50 years ago today, the Electrical Water Pageant entertained guests for the very first time as part of the “Dedication Day” ceremony of the 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.

This unique, new show became an immediate hit and is still entertaining guests to this day. That’s not to say there haven’t been a few updates over time. If you were watching the pageant 50 years ago, you would have heard a custom version of “Baroque Hoedown,” a song that would later grace the soundtracks of several nighttime offerings at Disney parks around the world. Today, you may catch music from classics such as “The Little Mermaid,” “Pete’s Dragon” and “Peter Pan” – along with some of your favorite patriotic tunes. 

As part of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, the Electrical Water Pageant received a 50th Anniversary update. You can watch the full Electrical Water Pageant, complete with 50th Anniversary upgrades in our video below!

As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!