Yesterday’s photos of Walt Disney Imagineering doing a “fit test” for one of the many “Points of Light” fixtures sent Disney fans into a tizzy.
In the photos released by Disney, it appeared that the lights would possibly fit into the shell of Spaceship Earth. For a bit more background, Spaceship Earth has alternating open holes that would allow for the point of light to fit within the frame of the shell. Here’s a closer look at what we’re talking about.
As we get closer, we can see a pattern emerge of an empty gap, followed by what appears to be structural steel, followed by another empty gap. It’s in those gaps that we believe the points of light will sit.
In the TikTok video posted below, Imagineer Jason shares a closer look at the point of light fixture that will be installed on Spaceship Earth.
Jason shared that the point of light would be able to produce multiple colors off of the top of the fixture, but also “connect” across the sides by using light to shine across the many faces of Spaceship Earth to drive home the story of connection.
Going back to our earlier photos, it’s possible that Disney will be able to sort of embed these points of light into the gap and align the “connections” along the seams of the panels. Of course, there are many imperfections with panel alignment throughout the structure, so it’s also possible that these lights will actually protrude significantly and the “connection” lights will run along the face of the panels.
Looking back at the concept art for the permanent Spaceship Earth nighttime lighting package, we can start to see how these points of light will come together to create a desired effect.
Imagineer Zach Riddley shared that Disney will begin installation soon, working from the top of Spaceship Earth down to the bottom. The new nighttime lighting package is expected to debut on October 1, 2021.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!