When I was little I remember sitting on the curb at Disneyland, entranced by the glittering lights and sounds of the Main Street Electrical Parade. Who knew that blinking colors and the synthesized earworm of “Baroque Hoedown†could bring so much happiness? This weekend I felt that same wave of nostalgia as the Electrical Parade made its momentous return to Main Street and it turns out I was not alone in my unbridled joy!
The iconic parade premiered on June 17, 1972 and entertained guests until 1996. Now 45 years since it’s original debut, the lively procession is back at the Southern California theme park and feels like it never left. Disneyland welcomed home its most popular parade with a giant party that felt like a return to the 1970s, complete with music and dancing, with disco ball-inspired lighting provided by the return of the one and only Main Street Electrical Parade.
Fans lined up for the debut night and cheered and clapped as the 22 Disney-movie themed floats traveled down Main Street and lit up the park with over 600,000 twinkling lights. Guests waved to Tinkerbell, booed at Cinderella’s evil stepsisters, and marveled at the 38-foot long smoke-snorting Pete’s Dragon, Elliot. This celebration has been a long time coming and if the opening night was any indication, fans will be lining up all summer to see this nighttime spectacular.
To celebrate the parade’s return, special food, drinks and merchandise are now available throughout the park. Guests are lining up to buy flashing necklaces and Mickey Ears, while limited edition pins are quickly running out of stock. A Main Street Electrical Parade popcorn bucket is even available for Annual Passholders. Once purchased you can refill it for an unlimited amount of times for only $1 from now through March 19.
For some of us there is only one thing that can draw out attention away from cute merch, and that’s even cuter food. Disney has gone all out with the themed snacks; in various parts of the park you’ll find treats like Cheshire Cat Cookies, PB & J Eclairs, and Pineapple Coconut Parfaits. There are also several baked goods made to look like the floats from the show, Lady Bug Macarons, Turtle Cream Puffs. Lady Bug Crispy Treats, Snail Cake Pops, candy-covered Caterpillar Marshmallow Wands and even colorfully sprinkled little donut holes.
Savory eaters will love the Firefly chile and corn chips topped with cheese, a dish commonly known as Walking Nachos which are perfect to snack on while waiting on the parade route.
The big news is the return of Fantasia Ice Cream. Disney fans have been on the hunt for the elusive secret ice cream and finally Disneyland has brought it back in an ice cream whoopie pie sandwich. Back in the day the cherry, pistachio and banana swirled ice cream was a secret treat only available to fans who were in the know. While at Gibson Girl for a taste of this cool treat, make sure to pick up the not to be missed Light-Up Turtle Straw Toppers. A true collector’s item for Disney fans.
The Main Street Electrical Parade runs from now through June 18. Check out more photos from the parade’s debut in the gallery below.
Are you excited for the return of Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade? Let us know in the comments below!
