At Walt Disney World, things are always changing and evolving. However, some things are classic and simply stand the test of time. One of my favorite forms of nighttime entertainment has actually been making a nightly appearance (weather permitting) in Disney World since 1971. Do you know what it is? If you guessed the Electrical Water Pageant, you would be correct! Even though it’s been a constant at Walt Disney World since the beginning, there are a lot of people unfamiliar with this complimentary show. Today, I’m going to tell you what it is, why you’ll love it, and some of the places you can see it!
The Electrical Water Pageant is a nightly show that takes place around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Brought to life using a system of barges and 25-foot-tall screens covered in twinkling lights, the show features colorful characters set to catchy synthesized music. It’s the epitome of retro charm.
Fans of Disney classics such as The Little Mermaid (1989) and Peter Pan (1953) will be hit with all the nostalgia. Whimsical electronic versions of iconic songs (think “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Under the Sea” as well as “Never Smile at a Crocodile”) play over the loud speakers as part of the soundtrack. Also, each song in the soundtrack accompanies a different sea creature scene. Then, towards the end of the show, the panels switch from illuminating the sea creatures to displaying red, white, and blue stars and American flags while patriotic songs play.
Showtimes
The show lasts approximately 8 minutes and has five performances per night. Showtimes begin at 8:30pm. Locations where you can view performances include:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – approximately 8:30pm
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – approximately 8:45pm
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – approximately 9:30pm
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – approximately 9:45pm
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort – approximately 10:05pm
You can check the MyDisneyExperience app or speak with resort Cast Members to confirm showtimes on the day you are visiting. However, remember that this is an outdoor show, so the Electrical Water Pageant may be delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions.
Viewing Locations
To view the Electrical Water Pageant, there are multiple spots along the shoreline at the various performance locations where you can see it:
- At Grand Floridian, you can try to grab a spot near the resort boat dock or on the Narcoossee’s patio
- Over at the Polynesian Village Resort, try watching from the boat dock or on the resort’s beach
- At Wilderness Lodge, there is viewing near Geyser Point Bar & Grill
- Fort Wilderness has viewing from the resort boat dock and beach area
- Finally, at the Contemporary, many people recommend watching from the resort boat dock as well. However, I’ll let you in on a secret. Long ago, a Cast Member recommended the resort’s beach area near the boat dock. Ever since, that has been the MouseHouseNews.net team‘s favorite viewing spot. The Electrical Water Pageant seems closer to shore at the Contemporary, and there aren’t as many lights or other sounds competing for your attention over there. The only issue we have noticed on recent viewings is that the Blue Line boat coming from Fort Wilderness briefly sails through the area in front of the Electrical Water Pageant.
The next time you’re in the Magic Kingdom area at Disney World, why not find a spot along the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon or Bay Lake and take time to enjoy a classic bit of Disney magic. It may become one of your favorite “must do” forms of entertainment at Walt Disney World too.
For more news and information about delightfully enchanting things to do and see around Walt Disney World, stay tuned to MouseHouseNews.net.
