Light Magic at Disneyland

[Myron]

Did anybody see the parade "Light Magic" at Disneyland? We saw it in California back in July 1997 I believe. I'd like to discuss it but it only lasted 1 season and few ever saw it.

 

[PatriciaH]

I never saw it but I LOVE the music! I have a CD with the music on it.

 

[WDSearcher]

Light Magic was one of those things that sounded good on paper but didn't transition well to the street. The music -- Celtic based -- and the choreography -- a little bit theme park, a little bit Riverdance -- were actually pretty nice elements on their own, but they just didn't work well with everything else.

The screen technology kind of got lost unless you were standing right in front of the floats, so not everyone along the route got to see the full "show." The story was also a bit hard to follow, so people didn't really get the full effect of what the show was supposed to be.

I think the artistry of the moving pieces was quite good -- I've seen them up close and they are remarkable -- and the music and dance elements were entertaining. The screens didn't really do anything for me, and the overall pace of the show didn't seem to work for the guests.

What did you think?

 

[Myron]

I agree with all you said. "Light Magic" was very creative and innovative.It was nice. Wasn't there a part where they throw pixie dust all over the spectators? Do you remember when the floats stopped on Main Street? Characters went into the crowds and chose spectators to be in the Parade? We had a great spot right in front of a float, but many did not. The music was very catchy. I'm old fashioned and prefer to see the Electrical Parade over and over. The "Baroque Hoedown" never bores me. It always feels like the first time. I guess sometimes change is good.

 

[WDSearcher]

Light Magic would have worked well, I think, if it hadn't taken so long to tweak the technology. The whole Riverdance craze didn't last as long as some thought it would, so by the time the "Riverdancing Disney fairies" got out there, it was old news. But I do agree that the artistry of the parade was fresh and creative. It just needed better execution.

Disney in FL tried for years afterwards to try and figure out a way to use the floats and other elements of the parade, but never did. I think I still have a document somewhere that gives all the specs of the floats, if you'd be interested.

 

[Myron]

Yes. I'd be interested in details about "Light Magic". I really never figured-out its true meaning. At the conclusion, visitors looked disappointed as the floats never passed by; they stopped and characters got out to interact with the spectators. Huge videscreens were employed,too. I did enjoy the music. I felt it was mostly for adults. Thanks.