Imagineer Zach Riddley, via his Instagram account, has shared additional insight into the new lighting package that Spaceship Earth will receive this fall.

The new lighting scheme will be in celebration of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, and, while the celebration will last for 18 months, the EPCOT icon’s enhanced lighting will be permanent.

It was announced yesterday that all four park icons will receive special overlays via projection technology for Disney World’s 50th, but, Spaceship Earth’s lighting will be the only change staying after the anniversary commemoration has ended. The enhanced park icons will be referred to as Beacons of Magic.

Riddley further clarifies the changes to Spaceship Earth as it becomes a Beacon of Magic:

EPCOT is a park about the best of us – what is possible when we embrace the power of imagination and humanity’s ability to make impossible things reality when we work together. We are all connected. That is the theme and the expression at the heart of our work across EPCOT and at the heart of this stellar new visual experience coming soon to Spaceship Earth. 

Spaceship Earth is a unique structure recognized around the world. To honor this idea, our Imagineers have created custom lighting features that literally emerge from her unique architecture. These features will shine across Spaceship Earth’s silver panels and “connect” with one another, resembling shimmering stars in a nighttime sky.

Spaceship Earth has maintained her classic multi-color lighting design for nearly 40 years – a legacy the team working on this project are keen to preserve. Her classic look will be maintained and accentuated through new colors and intensity in programmed expressions that extend into the new main entrance fountain and the entire World Celebration area that continues to take shape before our eyes. 

We can’t wait to reveal more of the technical innovation and artistry going into this new experience and the team behind the scenes turning imagination into reality. 

If you’d like further information about Friday’s announcements regarding Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration, click here for details. Be sure to also watch the video below for additional insight: