A Magical Tradition: Disney’s Electrical Water Pageant
Since its debut in 1971, the Electrical Water Pageant has been a magical, must-see nighttime spectacular for Walt Disney World resort guests.
Whimsical sea creatures sail across Seven Seas Lagoon to classic Disney tunes every night during this floating nighttime parade.
Disney
With twinkling lights, upbeat music, glowing images, and more, this parade is a great way to end the evening.
Have you experienced this nightime fun? The unique water parade has mesmerized Disney fans for over 50 years and continues to capture the hearts of guests each night.
The Early Origins
Disney
The idea for the Electrical Water Pageant came from the project team wanting to find a unique way to entertain guests staying at Disney’s hotels after Magic Kingdom closed each night.
Disney Legend and Imagineer Marc Davis, known for his work on iconic attractions like the Enchanted Tiki Room and Pirates of the Caribbean, worked to bring this vision to life. Initial concepts included a “Fantasia” theme, but evolved into a performance of many stories.
Guests witness Disney characters and scenes brought to life through hundreds of glowing lights on the water.
Disney
Disney Legend Bob Jani, played a significant role in developing the show, and was inspired by the clear dark skies over Walt Disney World. The options were endless!
This provided the perfect backdrop for the luminous parade- one that still illuminates and inspires today.
How the Magic Happens
The Electrical Water Pageant takes place on two 456-foot-long barges, each equipped with 25-foot-tall screens covered in twinkling lights.
These lights blink on and off in synchronized patterns entertaining guests on the shores of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon.
Disney
The show also features an unforgettable soundtrack and was the first to feature the “electro-synth-magnetic musical sounds” of “Baroque Hoedown,” a synthesizer-based tune by composers Gershon Kingsley and Jean-Jacques Perrey.
This tune later became the theme for the Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland, Disney World, and Disneyland Paris.
The Water Pageant Evolves
The Electrical Water Pageant premiered on October 24, 1971, the day before Roy O. Disney dedicated Walt Disney World at Magic Kingdom.
Disney
Over the years, the pageant has been updated with new music and characters, and has also featured finale scenes celebrating important Disney milestones.
Watch the Pageant
Are you ready for the Electrical Water Pageant? The water parade can be viewed at the following locations:
Disney
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: The patio at Narcoossee’s and the resort boat dock
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort: The resort boat dock
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: The resort boat dock and beach
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Geyser Point Bar & Grill
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: The resort boat dock and beach
This memorable show is the perfect way to end your Disney day. Be immersed in the lights, music, and history of one of Disney World’s most magical traditions!
Photo: MickeyBlog
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Article/ Source/ Feature Photo: Disney
