It is rare, maybe unprecedented, for Disney Parks to ask guests to make direct comparisons for shows to other shows in surveys. Yet that is exactly what WDW Magic is reporting is occurring for the nighttime show, Harmonious, which debuted last year at Epcot. The hugely expensive show designed, in party, by Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Chapek, has been the subject of lukewarm reception… with the overall response at launch being lackluster at best. When That Park Place reviewed the show, it was found to not be a positive experience in comparison to Disney’s potential.
But according to WDW Magic, Disney is now asking guests directly (via survey) if they think Harmonious is better, about the same, or worse than Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. And we have to agree with WDW Magic about their assessment:
Disney is well known for using survey results to support a particular direction being pushed internally. What isn’t clear is if Disney is looking to support Harmonious or perhaps make a case for a rework of the show.
— WDW Magic
Although Animal Kingdom’s Rivers of Light show was retooled and then cancelled after poor reception, we wouldn’t hold our breath for Harmonious to be dumped. Although it is likely to get a rework, the idea of its infrastructure being dumped is hard to believe. There’s a ton of money in that show. It’s more likely that, if the show is altered, the music and pageantry may change, but the tools for achieving it likely won’t. But even for Disney to have to ask if Illuminations was better is a concession of some sort. You don’t replace a decades-old show at tremendous cost with the expectation that you’ll soon be asking guests which is better.
Harmonious debuted at Epcot last night and it is getting mixed reviews – we’re really looking forward to seeing this in person (hopefully in November 🤞) #Epcot #HARMONIOUS #fireworks #DisneyWorld50 #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyParks pic.twitter.com/ZwetcbhmhQ
— The Great British Mickey Waffle (@GBMickeyWaffle) September 30, 2021
Should any further news occur surrounding Harmonious, we will carry it here at That Park Place. Also, congrats to WDW Magic for the scoop on this survey! And, as always, feel free to let us know which one you think is better in the comments below.
Disney could use the Stargate and Black Tacos for an Illuminations story. Use the voice over and show pictures of the world.
The new show would be called: Harmonious: Reflections of Earth.
Had it been an original story, it would review better. Bob is just busy rehashing everything, because he’s not going to spend money on talent or outside IP.
Saw Harmonius on New Years Eve and struck up a conversation with a couple other guest walking out of the park at night and we all agreed something was off with the show and that Illuminations was better, there were many groups saying the same thing.