double-sided clock face was covered in 48 individual drums — 24 per side — which two performance drummers would use to keep the beat for the show . As the vehicle moved , one side of the clock turned forward , and the other wound backward to signify the importance of both the past and future .
The complete circle of Tapestry of Nations included 120 puppets in all .
In between the clock floats , larger-than-life puppets adorned and manipulated by individual walking performers interacted with the crowds . The eight types of puppets — Angel , Aztec , Birdman , Discman , Hammerman , Reverse Marionette ( and his miniature , Bobo ), Sprite , and Wiggle — were conceived by Michael Curry , who also worked on Broadway ’ s The Lion King and Animal Kingdom ’ s Rivers of Light . The puppets came in multiples for added emphasis on the theme of unity . These wearable works of art became the centerpiece of the parade , enhancing the beautiful conglomeration of worldwide cultures without
focusing on any particular one over another . Interestingly enough , the Tapestry of Nations actually utilized three identical parades that ran simultaneously . One complete parade went from the Mexico Pavilion to the Germany Pavilion ; the second covered the space between Germany and Morocco ; and the third ran from Morocco to the United Kingdom . Each parade section began and ended at the same time to give the impression of a complete circle around World Showcase during the middle of the performance .
The Millenium Drummer . PHOTO BY STEVEN MILLER