"Main Street Electrical Parade’ Extended

Mickey Crazy · #1 (**permalink**) 07-29-2010, 11:27 AM

Curtain Call! By Popular Demand, ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ Extended at Walt Disney World Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (July 29, 2010) – With its glittery galaxy of 23 illuminated floats, 80 performers, and trademark synthesizer music sweetened with Disney theme songs, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” has been leaving Magic Kingdom guests aglow all summer.

Now, the cherished entertainment spectacular is being extended by popular demand, Walt Disney World announced today.

“The return of Disney’s ‘Main Street Electrical Parade’ to the Magic Kingdom has been an overwhelming success,” said Magic Kingdom Vice President Phil Holmes. “Guests begin cheering as soon as they hear the opening fanfare and see those fantastic floats covered in lights. The parade is a magical part of a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort, so we’re thrilled to be announcing we’re leaving the lights on.”

Fronted by a new lead float starring Tinker Bell, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” officially bowed at Magic Kingdom June 6, 2010.

Beloved by generations, the parade anchors Disney’s multi-park “Summer Nightastic!” entertainment extravaganza of attractions and events. Once “Summer Nightastic!” draws to a close on Aug. 14 as previously announced, Disney’s “Main Street Electrical Parade” will continue an open-ended run.

The iconic pageant of illuminated floats dates to 1972 when it first debuted at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., and became an instant hit.

Prior to its current run in Florida, the parade last performed at Walt Disney World Resort from 1999 into 2001. This summer, Magic Kingdom guests have been treated to all-new elements that continue in the encore phase of the run:
Tinker Bell leads the eye-filling procession, waving from the basket of a balloon floating gracefully above a magical garden shimmering in fairy light.

Pinocchio and the boys from the classic film’s Pleasure Island sequence join the parade, and Snow White joins the Seven Dwarfs on a diamond mine float.

There are new lighting effects, and the parade’s highly recognizable musical theme is brightened by new technology.

Beloved floats like the Honor America finale display – featuring the American flag and giant American eagle – are among parade favorites, along with popular characters such as Alice, Mickey Mouse and Goofy.

Especially Good News for Florida Residents

The extension will enable Florida Resident Seasonal and Weekday Select Passholders to experience the parade on their passes. And with the ability to sign on for a new monthly payment program, Florida Resident Passholders can enjoy the parade and so much more Disney theme park magic for as little as $16 a month, after an initial down payment. The payment program is available only online and complete information is available at www.disneyworld.com/payments.

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Winkster · #2 (**permalink**) 07-29-2010, 11:41 AM

Excellent news!

I've only ever seen the parade at DLP and would quite like to see it again (odd for me as we usually miss all the parades!).

Maybe we'll take an evening stroll into MK on our next trip and catch it (if it's still on in May 2011!).

Mickey Crazy · #3 (**permalink**) 07-29-2010, 12:09 PM

I saw it years ago before it was retired from the MK.
I would love to see it again.
It is a heck of a great parade!

kid@heart · #4 (**permalink**) 07-29-2010, 12:34 PM

Best. Parade. Ever! They could keep it there forever as far as I'm concerned!

Kylie'smom · #5 (**permalink**) 07-29-2010, 03:13 PM

Yay! I saw this when I was 13, I remember the awesome music and Pete's Dragon.

So excited that Kylie will get to see it too!

Shadow Jedi Rhy · #6 (**permalink**) 07-29-2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kid@heart

Best. Parade. Ever! They could keep it there forever as far as I'm concerned!

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Mickey Crazy · #7 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010, 10:57 AM

I agree with everyone else.
Why mothball a parade that is loved by so many people?
Lets keep it around even longer!

Winkster · #8 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey Crazy

Why mothball a parade that is loved by so many people?

I've been asking that since they scrapped Tapestry of Nations.

What were they thinking there? The BEST thing WDW have EVER done imho.

I spose this gives us hope for a return though.

Kylie'smom · #9 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010, 05:43 PM

I've never seen Tapestry, did they have a holiday version?

Maybe they could bring it back for Christmas - since they got rid of the Lights of Winter and the Tree Lighting!

Mickey Crazy · #10 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winkster

I've been asking that since they scrapped Tapestry of Nations.

What were they thinking there? The BEST thing WDW have EVER done imho.

I spose this gives us hope for a return though.

That was another parade that I loved!
This is another one I wish they would bring back.

Dismom · #11 (**permalink**) 07-31-2010, 12:35 PM

Sooooo very happy to think I may see the parade again when we go next May.

Now as far as Tapestry of Nations, I can not think why they stopped it and would love to see its return. We saw it in 2000, quite by accident. It was later in the day and we had just left a shop in the Germany pav. Saw so many people standing around, found out a parade was coming. Stayed and so glad we did.

This was back in the days before I really did my research before coming to WDW, most likely the very reason I do lots of research before leaving the house.

Again, soooo very excited here with Electrical Parade being extend

ed.

liltink07 · #12 (**permalink**) 08-09-2010, 07:30 PM

i saw the electrical parade when i was on my first WDW trip and its the one parade i actually love to watch! honestly, im one of those people who go on more rides while everyone is watching the parade, but i loved the electrical parade! i hope its still there in feburary!!

Team Disney · #13 (**permalink**) 08-10-2010, 10:44 PM

Help! What is the difference between Main Street Electrical Parade and the Spectromagic parade? Are both of these Parades currently running?

Joeeo11 · #14 (**permalink**) 08-11-2010, 08:54 AM

Can't wait to see this...

Shadow Jedi Rhy · #15 (**permalink**) 08-11-2010, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Disney

Help! What is the difference between Main Street Electrical Parade and the Spectromagic parade? Are both of these Parades currently running?

Spectromagic is currently being refurbished after several years of service. Main Street Electrical Parade was brought in from Disney's California Adventure as a replacement that has been given an extended run.