Questions on History of Epcot Tapestry Parades

[KingStefan]

Here are some questions for all you WDW history experts out there.

I was there in 1999 at the very first performance of the Tapestry of Nations Parade. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. My daughter (then nearly 6) was filmed as part of the "archival" coverage. They later used film from that day in various promotions for the Millenium Celebration, but we have never seen the footage with my daughter used in it.

When did they add the "Dreams" theming? And was it for a special occasion? I understand and like what they did, but also find merit in the original. Plus it has nostalgic value for me.

I just got the Epcot Illuminations/Tapestry CD, and I'm enjoying it very much, but only the final version is on it. Is there anywhere I can find the original sound track from 1999-2000 without the "Dreams" stuff added?

When was the final performance of the Tapestry of Dreams Parade? Why did it end? I was unaware that it had even been stopped until recently, and I was very disappointed to find out. I miss that parade terribly.

I don't suppose I'll ever find the footage of my daughter at the opening (I was in there somewhere, too, I think, bowing and shaking hands with one of those big "stick" figures and generally making a fool of myself!), but if I did want to look for it, does anyone have any ideas where I could look?

Thanks, everyone.

 

[marni1971]

KingStefan, here is what I`ve found;

As I understand it, ToN premiered on September 29th 1999, and opened officially 2 days later. The original parade ran twice a night - Diversity and Union -in 3 simultaneous sections, between Mexico and Germany, Germany and Morocco, and Morocco to the UK. After the first week, only Unity performed. Unity went twice nightly on October 15th. From March 12th 2001, the 3 sections were combined into 2, from Mexico to Morocco, then into one single parade. In December 2000 the shows run was extended by 16 months. On December 31st 2000 the narration was changed to remove all Millenium references. ToN finally finished on Spetember 9th 2001.

Tapestry of Dreams opened on September 24th 2001. ToD route was shortened to Germany to Morocco on 29th September 2002, and had its final run on March 1st 2003.

Some ex parade CM`s are on these boards, I`m sure they will correct me here and there! The original music for ToN is available on the WDW Millenium Celebrations CD (white cover) - try Amazon?

As for the footage, it could be anywhere! Disney seem to go overboard recording everything they do (not a bad thing :grin: ) so it may be on a promo video, it may never have been used.

 

[FigmentJedi]

Apparently, Jim Cummings was the voice of the Sage of Time, at least according to the Sound of Magic. The Dreamseekers were voiced by Jodi Chase, Chris Truelson and Scott Wayrock. It was never specified who was who, though its easy to infer Jodi Chase was Elfin(the female Dreamseeker)

 

[Testtrack321]

KingStefan, here is what I`ve found;

As I understand it, ToN premiered on September 29th 1999, and opened officially 2 days later. The original parade ran twice a night - Diversity and Union -in 3 simultaneous sections, between Mexico and Germany, Germany and Morocco, and Morocco to the UK. After the first week, only Unity performed. Unity went twice nightly on October 15th. From March 12th 2001, the 3 sections were combined into 2, from Mexico to Morocco, then into one single parade. In December 2000 the shows run was extended by 16 months. On December 31st 2000 the narration was changed to remove all Millenium references. ToN finally finished on Spetember 9th 2001.

Tapestry of Dreams opened on September 24th 2001. ToD route was shortened to Germany to Morocco on 29th September 2002, and had its final run on March 1st 2003.

Some ex parade CM`s are on these boards, I`m sure they will correct me here and there! The original music for ToN is available on the WDW Millenium Celebrations CD (white cover) - try Amazon?

As for the footage, it could be anywhere! Disney seem to go overboard recording everything they do (not a bad thing :grin: ) so it may be on a promo video, it may never have been used.

ToN's UK to Morocoo section was totally dropped due to the wind that comes up the river between UK and France. ToD premiered with the 100 Years of Magic celebration back in Oct. 2001, the parade went from Mexico to Germany, then Germany to Morocco. The Mexico to Germany section was dropped sometime in late 2002, followed by the cancelling.

The origional parade narration was written and voiced differently than what we now know as ToN, there was less narration, less back story, and a more serious, stern voice.

 

[KingStefan]

One more question: the original ToN had this very serious but short blurb in the middle of the parade. Everything stopped - all music, all movements, everything - and there was a loud baritone voice that made a brief and philosophical statement. I remember having a near religious experience, and thinking, "truly, this must be one of the great meanings to life". Now I can't remember even vaguely what the statement was! :lol: Can anyone tell me what it was?

 

[Testtrack321]

One more question: the original ToN had this very serious but short blurb in the middle of the parade. Everything stopped - all music, all movements, everything - and there was a loud baritone voice that made a brief and philosophical statement. I remember having a near religious experience, and thinking, "truly, this must be one of the great meanings to life". Now I can't remember even vaguely what the statement was! :lol: Can anyone tell me what it was?

The gateway of time has opened, and the spirit of humanity has brought us together. Let us reach out and touch tomorrow, and bring us hope for a better world.

Psstt.. PM me your email, I'll get you a copy of the source file for the parade that includes the narration.

 

[marni1971]

KingStefan - if you have access to Disney Central (info in the digital media forum) I`ve done a full video edit of ToN - with source audio including the spiels you mention.

Testtrack321 :animwink:

 

[mkepcotmgmak]

When did they add the "Dreams" theming? And was it for a special occasion?

They changed it to ToD for the 100 Years of Magic Celebration.

 

[imagineer boy]

Apparently, Jim Cummings was the voice of the Sage of Time, at least according to the Sound of Magic.

I think they've got it wrong. Jim Cummings did the opening narration for the ROE. The Sage of Time doesn't sound a thing like him. Jim Cummings has a Tigger sounding voice, while the Sage of Time's voice in deep and powerful sounding.

 

[mkepcotmgmak]

is jim cummings the evil guy from spy kids 1?

 

[imagineer boy]

is jim cummings the evil guy from Spy Kids 1?

No, that's Alan , not CummingS. Jim Cummings has done a TON of voice work for cartoons like Pete from Goof troop, Cat from Catdog, and lots and lots more. He has done the voice for Tigger I think...