Remembering Walter Cronkite

I’m going to miss Walter Cronkite.

When I heard about the passing of Walter Cronkite I began reflecting on his partnership with the Walt Disney Company.

Many of you reading this may know of the “One Man’s Dream” exhibit at Disney’s Hollywood Studios but did you know that prior to EPCOT’s opening in 1982 that Walter Cronkite was one of the hosts for a Disneyland show also entitled “One Man’s Dream?”

That’s right. The show focused on Walt Disney’s creativity, his motivation to take animation off the screen and into real life, and touched upon the frantic work being done on EPCOT.

The show aired in December 1981, some 10 months before EPCOT was scheduled to open.

Of course we all know that Walter Cronkite has the longest stint as the voice of Spaceship Earth. His reign lasted from 1986 to 1994 when Jeremy Irons took over. I had some issues with this but eventually I accepted the fact that the voice of “Scar” was going to hang around.

Another remembrance of Walter Cronkite comes from the first decade for the Disney-MGM Studios theme park. At the park’s Animation tour attraction guests were treated to several films. The one most remembered was “Back to Neverland” starring Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams.


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These two took us through the wonders of animation and taught us how animators create those wonderful films we love to…..well love.

You cannot see “Back to Neverland” anymore…that is…unless you perhaps taped it back then….like I did.

Of course more recently we have heard the golden tones of Walter Cronkite narrating the “Peace on Earth” tag that is shown at the end of Illuminations at EPCOT every Christmas holiday season.

I remember the first time I saw that tag and listened to his voice. I can tell you that I was very moved by it; and yes was very teary-eyed; and have enjoyed it every year since.

I know that back in the early 90’s the Studios proudly showed “Sorcery in the Sky” which was a nighttime fireworks spectacular that combined pyrotechnics, lighting, and music to provide guests with a wonderful experience.

Vincent Price was the narrator and added a touch of class and elegance to the show.

When Vincent Price pased away the narration was handed over to one of the Cast Members who had worked as one of the many talented Streetmosphere performers.

I wondered if there was a connection there. Had Price’s passing caused a Disney executive to
say, “We need to change the narration.” and thus remove that recognizable voice?

When I heard of Walter Cronkite’s passing I immediately thought of the Christmas tag and at that moment thought, “They may remove his voice.”

I hope not…at least not this year.

I ask the Disney executives….those who make such decisions…to honor Walter Cronkite in this…his year of passing…and at least allow his voice to reign over World Showcase Lagoon this coming Christmas holiday.

After all…in the “Happiest Place On Earth” shouldn’t we hear the voice of the “Most Trusted Man in America?”

Many times on trips to WDW I would end my last night in the Magic Kingdom and just as I approached the tunnel under the train station I would look up and say, “Thanks Walt.”

Well….by keeping Walter Cronkite’s voice at Illuminations for at least this year would be everyone’s way of saying “Thanks Walter.”

And that’s the way it is.


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7 Replies to “Remembering Walter Cronkite”

  1. I wish they would reinstate Walter Cronkite’s narration of Spaceship Earth. Even though the first part of the ride has changed slightly the narration would still work. BTW if Jeremy Irons’ narration was there from 1994 to 2008, that’s 14 years, which would be the longest run. So we need to give Walter a few more years to catch up!

  2. Thanks for the blog. I have always missed Walter’s narration in Spaceship Earth. Every time I pass under Michelangelo I hear Walter say “Behold . . . the Sistine Chapel.”

    I hope they keep him as the narrator of the Peace on Earth section of the Epcot fireworks. I had forgotten that was him, but as soon as I read your blog I heard his voice. He will be missed.

  3. Thank you for a wonderful tribute to another great man who influenced our Country and our lives. He will be truly missed. I add my voice to Mike’s in asking the executives to honor Mr. Cronkite by keeping his voice as a legacy…to the magic of Disney, to our Country and to our posterity.

  4. The thought that they may remove Walter’s voice from the Peace on Earth tag sadly came to my mind as well, when I heard of his passing. I hope Disney keeps it at least one last season. Is there any precedent for that?

    Perhaps the removing of VIncent Price’s voice from Sorcery in the Sky stands as precedence.

  5. I grew up with two Walt’s, Disney and Cronkite. Thanks for the reminders of Walter’s contribution. I had forgotten about Spaceship Earth narration. I have always missed Back to Neverland. Some changes are not always for the better. Sorcery in the Sky and Vincent Price…perfect together.

  6. Very well said, the show with Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams at the Animation tour was one of the best shows in the park, I think. I miss the narration at Space Ship Earth as well.

  7. Well said Mike. I too remember Walter Cronkite with warm feelings of nostalgia. His persona stuck a cord with many of us over the years.

    I miss his narration on Spaceship Earth. When it reopened I was pleased to find his coverage of our landing on the moon was included. Its a nice nod to the past that Disney does well.

    Like Disney himself he came across like a favorite uncle. He will be remembered.