The monstrous metamorphosis of Mike Wazowski

So you may think you know what nighttime at

--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

weekend to kick-off the summer vacation season.

Alas, Mike Wazowski's jumbo showing was a one-time appearance. But you can see a

;  and a

.