One of the many intricate parade floats . PHOTO BY WILLIAM WARBY
THE EXPERIENCE When Disney introduced Tapestry of Nations in 1999 , the parade garnered unprecedented acclaim from guests . Those who experienced the show seemed to feel an almost instant emotional connection to it , perhaps due to the interactive element . Today that crowd-and-character touchpoint effect is more commonplace , with dance parties and roaming characters . But at the time , Tapestry of Nation ’ s guest interaction was groundbreaking . Matt Wollbrinck , a former Reverse Marionette puppeteer , says , “ Tears of inspiration and joy were common throughout Tapestry of Nations ’ run . The guests were not sidelined spectators , but rather participants with extended invitations to become a part of this jubilant family . It truly was a celebration . A true human connection .”
According to Cast Members , one couple sat on the same bench in Germany each night for Tapestry . They didn ’ t want to miss a single performance .
Sittler , who wore the Sprite puppet , credits the cast ’ s focused training for this emotional effect , recalling that the puppeteers would go out of their way to draw in those on the margins . “ We were told to look for people who wouldn ’ t