The lagoon, dressed for December.
From 1994 through 1998, the lagoon changed programs for the holidays. Each December, Holiday IllumiNations took over from the nightly show: twelve minutes of carols, fountains, lasers and fireworks over the water, directed by Don, with World Showcase dressed for the season around it.
The score was built as a set of medleys: five traditional carols to open, three pieces from the Nutcracker, a Chanukah medley, and a finale of Let There Be Peace on Earth. The Czech Symphonic Orchestra played, the Sarah Moore Singers carried the chorus, Sandi Patti sang O Holy Night, and the Boys Choir of Harlem, joined by the Ramaz School Children's Choir, sang the finale.
The voice of the show belonged to Walter Cronkite, who opened every performance the same way: “Good evening, this is Walter Cronkite. Tonight we welcome you to a joyous celebration of the season. Welcome, to Holiday IllumiNations.” He returned at the end to thank the performers by name and wish the lagoon goodnight.
The show retired with the classic IllumiNations era, but its finale refused to stay retired. From 2004, Let There Be Peace on Earth returned each December as a holiday postlude played after Reflections of Earth, which put a piece of Don's holiday show at the close of the lagoon's nights for another fifteen seasons.
Go back to the Lagoon, or read about the show it spelled each winter, IllumiNations.
Back to top