BURBANK, CA — In a recent interview, former Disney CEO Bob Chapek has staunchly defended EPCOT’s widely-criticized nighttime spectacular, ‘Harmonious,’ asserting that it was an outstanding addition to the park’s history despite the backlash from fans and theme park enthusiasts.
The ‘Harmonious’ spectacular debuted in 2021 as part of EPCOT’s transformation efforts, aiming to celebrate the park’s diverse cultural heritage through a blend of music, visuals, and pyrotechnics. However, the show quickly drew criticism for its perceived lack of thematic cohesion, overreliance on Intellectual Properties, and the obstructive and unsightly barges installed for the spectacle.
Chapek, who is no longer CEO and thus has no direct influence on the future of the company, expressed pride in the show during the interview, saying, “I stand by the decision to create ‘Harmonious.’ We wanted to bring a new and innovative experience to EPCOT that showcased the unity and diversity of our world through music and visuals, and I believe we achieved that.”
He went on to address the criticism surrounding the show, suggesting that perhaps not all guests fully appreciated the intentions behind it. “It’s always challenging to create something that will please everyone,” Chapek explained. “While I understand that some guests may have had different expectations, I’m proud of what we accomplished with ‘Harmonious’ and its unique representation of global cultures.”
Despite Chapek’s defense, many Disney fans continue to express disappointment with ‘Harmonious,’ with some even calling for the return of EPCOT’s previous nighttime show, ‘IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,’ which enjoyed a 20-year run before being retired in 2019.
As for the future of nighttime spectaculars at EPCOT, the responsibility now lies with Disney’s current leadership. While no specific plans for a new show have been announced, fans remain hopeful that the company will take into account the feedback from ‘Harmonious’ as they develop new experiences that honor the park’s original vision and storied legacy.
