Posts Tagged ‘Electrical Water Pageant’

The turn onto Timberline Drive is a detour to another place and time.  Through the pines, past topiaried wildlife, around a bend, and the magnificent Wilderness Lodge emerges from the trees.  A cheerful group of “park rangers” waits to greet guests and usher them into the spectacular lobby – a sight which never fails to astonish the first-time visitor.  The subject of so many superlatives, this glorious interior is a study in contrasts: at once soaring and snug, dark but colorful, animated yet calm.

The architecture, art, and artifacts compose a harmonious song which echoes with the notes of grand national park lodges and Native American culture.  The stones of the massive fireplace replicate the Grand Canyon’s geological strata and specially-commissioned totem poles rise more than fifty feet, adding to the majesty of the space.  A small bridge spans the bubbling source of Silver Creek which meanders outside and tumbles down as a splashing waterfall on its “journey” to Silver Creek Springs Pool and Bay Lake.

All of the 727 guest rooms are housed in a single building designed in a rough “V” shape with the main entrance at the bottom and the wings enclosing the pool and courtyard and extending out towards Bay Lake.

Although it’s located right next to the park, this is the only deluxe Magic Kingdom resort not connected via the monorail, investing it with a sense of peace and seclusion.

Outdoor Pleasures

Despite its location in the heart of central Florida, there is a true sense of the great wilderness here, with towering pines, berried branches, and woodland animals.

Nestled in the trees, this beautiful resort extends an invitation to spend time outside, enjoying the woodsy surroundings.  Guests can rent bicycles, surrey bikes, and boats from Teton Boat and Bike Rentals to explore the grounds and the waterways of Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon.  A mile-long bike path runs between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness.  Bay Lake Beach provides a sandy stretch along the lakeshore which is not only a great spot for relaxation and playtime during the day, but the perfect place for viewing the Electrical Water Pageant each evening.

There’s catch-and-release fishing for some old-fashioned fun – arrange for a two-hour guided excursion out on the water, or mosey over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness for the dockside cane-pole variety.

The perfectly-themed Silver Creek Springs pool has a water slide, wading pool, and spa, and guests also have use of Hidden Springs pool and spa at the adjacent Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

Transportation

In addition to bus transportation from its conveniently-located bus stop, boats travel from the dock to the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

The boat ride to the Magic Kingdom may be the most pleasant transportation option at Walt Disney World; it’s certainly a great way to begin a day at the park.  There is valet parking available, as well as self-parking in the main parking area, a short walk from the lobby.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

901 Timberline Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830

Phone 407-824-3200
Fax 407-824-3232

Planning a visit to Walt Disney World this summer?  There are lots of amazing surprises in store as Disney launches Summer Nightastic!  The most exciting news is the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade.  Arriving in June of 2010 for a limited engagement, this wondrous parade returns with magical enhancements including a brand new lead float featuring Tinker Bell.

The original “light parade,” the Main Street Electrical Parade in Disneyland, was modeled on Walt Disney World’s Electrical Water Pageant which remains one of the World’s best-loved attractions, nearly forty years after its debut in October of 1971.

Initially, some of the floats that made up the Main Street Electrical Parade had flat screens mounted on platforms, much like the screens mounted on the barges of the Electrical Water Pageant.  Over the years, the light parades have undergone many changes – moving from park to park; being copied for one park from another; renamed, replaced, reincarnated.

SpectroMagic has enjoyed two long runs in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World; a second version of the Main Street Electrical Parade also ran in the Magic Kingdom for a number of years before moving to Disneyland Paris, and the original Disneyland parade was featured there briefly during the Millennium celebration.  Dreamlights, Fantillusion, Light Magic; none had the staying power of the Main Street Electrical Parade which finally returned to Disney’s California Adventure as Disney’s Electrical Parade in 2001.  Since then, there have been upgrades and additions which combine new themes and technology with the classic feel of the original.

In addition to the new parade, guests will be treated to a spectacular summer fireworks show, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is receiving a special effects makeover, and there are more new entertainment features yet to be announced.  Stay tuned!

Perhaps the single most magical Disney gift is the Electrical Water Pageant. Never included in any “must-see” list and not designed to lure guests into the parks, the stores, or any revenue-producing venue; its sole agenda is to surprise and delight.

Each night, it makes its charming way across the water, visiting each of the Magic Kingdom resort hotels in turn, silently floating in the dark until it suddenly bursts into a whimsy of colorful shapes and cheerful music. It consists of a number of floats with lighted images including King Triton, a sea serpent, turtles, and dolphins leaping from the water. At the end of each little show, all the barges turn into stars and flags in an All-American finale.

It can often be glimpsed from the monorail, and is an unexpected amenity of rooms with a water view at the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Wilderness Lodge. All guests can catch the show from the water’s edge at any of these resorts as well as from Fort Wilderness, and many of the resort restaurants.

Keep an eye on the water if you’re around the Magic Kingdom area some evening – this small parade is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Electrical Water Pageant

Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake

Nightly – check locations for times