One of Disney World’s Oldest and Most Nostalgic Nighttime Shows: The Electrical Water Pageant

Of all the nighttime entertainment you can find at Disney World, the Electrical Water Pageant is one of the oldest and most beloved. Find the schedule and locations here – including some of my favorite tips for optimal viewing!

Electrical Water Pageant

Have you ever walked out of Magic Kingdom one night and saw floating sea creatures in the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake? That is none other than the Electrical Water Pageant, Disney’s oldest nighttime show.

A green sea monster leads the water procession while a variety of water animals follow to a medley of songs. You can see and hear this show from all around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake area.

What makes the Electrical Water Pageant so special? Shortly after Magic Kingdom opened in October 1971, the pageant premiered for “Dedication Day.” The opening night featured fireworks and pyrotechnics from the floats. It was filmed and aired as part of Disney World’s opening special just a few days later.

While the music and floats have changed a bit over time, its nostalgia is still the same. This is one attraction that has been around since the opening of Disney World, and many Guests remember all the times they have spent watching the show with loved ones.

Parade Processional

The pageant is one large water parade, made up of 14 barges and a giant screen of lights on each barge. You will definitely recognize some of the music played during the parade, including the crocodile song from Peter Pan and “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid. It is kind of techno-y and very 70s.

The first half of the parade focuses on the sea creatures, starting with the giant green sea monster. A whale follows with a green and yellow turtle coming up behind. Next, a giant red octopus and three dolphins join the parade. It’s cute because the lighting effects make it appear that the dolphins are leaping in and out of the water.

Then, there’s a large yellow and green dinosaur with a plant in his mouth followed by a crocodile. Then King Triton and his team of seahorses follow up the rear.

The second half of the parade focuses on a patriotic tribute to America, complete with alternating flags and stars. “Yankee Doodle,” “God Bless America,” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” are the songs that are played during this portion of the pageant.

Where and when to watch

As I mentioned above, the Electrical Water Pageant can be viewed around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. I definitely recommend speaking to a Cast Member at one of the resorts or at Magic Kingdom to get an accurate showtime. Generally, it will begin at the Polynesian shortly before 9 pm and will conclude about 1.5 hours later.

Pirate tip: Speak to a Cast Member to get the most accurate showtime each day.

Do note that inclement weather will cancel the pageant, but otherwise, this electrical show runs nightly.

Below you will find the best locations for viewing the pageant.

Polynesian Resort

The Electrical Water Pageant begins at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which is on the south end of the Seven Seas Lagoon. The beach area will provide the best views of the parade.

Stop by Tambu Lounge for an appetizer or drink and then head down to the beach. Grab a chair right on the sand to catch all the lit up sea creatures.

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Then, the pageant floats over to the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The Grand Floridian also has a sandy beach area, which provides optimal viewing for fireworks and parades including The Electrical Water Pageant. There is also a boat dock area where you can stand and enjoy the nighttime entertainment.

If you want an extra special experience, consider getting a late night dining reservation for Narcoossee’s. This high-end restaurant has seating that overlooks the Seven Seas Lagoon, and there is a patio for those who would rather view it outside. Check out Christina’s review of Narcoossee’s HERE.

Do note that the shape of the lagoon causes the pageant to float around a corner so the viewing experience may not be as optimal versus other resorts.

Wilderness Lodge Resort

Like the other resorts, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort has a beach area as well as marina area with a dock. The parade can also be viewed from certain rooms depending on the view. Susan’s wintertime view with bare branches can be seen in the photo above.

Ft. Wilderness

Catch this parade as it lights up the lake at Ft. Wilderness. There is also a sandy beach area that provides optimal viewing! Grab an appetizer from Crockett’s Tavern before heading down to catch the show.

Contemporary Resort

The pageant then heads to the Contemporary Resort, and you can catch it towards the back of the resort along the beach and marina. You may even be able to catch it while you’re in the pool!

If you want to have the best views of the parade, I recommend walking along the dock as far as it will take you. When my son and I watched the pageant in February 2021, there were only a handful of other families on the dock watching it go by. It felt like a private show!

Magic Kingdom

You can see the Electrical Water Pageant as you exit the Magic Kingdom. It’s right there as you leave the turnstiles and either turn left to go to the busses or right to head toward the monorail. You may have an obstructed view if the ferryboat is at the docks.

Do you have fond memories of enjoying the Electrical Water Pageant? Share your stories and photos with us on Facebook! You can also join our KtP Crew and relive your magical moments with us.