PHOTOS: The Main Street Electrical Parade Returns to Light Up the Disneyland Park!
To all who come to this happy place, Disneyland proudly presents our spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination, in thousands of sparkling lights, and and electro-synthomagnetic musical sounds. The Main Street Electrical Parade!
Last night, a very special livestream event took place on the Disney Parks channels. To celebrate the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade to the Disneyland Resort, the whole parade was broadcast online, allowing fans from all around the world to watch in wonder!
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the nighttime spectacular parade, which has been enchanting audiences since its first voyage in 1972 in the Disneyland Park. Since then, the parade has featured in different versions, not only at Disneyland but also traveling to the Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World. Guests to Disneyland Paris and Tokyo Disney Resort have also been able to watch the spectacle, with versions appearing at these international parks, too.
It was all the way back in October 2021 that the return of the Electrical Parade would be arriving at the Disneyland Park, with the grand date of April 22nd announced at the start of this month.
So, with the official premiere of the parade not set to happen til tomorrow, why was Main Street, U.S.A. all lit up last night?
Well, earlier this week, an intriguing teaser was posted on the Disney Parks channels. Guests were invited to tune in to YouTube for a special livestream, but without a reason as to why.
So, when the livestream revealed the beautiful shot of excited guests eagerly lining Main Street, U.S.A., with that instantly-recognizable soundtrack beating in the distance, we knew we were in for a treat. Surprise – the Main Street Electrical Parade had arrived to shine early!
The Main Street Electrical Parade has long been a fan-favorite for many guests visiting the Disney Parks. From its iconic techno soundtrack to spectacular visual light effects, the parade offers nostalgia and wonder in the most picture-perfect setting, with the stunning castle shining behind.
Interestingly to note, the start of the parade has received a bit of an update since its return. Before the parade floats begin to appear, a voiceover soundtrack speaks up to welcome guests to the celebratory spectacle.
Originally, this welcome would begin with the words “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls…”. However, a more diversephrase has been dubbed in instead, offering inclusivity in the most magical way.
Now, the voiceover states:
“To all who come to this happy place, Disneyland proudly presents our spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination, in thousands of sparkling lights, and and electro-synthomagnetic musical sounds. The Main Street Electrical Parade!”
This new wording of course reflects Walt Disney’s iconic welcome at the grand opening of the Disneyland Park, all those years ago. Hearing it echoed at the start of this most magical parade is not only a touching reference to Walt, but a beautiful sentiment we can’t help but feel warmed by.
Throughout the course of the parade, a seriest of magnificent floats descend through the park, all lit up with the most stunning array of colorful lights.
All inspired by classic characters, icons, and movies, this cavalcade really does take us “wonder by wonder!”
After hearing the voiceover welcome, the first float we see is a beautiful steam train driven by Mickey himself. Being pulled by the train is a beautiful big barrel sign, advertising the name of this fantastic parade.
Another nice touch is that the train now includes a “50 Years” sign, commemorating the extra-special anniversary of the parade.
Following the train are a series of fun critter floats, all with unique personalities and beautiful glow-up styles.
If you have ever seen a snail as fabulous as this one, or a caterpillar as happy, I need to know about them!
Speaking of caterpillars, can you guess which float is on the way next?
It’s Alice in Wonderland!
This awesome series of floats include critters, toadstools, and even Alice herself waving from up high.
It was revealed earlier this month that the classic floats of the parade would also be joined by some new arrivals too, featuring characters from more recent Disney movies and more.
You can watch a video interview with the parade’s, directors about these exciting changes here.
Although there’s nothing quite like standing on Main Street, U.S.A. to experience the magic of this spectacle in person, we sure do love a livestream from Disney Parks! How else can we capture beautiful shots like this one?
Here’s the Blue Caterpillar looking particularly electric atop his toadstool!
Following the critters, the White Rabbit also made an appearance.
It’d be hard to be late for anything if you have a rabbit in a light-up vest with a giant, glowing clock telling you to hurry on up!
The next section of the parade we’ll show you is especially regal, capturing the perfect, princessy magic we know and adore at Disney!
Heading down Main Street, U.S.A. is a beautiful pumpkin carriage, sure to be a show-stopper at any ball!
The handsome Prince Charming is riding inside, guarding that stunning glass slipper!
As well as the carriage, this section of the parade also features a gorgeous ballroom float, complete with a fountain pouring out dazzling golden lights.
Cinderella’s mice pals are also in attendance, as are a party of beautifully dressed guests, all looking stunning and ready for a celebration!
Perhaps the driver of the carriage has the best seat in the entire parade, merrily steering the regal cart down the most beautiful of streets in all of Disneyland!
There’s Pinocchio, living his best life!
The next section of the parade is themed to the classic Peter Pan, full of some stunning floats we absolutely adore!
Here’s Big Ben, dazzling from afar and letting everyone know it’s time for magic. Am I allowed to say that I wish the real London clock shone that brightly?
Then we have one of the most exciting floats in the parade – the Pirate Ship!
This intimidating yet spectacular ship is lit up in gold, with Captain Hook himself stood at the helm.
Even the eerie skull at the front of the ship looks like it’s enjoying itself in all the magic!
Of course, Tinker Bell also makes appearance at this part of the parade!
Here she is, cheekily pulling faces and waving at guests, and lighting up the whole parade with pixie dust!
Tinker Bell frequently has a starring role in many Disney nighttime spectaculars, and she is looking especially beautiful in her fairy float in the Main Street Electrical Parade.
Following Tink comes Dopey and the rest of the Seven Dwarfs!
As if the parade couldn’t get any more sparkly, Dopey is driving a mine cart full of the most dazzling jewels and gemstones I have ever seen!
Did you know that, with the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade, dining packages are also available for guests to book? With a meal and the parade to enjoy, you’d truly be in for a magical night of wonder, so check out the information for that here!
Special shoutout to the dwarfs for working so hard to bring such brilliant gemstones to the parade!
And, of course, Snow White is at the parade too! Wearing a spectacularly embellished dress, she really does look like the fairest one of all!
On a fun merchandise note, have you seen the newest collection of Disney Wishables? This adorable new set of smiling mini plushes are themed to match the floats of the Main Street Electrical Parade, making them must-have collectibles for any fans of the parade!
This next parade float is arguably one of the most breathtaking, iconic, and photogenic characters in the whole cavalcade. Make way, for Pete and his Dragon!
Just like how the epic, fire-breathing Maleficent float steals the show in the Festival of Fantasy parade at the Magic Kingdom, it is hard not to be swept away by this impressive, luminous dragon.
Shining brightly in all shades of green, the dragon breathes smoke and carries Pete on his head, waving from the highest point in all the parade!
Now, this finale float is certainly my favorite. If you’re a fan of “it’s a small world,” this part of the parade is certain to amaze!
Atop this epic float are an array of small world-style dolls, each representing characters from Disney movies both new and old.
The “it’s a small world” float is especially dazzling, from the grinning sun to the adorable firework lights shooting out the top. A worthy Disney castle indeed!
Especially in recent years, there has been a lack of nighttime parades lighting up the Disney parks. The return of the Main Street Electrical Parade is a wonderful occasion for all, and we hope to see many more innovative additions just like it across the rest of the parks soon!
Coco, Encanto, Moana, and more – is your favorite character up on this stunning float?
Especially with that gorgeous rainbow effect, we can see why this float in particular has been so highly-anticipated!
If you’re headed to the Disneyland Resort, you can catch the Main Street Electrical Parade from tomorrow, April 22nd. We’re thrilled to see it back in the Disneyland Park, and are sure all you dreamers out there are delighted at the spectacle, too!