What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Main Street Electrical Parade? If you ask 10 different people, you might get 10 different answers. But, the common thread is the history, appreciation, and smiles that this parade has created on both coasts… and that is why it’s the November inductee into the WDW Radio Hall of Fame.
The introductory voice. The “electro-synthe-magnetic” sounds. Baroque Hoedown (on which the musical tune is based). The train and the bass drum. Pete’s Dragon. Tinker Bell. Big Ben. The Snail. The original Seven Dwarfs Mine Cars. “To Honor America.”
There is something magical about a nighttime parade, and for many (including myself), the Main Street Electrical Parade was our first experience with one.
The parade actually debuted in Disneyland in 1972, and a similar parade debuted in Walt Disney World in 1977. Over 27 tons of batteries powered the floats, so you can probably guess who the sponsor was … Energizer. It ran in Walt Disney World until 1992, when SpectroMagic replaced it, and the Main Street Electrical Parade made its way to Paris.
In 1999, Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade crossed the country to appear at the Magic Kingdom. It ran until 2001, when it was relocated to Disney’s California Adventure. Then in 2010, the “Disney’s Electrical Parade” made its way down Main Street, U.S.A until 2016, when it returned to the “left coast.”
A link to visit:
- WDW Radio #15 – Interview with Don Dorsey, creator of the Main Street Electrical Parade and Illuminations (2007)
Don Dorsey granted an exclusive interview to WDW Radio Listener Jarred Mathes, which is played on the show.
We want to know, what’s your favorite memory from the Main Street Electrical Parade (aka Disney’s Electrical Parade)? Let us know in the comments below.
All photos from author’s personal collection.
To learn more about Dan and read his recent posts for the WDW Radio Blog, visit his author page by clicking the link on his name at the top of this post.