chapek’s idea, that’s not true. And don’t forget that Davison knows Harmonious has been poorly received, receives poor internal data, and is likely to need significant changes or a complete overhaul. So when he claims this is all Chapek’s baby, he’s almost certainly not doing it because he wants his CEO to receive the accolades. Harmonious is an eyesore that fails to compensate for its ugliness with a tremendous and touching spectacle.
Bob Chapek didn’t design the barges. Bob Chapek didn’t determine the pyrotechnics. Bob Chapek didn’t score the show. All he did was suggest Disney music, which frankly, is not much of a suggestion when you’re talking about Disney Parks. Do I say all of this to defend Bob Chapek as a CEO? No. He’s made big mistakes that were covered up by the gonzo Disney+ subscription increases during the pandemic and stock speculation. That’s coming out now. But my pseudonym, WDW Pro, and this site, That Park Place, need to be authentic in that we call balls and strikes fairly. Harmonious’ poor conception and execution is on Walt Disney Imagineering and Steve Davison. They had the budget, but they failed to come through with something worthy of replacing Illuminations, Disney music or not.
