Time To Say Goodbye, to Character Masqurade *pictures/sound**reminder*

[Dan Murphy]

<embed src=http://www.dmurphydis.com/music/AndreaBocelli_SarahBrightman_TimeToSayGoodbye.wav hidden=true autostart=TRUE height=0 width=0>

<p>A bit earlier, I posted <a href="http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=519694"><b><font size="4">a thread </font></b></a>about the wonderful Epcot entertainment attraction,
<i><b>Character Masquerade</b></i>, seen in Italy, coming to an end in April.  Masquerade
has been one of my most enjoyed things to see when I have visited WDW these past
few years.  Their performances, mimed with very classically lyrical music
playing in the background, such as this <i>Time to Say Goodbye, </i>by Sarah
Brightman and Andrea Bocelli, kept me spellbound their entire
performance.  I always hated to see them end, as they one by one would walk
into the gated doorway in the garden area there in Italy.  </p>

<p>One of the earlier encounters I had with Masquerade was back in late 2001
when I was at Epcot with DIS'er RhondaS and her family, hubby Scotty, and
daughters, Malarie and Erin.  Erin, the little blond 'sprite' in most of
these pictures, was into 'River Dancing' at the time, and willing to do a River
Dance for anybody, and everybody.  I recall her doing it after lunch one
day at the Brown Derby in MGM for the waiter after we had all had lunch. 
He thought it was pretty cool.  Well, anyway, back to Masquerade. 
Here Erin is interacting with one of the Masquerade characters in such a
wonderful fashion.  I was in awe watching the two of them.  Erin would
do her thing, then the character would repeat and do a little more, then Erin
and so on.  It truly was magical in every sense of that oft used Disney
term we use so often.  I look back on these, sad, so sad, to know it will
be no more.  Thanks, Character Masquerade, for many times giving me, and
others, that which keeps us coming back,  <b><i><font size="4">joy.</font></i></b>  
<img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8509.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8510.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8511.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8512.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8513.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p><img height="550" src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8514.jpg" width="413"></p>
<p><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8515.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p>Here, another 'takes over' a youngster's stroller, much to his delight.</p>
<p><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8516.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p>Another, here trying to get Rhonda's DH, Scotty, to smile, he trying not to,
but not succeeding.  Such fun.</p>
<p><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8517.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8518.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p>And here, yours truly, taking the hand of a lovely lady.</p>
<p><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8519.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p>Now, pulling the hair of Erin, LOL.</p>
<p><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8520.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p>And with a tambourine for a picture framed face, posing for a group picture.</p>
<p><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8521.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p>Now two work on Malarie, only seen here in the pink on the left.  They
were driving her nuts too. </p>
<p><img src="http://dmurphydis.com/Masquerade/DSCN8522.jpg" width="640" height="480"></p>

<p>And that is it from that picture sequence.  I have others, but this one
says a lot.  If you have the opportunity to visit WDW before April 24th, do
yourself a favor, make sure to see them, in Epcot, Italy.  I will sure miss
Character Masquerade.</p>

 

[IloveDMB]

I didn't read the other thread, so I didn't realize that the Character Masquerade was ending. I always enjoyed them.

Beautiful pictures, and I love this song, especially in Italian.

 

[Tinkbell]

Thanks for posting this. They were my favorite show in Epcot. Lots of good memories.

 

[meeko_33785]

A wonderful tribute Dan. I will miss the Masquarade as well. It was one of my favorite things at EPCOT in the last few trips.

 

[darlene9947]

Oh, Dan, I absolutely adore the song in the background. The first time I heard it was on the Sopranos. I did a search the very next day and discovered the CD on Amazon. It was shipped to my house within a week!! Thanks for the memory.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Ah, I'm so glad that I got my pictures of DH and myself with Masquerade back in 2001 on our 10th anniversary. I'll miss them, they were a lot of fun. I hope they don't take away BELLA FORTUNA in Italy too! I love those girls too. Anyone ever seen them?

 

[ILUVDXL]

So Sad. Joe and I would go to see them every day. We loved them . Well at least I have lots of pictures to remember them by. Any idea what will be replacing them, Dan?

 

[CRB#33]

I didn't know this was leaving

I just loved it. DH is 100% Italian and it was his and his children's favorite part of Epcot. Plus the fact that Andrea Boccelli is a BIG thing in this house.

Are they replacing it?

Thanks Dan for this post. Another teary one

 

[MosMom]

My daughter will be very dissapointed. We have had many poignant encounters with the masquerade. I'm glad we will get to see them one last time in a few days. I wonder why they are ending it? Such a wonderful performance & interaction with visitors. :/

 

[dianeschlicht]

I wonder if the living statues will be next to go. I hope not.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

You know, as MANY TIMES as I've gone to EPCOT, I've never seen those things. They look scary, like a clown!! Yikes!!

Still, I may try and get out there soon and see them

 

[Dan Murphy]

As for replacing it with something, ILUVDXL and CRB, I have no idea, just what I had read on WDWMagic.

 

[helenabear]

I'll sure miss them

 

[TeresaNJ]

Oh no, this was my absolutely very favorite performance in Epcot. I'm so sad. I will miss this so much. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see this in Epcot last week. Dan, how did you find out it was coming to an end? I must have missed the other thread.

 

[RhondaS]

Dan, we made some wonderful memories that day, didn't we?

Sad to know they are leaving.

 

[zen1]

I never got to see them and now I never will, because they will be gone when we go to Disney World. We are not go to Disney World until Oct. I hope they don't take the living statues a way, I really want to see them.

Thanks Dan for letting us know and for the wonderful pictures!

 

[Disney Doll]

I was always strangely drawn to these guys. Part of me was almost afraid of them, and the other part was fascinated. I used to have to see them at least once on every trip. I will miss them too.

 

[gemmie214]

I am so sad about this This show was my favorite in Epcot. First they take away TON (or TOD) and now this....just to sad for me

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just bumping as a reminder to those visiting this month at WDW to make sure and take in Masquerade, scheduled to end on April 24th.

 

[GEM]

Oh no!! We love them! They are DH's absolute favorite.