Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.
TL;DR
- The Electrical Water Pageant debuted on October 24, 1971, as a complimentary nighttime spectacle at Walt Disney World, designed to entertain guests after park hours.
- The show features two 456-foot barges with twinkling lights that create vibrant animations on water and is accompanied by the iconic song “Baroque Hoedown.”
- The pageant’s concept, created by Disney legend Bob Jani, developed from early Fantasia-themed ideas to a captivating show showcasing various stories and characters.
- The Electrical Water Pageant set the stage for the creation of Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade in 1972, which adopted similar visuals and music.
- Over its 52-year history, the pageant has been updated with new characters and music, remaining a beloved highlight for visitors at Disney World.
The Magical Electrical Water Pageant
When you visit Walt Disney World, you might see the Electrical Water Pageant lighting up the waters with its colorful lights and cheerful music. This fun nighttime show has been enchanting visitors since it first launched in 1971. Imagine watching glowing characters dance on the water while upbeat tunes play in the air! It’s become a classic tradition for Disney fans from all around the world.
A Nighttime Treat
No matter if it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned visitor, the Electrical Water Pageant is a treat to watch. You can catch the show along the shores of Bay Lake or the Seven Seas Lagoon. If you’re riding the monorail, you might even spot the colorful scenes as the parade moves! Today, we’re diving into the story behind this magical experience and where to find the best viewing spots.
How It All Started
When Disney was planning its theme park, the teams wanted to offer something special for guests after the Magic Kingdom closed at night. Early sketches for the show drew inspiration from Disney’s timeless Fantasia, but the idea quickly developed into a stunning display of stories come to life on the water. Thanks to Disney Legend Bob Jani, this mesmerizing show became a reality. He cited the darkness surrounding Disney World as his inspiration, saying, “We had perfect black, and I just started fantasizing about what we could do with that.”
With creative ideas flowing, the team designed two 456-foot barges that carried 25-foot-tall screens. Each screen sparkles with thousands of twinkling lights that light up like magic!
Iconic Music to Match
Along with the breathtaking visuals, the show premiered with a catchy tune called “Baroque Hoedown”. Gershon Kingsley and Jean-Jacques Perrey, the composers of this unique song, used synthesizers to create it in 1967. You might recognize it because it’s also played during the famous Main Street Electrical Parade at other Disney parks!
The Legacy Continues
The Electrical Water Pageant officially debuted on October 24, 1971. Guests gathered along the beach of the Polynesian Village Resort and cheered with excitement as the pageant floated by. It was such a hit that its success inspired future Disney nighttime shows, including the Main Street Electrical Parade in Disneyland just a year later, using similar floats and the same catchy music.
Over 50 years later, the show has been refreshed with new music and characters, and even featured special scenes to celebrate big anniversaries at Disney World. Did you know that there were red-headed mermaids before Ariel made her big splash?
Keeping the Magic Alive
Today, a small team of five dedicated Disney cast members runs the Electrical Water Pageant every night. Many of them have worked on the show for decades and take pride in creating this enchanting experience for guests visiting Walt Disney World.
Where to Catch the Show
Here are some excellent locations that the cast members who run the show recommend if you’re going to see the Electrical Water Pageant. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been watching it for years, we hope this guide helps you enjoy the show even more now that you know its backstory!
Summary
So, there you have it! The Electrical Water Pageant is a magical part of Walt Disney World, dazzling guests for over five decades. With its vibrant lights, catchy music, and a lovely story, this nighttime spectacle continues to be a beloved tradition for Disney fans all over the world. Get ready to be amazed!
Follow Us on Mastodon