Every now and then I'll get really really nostalgic about Epcot... specifically Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. If there was anything I treasured most from my Disney trips, it was sitting around the big lake after a long day of travelling the world to watch this fireworks show specifically. I feel like it had a deep impact on my childhood ever since we first saw it 20 years ago back in 2001. The music and the message behind it was so powerful, and I was always so inspired by it every time we'd go to Epcot. I eventually even bought the Millennium Celebration CD with both the show music and the old parade music on it. I'd listen to it so much as a kid that I could just remember the phases and fireworks timing every time we'd actually go to see the show itself. It was a special bonding place for me and my sisters.
The year the show was coming to an end (2019), my family and I had gotten annual passes. I'm glad we did honestly because it gave me time to cope and accept that this big part of my life was leaving. I'd get so emotional every time we went to watch the show (and honestly, even 2 years later while writing this, I still do). I was there on the day of it's last showing, and by that time I had finally come to acceptance, like waving a dear friend a solemn goodbye.
Thank you, Illuminations. For everything.
