It All Started on June 17, 1972
What was new at Disneyland Resort on June 17, 1972? That night, something magical lit up Main Street U.S.A. for the very first time: the Main Street Electrical Parade. This glittering nighttime spectacular has delighted generations with glowing floats, whimsical characters, and an unforgettable soundtrack.
Fifty years later, the parade is loved more than ever. Many guests who watched the original in childhood now return with children and grandchildren in tow, eager to relive the shimmer, sound, and nostalgia.
A Parade That Dazzled Through the Decades
From Mickey Mouse and the iconic marquee drum to the spinning whirly bugs and glowing court dancers, everyone has a favorite float or memory. It’s no wonder this timeless parade continues to capture hearts, night after night.
To honor its 50th anniversary, Disneyland introduced an all-new grand finale sequence. The refreshed ending celebrates unity and togetherness, showcasing stylized animated scenes from over a dozen Disney and Pixar stories.
As the finale passes, guests on each side of the parade route experience different scenes, including moments from Encanto, The Jungle Book, Aladdin, Coco, Raya and the Last Dragon, Mulan, Brave, The Princess and the Frog, and more.
Each moment dazzles with thousands of twinkling lights, accompanied by a brand-new musical arrangement. The soundtrack blends each song into the original Main Street Electrical Parade style, seamlessly tying the old and the new together.
Music That Glows in the Dark
Speaking of music—can you hear it? That unforgettable theme, “Baroque Hoedown,” composed in 1967 by Jean-Jacques Perrey and Gershon Kingsley, has become synonymous with the parade. Adapted for Disneyland in 1972, the tune blends Disney classics with synthesizer magic to create one of the most iconic Disney soundtracks ever produced.
A Look Backstage from 1986
In honor of the parade’s milestone, we’re also sharing a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Main Street Electrical Parade from 1986. This exclusive footage captures the craftsmanship and legacy that power every glowing detail.
Celebrate the Legacy
Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the fiftieth, there’s no denying the magic of this parade. Join the celebration, marvel at the lights, and let the music sweep you away.
Happy 50th anniversary to the Main Street Electrical Parade—thank you for five decades of nighttime magic!
