I can’t believe it took 20 years, but the Main Street Electrical Parade is returning to Disneyland.
My very first job was working at Disneyland in 1996 during the farewell season if this classic Disney parade. The park was overloaded with crowds as everyone clamored to see the parade for one last time. Commemorative light bulbs were sold for $10. People cried. And finally, on that fateful night in November, the parade glowed away for what most thought would be the final time.
Of course, the parade never really went away. It has continued on in one form or another over the years. It reappeared as Disney’s Electrical Parade with performances at Disney California Adventure park from 2001 until 2010. The parade was then shipped to Walt Disney World where it has become a nighttime staple.
Disney has announced that the Main Street Electrical Parade will return to Disneyland in early 2017. Its last performance in Orlando will be October 9, 2016.
The Main Street Electrical Parade is sure to be a hit in California and will likely boost attendance during what is typically the slow season. With large portions of the park closed for refurbishment while Star Wars land is built, this parade will give the park a needed boost. Disneyland’s attendance is largely driven by locals and Annual Passholders – the type of audience who would appreciate this bit of nostalgia and who will line up hours ahead just to catch a performance.
Disneyland is marketing this as a limited time engagement. They have not yet announced the date for the first performance or how long it will be offered.
