ToD to end on 2/28/03?

[wdhatter]

The ones in the best shape, I'm sure they will keep for conventions, etc. The rest....burn 'em? LOL
Actually, I don't know what they'll do with the ones that aren't in as good of shape.

 

[All Aboard]

Screamscape is speculating today that the replacement will be character based and tie in to the countries represented in World Showcase.

 

[toefungus]

Does anyone remembers that ImagiNation parade from Disneyland Paris? I think that would be a perfect fit for World Showcase because each of the floats represented a country or continent from around the world. Just an idea.

 

[raidermatt]

Screamscape is speculating today that the replacement will be character based and tie in to the countries represented in World Showcase.

So if that happens, all 5 WDW parades (assuming another isn't canceled) will be character based parades. One with lights, one in snowglobes, one in cars, one in jungle vehicles, and the "new" Epcot parade.

 

[All Aboard]

Raidermatt, I agree, Tapestry was a nice departure from that formula and perfectly suited to Epcot. But, I did a quick memory scan and believe that Tapestry (in both its incarnations) was the only non-character based parade in WDW history. That is, of course, if you don't count the March of the Artimals as a parade, but that's left to debate.

btw, lest I forget. Under no circumstances let the Jets win this weekend!

 

[raidermatt]

But, I did a quick memory scan and believe that Tapestry (in both its incarnations) was the only non-character based parade in WDW history.

You're probably right, and if so, I can't really throw this into the "Signs that the Disney Apocolypse is Upon Us" bin. But like you said, it was a nice departure and ToN was a good fit for Epcot.

Since I've only began visiting WDW in the last few years, I'm curious... has Epcot had parades before? If so, I assume they were character based...is that correct?

btw, lest I forget. Under no circumstances let the Jets win this weekend!

Given how this season has gone, I guess anything is possible... But just between you and me, you've got nothing to worry about.

 

[space42]

Since I've only began visiting WDW in the last few years, I'm curious... has Epcot had parades before? If so, I assume they were character based...is that correct?

Matt,

I believe that TON was EPCOT's first parade.

Happy New Year!

Jerry

 

[Testtrack321]

I never thought I would have to say good bye dear Tapestry... I will shead a tear every time I listen to the music.

I agree that Tapestry is the only non character parade EVER at WDW. And I'm going on a limb, but I'd say it has been the BEST parade ever. EVER. Better than any WDW parade, thanksgiving, or anything. It had emotion, it brought people together. I had a great story.

I will never forget ye. I, since April 1st 2000 have thought of you every day.
----

Peace covers the earth. The tourches of our celebration encircle the world. The Tapestry of Nations is weaving itself together. Come and be a part of the circle. Dance with us.

~The Sage of Time

 

[donald@home]

I worked in Magic Kingdom entertainment in the early 80's (a year after the opening of Epcot Center) and I have a faint memory of other entertainment people talking about failed daytime parades they tried around world showcase. I believe they used some of the large doll characters from the Magic Kingdom bicentennial parade. (in the early days of Epcot the Disney characters were not found in the park, either as meet and greet or on merchandise). Can anyone out there confirm the parade?

 

[d-r]

Just my opinion. I really loved tapestry of nations. But with the bad editing, the narration, and the tackified costumes, I'll honestly be glad that tapestry of dreams is gone so that I can get a beer more easily. I just hope they don't replace it with a character parade, because that would probably really be a mess.

I remember seeing an old epcot video with the doll costumes made up to look sort of like small world people from different lands, but I don't know if it was a "parade" type thing or a "show" type thing.
DR

 

[daannzzz]

I sure hope it isn't a character based parade. Those are fun but new stuff is nice too. My three favorite parades are Tapestry of Nations, SpectroMagic and March of the Artimals. Oh well.

 

[Debi]

The last I heard was that the new Epcot parade will be a blend of characters and current Tapestry of Nations/Dreams floats. We'll see what happens! Has anyone heard anything on when the new parade will begin?

 

[All Aboard]

Yes, Donald@home has sparked a memory. I remember those freakish giant-headed dolls that used to roam around World Showcase. But, I don't recall them in a particularly organized parade. More like a performance within their countries. But, it has been a long time so I don't really remember what they did.

 

[raidermatt]

Has anyone heard anything on when the new parade will begin?

Screamscape says the rumor is sometime in March. But I don't think anyone has come out with any hard info that there will definietly BE a replacement, never mind when it will start.

I don't mind character parades, they definitely have their place. Its just that Epcot isn't really it.

 

[Debi]

Originally posted by raidermatt
I don't mind character parades, they definitely have their place. Its just that Epcot isn't really it.

Exactally.

 

[toefungus]

Here's a VERY intresting excerpt from a nytimes.com article:

In addition Ms. Hamburger said Disney was producing a new parade for Disney World's Epcot Center in Orlando, Fla. Its creators are Andrew Jackness, who recently designed the set for "Mourning Becomes Electra" at the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven, and Candice Donnelly, who designed the costumes for "This Thing of Darkness" at the Atlantic Theater Company in Manhattan.

The whole thing here (you'll have to register): http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/06/arts/theater/06DISN.html

 

[raidermatt]

Epcot hours for March were posted at Disney.com today, and ToD still shows as running twice a day...

Have the rumors of its demise been greatly exagerrated?

Is the website just plain wrong?

Is it still ending, just on a different day?

Will the voices in my head ever stop?

 

[wdhatter]

Most likely the website is wrong. What a surprise! lol

My friend who is the manager for the parade still says 2/28/03.