Showing posts with label Evening Activities. Show all posts
Disney World's Longest Running Parade - The Electrical Water Pageant
The Electrical Water Pageant debuted at the Walt Disney World Resort in October of 1971. It started its daily presentation on Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon within one month of the official opening of Disney World.This parade at sea consists of 14 floats on barges that contain screens with lights and speakers to broadcast the music for the parade.
Since the parade occurs on the water the theme is aquatic in nature and the screens display images that have to do with the water. The images depicted include: Sea Serpent/Dragon, Whale, Turtle, Octopus, Dolphins, Crocodile, Brachiosaurus, and King Triton being pulled by 4 Seahorses.
The Electrical Water Pageant was originally conceived as an entertainment for guests as they left the Magic Kingdom at the end of the day and a way to illuminate the Seven Seas Lagoon as they departed.
The Pageant passes by the Magic Kingdom, but also makes appearances for guests at the Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Resort, Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and the Ft. Wilderness Campground. The schedule changes depending upon when the Wishes fireworks show plays, so check at Guest Services for the Magic Kingdom or your resort for the schedule for the particular night you wish to see the EWP.
Despite its longevity the parade has only gone through minor changes during its 38 years of existence. The technology used is not state of the art, but the whimsical nature of the parade makes it entertaining nonetheless.
The current rendition plays a different musical tune as each of the Water Floats are illuminated. The musical selections are coordinated to match the theme of the image shown.
The Show
The approximately 10 minute show proceeds as follows:
It starts with no lights and the playing of “Fanfare” from The Little Mermaid. Then The first 4 floats light up to create a Sea Serpent while "Boo Bop Bop Bop Bop (I Love You Too)" from Pete's Dragon plays.
The Sea Dragon is followed by a playful Whale that is accompanied by the song “Whale Of A Tale” from the movie 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea.
Next to be illuminated is a Turtle that raises and lowers its head ( I have not been able to determine the song for the Turtle – comment if you know!).
A bright, happy Octopus is coupled with Ursula’s dark rendition of “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid.
The next 3 floats show 3 spirited Dolphins playing in the surf. (I have not been able to confirm this song either unfortunately.)
Although not known for swimming a Brachiosaurus follows the dolphins to the music of Was (Not Was) - "Walk the Dinosaur".
Disney Classic Peter pan is represented by a Crocodile and the song "Never Smile At a Crocodile" from the movie.
Last, but certainly not least, King Triton is being pulled along by a team of four Seahorses to the songs - "Fanfare" & "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid.
The Finale
For the finale the Electric Water Pageant transforms the Sea Creature images to those of United States Flags and red, white, and blue stars as patriotic music ensues. You will hear excerpts from "You're a Grand Old Flag", "Yankee Doodle", & finally "America the Beautiful".
Great Free Entertainment
All in all it is a fun activity to see. The Electrical Water Pageant consistly gets mentions in lists of great FREE things to do at Disney World.
Whether you see it at the end of your day at the Magic Kingdom, or if you catch the show from the beach at one of the resorts bordering the Seven Seas Lagoon or Bay Lake, the Electrical Water Pageant should be part of your list of activities to do during your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation.
