So you may think you know what nighttime at Spaceship Earth --the iconic, 180-foot tall geodesic sphere that greets guests at the park entrance to Epcot-- looks like. On any given evening year-round, the giant ball is lit with striking hues of orange and purple, reminiscent of a gorgeous planetary sunset.
Except Thursday night. Shortly after the park closed, during a private media event, one of the main characters from the movie "Monsters, Inc." made a dramatic appearance in a hail of fireworks, in a first-ever projection to be displayed on the 18-story high orb at Walt Disney World. The display was a part of Disney's "Monstrous Summer" promotion, and an announcement that the Magic Kingdom, along with 2 California parks, will be open for 24 hours on Memorial Day weekend to kick-off the summer vacation season.
Alas, Mike Wazowski's jumbo showing was a one-time appearance. But you can see a time-lapse of ceremony highlights by clicking here; and a photo gallery here.
jburbank@tribune.com Follow our photography department on Twitter @OSPhoto. Like us on Facebook: Orlando Sentinel Photography.