Four Fun Facts About Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade

For Disney enthusiasts, few Disney shows inspire the feelings of 'being home' that Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade does. From its debut in Disneyland in 1972, this show has been a fan favourite. Although it currently is no longer offered at Walt Disney World, let's look at four fun facts about this cult classic!



1. The Main Street Electrical Parade was inspired by the Electrical Water Pageant.

• The Electrical Water Pageant premiered in 1971 at the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake for Dedication Day at Walt Disney World.
• 14 floats, fireworks, and pyrotechnics were all featured in this grand performance!
• The floats used in the Electrical Water Pageant have had three different presentations in the lifespan of the show! From the original floats in 1971, changes occurred in 1977, and in 1996. The 1996 version is what we have today.

Disney really has been full of magic from the get-go.

2. Five different parks have had their own versions of the Main Street Electrical Parade.

• Both parks at Disneyland have had their own versions, with Disneyland park's version running from 1972 - 1996, and again in 2017. California Adventure's ran from 2001- 2010.
• The Magic Kingdom had its own version between 1977 and 2016, with notable gaps between 1991 - 1999 and 2001 - 2010.
• Tokyo Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland have both had their own versions as well.

My view of Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade before it shut down in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World in 2016. Doesn't this just get the music stuck in your head?!

3. Only one version of Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade continues to operate today.

• Currently, the only parade in operation is at Tokyo Disneyland - The Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights. Guess that's just another reason to head to Japan! If you're looking for additional reasons, Disney Tourist Blog recently covered Tokyo Disneyland tips and planning.

4. Disney helped to design the original floats itself for the Electrical Parade!

• Like any normal company, Disney had contracted out the float design for their Electrical Parade before its debut in Disneyland in 1972. Two months to the opening of the parade, they found out that their contractor was way behind schedule!
• Disney decided to finish the floats themselves, because magic waits for nobody! In all, 500,000 bulbs were installed by Disney workers. That's a lot of bulbs!
• Engineers who helped design the parade actually created the first automated parade show control program! They used a zone system that would ensure every person watching the show would experience the same show regardless of where they were standing. That further exemplifies the customer service Disney is known and loved for.

I'm hopeful that they will bring back the Main Street Electrical Parade to Walt Disney World in the near future. It is a parade that transcends generations and will continue to inspire the magic into all those that get to watch it!



Do you know any fun facts about Disney's Main Street Electrical Parade I missed? Comment and subscribe :)

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