On October 1, Walt Disney World kicked off its massive 50th anniversary celebration, which will run for 18 months, wrapping up in March 2023. The celebration will feature new entertainment experiences like Disney Enchantment fireworks at Magic Kingdom and Harmonious at EPCOT, new food offerings, and special merchandise to celebrate the momentous occasion.
It often feels that changes are constantly coming to Disney Parks, and Guests love to talk about all the old things that they were able to experience at Disney in years past. But as they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same — and that can even apply to a place like Disney. Yes, there are a lot of changes happening at Disney Parks around the world, but Disney does love to keep certain things the same.
One of those things is the Electrical Water Pageant.
The Electrical Water Pageant is an adorable show that takes place each night on Seven Seas Lagoon. Guests staying at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridan Resort & Spa, and Polynesian, as well as those Guests exiting the Magic Kingdom, can see the show as it makes its way across the water. The Electrical Water Pageant opened with Walt Disney World in 1971 and is also celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Disney Parks Blog shared more about the fun anniversary of the classic show:
Debuting 50 years ago today as part of “Dedication Day,” this nightly tradition has dazzled guests since the opening of Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Live Entertainment Production Assistant and resident historian, Nathan Eick, shared that the nautical novelty was born when Disney Legend Bob Jani, Vice President of Disney Live Entertainment at the time, fantasized about what he could do with the pitch-black skies of Bay Lake – which had no horizon or city lights due to the sheer size and remoteness of the new property. As a test late one evening, Bob’s team lit up a large mock-up of a whale over the water, a spark that would not only become the Electrical Water Pageant, but go on to inspire “The Main Street Electrical Parade” at Disneyland park less than a year later.
As part of the celebration, Disney has added a new portion of the parade that celebrates 50 years of Walt Disney World magic. A castle outline with a large 50 in the middle has been added to the Electrical Water Pageant and will remain for the entire 50th anniversary.
