The Main Street Electrical Parade, an iconic spectacle that has dazzled Disney World guests for years, officially left the park on October 9, 2016. Since then, the parade has made a few appearances at Disneyland, with its most recent run ending on September 1, 2022. This blog post will delve into the rich history of the Electrical Parade, its impact on Disney World, public reactions to its departure, and whether there’s a chance we might see it return in the future.
The Main Street Electrical Parade officially left Disney World on October 9, 2016. Since its departure, the parade has made a few appearances at Disneyland, but as of now, there’s no confirmed return to Disney World. The park has yet to replace it with a new nighttime parade.
The History of the Electrical Parade
The Main Street Electrical Parade began its run at Disneyland in 1972 and was introduced at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on June 11, 1977. The parade was a groundbreaking spectacle at the time, featuring half a million tiny lights on floats themed primarily to Disney movies. The parade’s music was based on a piece called “Baroque Hoedown,” with themes from Disney songs worked in.
The Impact of the Parade’s Departure
The departure of the Main Street Electrical Parade had a significant impact on the overall guest experience at Disney World. The parade was a major offering for guests, providing a unique and magical experience that was often the highlight of their visit. With the parade’s removal, a void was left in the nighttime entertainment options at Disney World.
Public Reaction to the Parade’s Departure
The public reaction to the parade’s departure has been mixed. Some fans have expressed nostalgia and sadness over the parade’s departure, as it has been a beloved part of Disney World’s history. However, others have expressed excitement and anticipation for new entertainment offerings.
What Happened After the Parade Left?
After the parade’s departure, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has not seen a nighttime parade offering for over seven years. However, the park has adapted its nighttime entertainment schedule to continue providing guests with memorable experiences. For instance, the fan-favorite nighttime spectacular “Happily Ever After” has returned to light up the night sky over Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom.
Will the Electrical Parade Return to Disney World?
There is speculation that the Main Street Electrical Parade could return to Walt Disney World. According to rumors, the parade might return to Disneyland for a seasonal run during the summer before being sent to Walt Disney World. However, these rumors remain unconfirmed, and it’s unclear when or if a nighttime parade will return to Disney World.
Conclusion
The Main Street Electrical Parade’s departure from Disney World marked the end of an era, but its legacy lives on. The parade has left a lasting impression on many guests and continues to be a beloved tradition in the Disney parks. Whether or not it will return to Disney World remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Main Street Electrical Parade will always hold a special place in the hearts of Disney fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for the Main Street Electrical Parade’s departure from Disney World?
Disney has not officially stated why the Main Street Electrical Parade was discontinued at Disney World. However, it’s common for the park to retire entertainment offerings to make way for new attractions and experiences.
What other Disney parks have hosted the Main Street Electrical Parade?
Besides Disneyland and Disney World, the Main Street Electrical Parade has also been performed at Disneyland Paris (formerly known as Euro Disneyland) and Tokyo Disneyland.
How long does the Main Street Electrical Parade typically last?
The Main Street Electrical Parade typically lasts about 20 minutes.
Are there any other parades at Disney World?
Yes, Disney World offers several other parades, including the Festival of Fantasy Parade and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. However, these parades usually occur during the day or at special events.
What is the “Baroque Hoedown”?
“Baroque Hoedown” is a synthesized piece of music that was created in 1967 by early electronic music pioneers Jean-Jacques Perrey and Gershon Kingsley. It was chosen as the main theme for the Main Street Electrical Parade and has become closely associated with the parade.
