There are so many well documented events at the theme parks but this ‘little gem’ receives no publicity.
This spectacle of light and sound on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon only lasts for 10 minutes but it can round a splendid evening off in magical style if you incorporate it into an evening dining at one of the Disney resorts.
We last saw it whilst standing on the beach at Wilderness Lodge after a meal at Artist Point. We have also viewed it from the beach at the Polynesian after a great meal at O’Hana’s and also from the Grand Floridian having been to the buffet in 1900 Park Fayre.
The Pageant consists of seven barges, each carrying a screen of lights. The music plays and each light up in turn creating an ever increasing panoramic illumination. The individual barges feature King Neptune and many sea creatures. My personal favourite is the one with the dolphins. The Pageant concludes with all the barges changing to a finale which salutes America when the screens change to the American Flag and Stars, and patriotic music plays.
It passes the resort beaches at a set time each evening with the normal schedule being as follows:-
Polynesian -- 9:00 p.m.
Grand Floridian -- 9:15 p.m.
Wilderness Lodge -- 9:35 p.m.
Ft. Wilderness -- 9:45 p.m.
Contemporary -- 10:05 p.m.
When the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom are held at 9:00 p.m. the Water Pageant will be in position, but will not light up until the fireworks finale. This only delays the above times slightly. The Pageant is cancelled during bad weather.
You do not need to use a theme park ticket to view this show but if you have been to Magic Kingdom for the day you can time your return to catch the ferry and view the pageant close up from the deck. The ferry usually stops when the pageant barges are lit.
This show is one of the longest running events at Walt Disney World and yet many people go for years without even knowing about it. I certainly recommend it as an excellent way to round off a pleasant evening after a resort meal. If you have left your car at the resort you then have an easy drive home to your villa without trying to get off a busy car park.
If you are taking the children to the character buffet at the Grand Floridian or if you are having a romantic evening out as a couple at Artist Point don’t forget to take time out to sit on the beach and enjoy Disney’s Electrical Water Pageant.