WDW Millennium: Tapestry of Nations and Illuminations 2000
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Reflections of Earth
Also new for the Millennium Celebration is "Illuminations 2000: Reflections of
Earth". While this production shares its name with shows that have played on the
Epcot World Showcase Lagoon since 1986, this version is all new. This production, by far
the most complex ever presented at Walt Disney World, tells the story of the Earth,
beginning with Chaos, then Order and finally a Higher Meaning.
The Show Director is Don Dorsey, a Disney star already due to his involvement in the creation of the Main Street Electrical Parade. Speaking of "Reflections of Earth" Dorsey said "My goal was to remind people that our home planet is an amazing place, especially during one of the most unique celebrations in history. This show weaves the story of our planet, using mystical elements that signify unity and peace for all humankind." The show was scored by British television- and Hollywood motion-picture composer Gavin Greenaway.
The Show
"We've gathered here tonight around the fire as people of all lands have gathered for thousands and thousand of years before us. To share the light and to share a story, an amazing story as old as time itself but still being written. And though each of us has our own individual story to tell, a true adventure emerges when we bring them all together. I hope you enjoy our story tonight: Reflections of Earth."
The storyteller blows out the torches. The sound of distant drums beat louder and faster and suddenly a shooting star flies across the lagoon and explodes in a large red firework over the center of the lagoon. Then the sky becomes ablaze in fireworks colored reds and oranges. This section of music is entitled Chaos. The fires and pyrotechnics over the Lagoon illustrate the forces that brought the earth into existence.
A spectacular beginning ringing in the "Chaos"
The music quiets. The fireworks stop. Several multi-colored fountains dot the center of the lagoon. The Earth Globe, a 28-foot diameter sphere travels from the edge of the lagoon towards the center. The continents are illustrated in hundreds of thousands of light emitting diodes of various colors.
The 28-foot Earth Globe makes its appearance.
Along with its dazzling images of the world, it brings "Order" to the
Chaos.
The images displayed celebrate human diversity and the unified spirit of humankind. Illustrating the history of this magnificent planet, images of animals are first seen followed by ancient cave drawings, various people walking and eventually the amazing inventions created from man's desire to travel and explore. The outline of the World Showcase Pavilions are illuminated as the music builds again and famous world landmarks such as the Pyramids and Sphinx are displayed on the Globe. Well synchronized fireworks accentuate the music's energy and life while lasers criss-cross the sky above.
Dazzling fireworks erupt. All synchronized
with the Gavin Greenaway score.