The Studio Backlot Tour was full of amazing practical effects . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG
5 Studio Backlot Tour
Coming in at the # 5 spot on our list is an attraction that should have never been touched . When Hollywood Studios was built ( originally as MGM Studios ), the hope was that the sound stages built in the park would bring more TV and movie production to Central Florida . That never happened , but Hollywood Studios was built on a dream . Featuring massive movie sets like Catastrophe Canyon , real props from films , and a working costume shop , the Studio Backlot Tour highlighted real pieces of Hollywood history .
4 Captain EO
Captain EO deserves a spot on this list for many reasons , but one major one is the three powerhouse icons involved with its making : Michael Jackson , George Lucas , and Francis Ford Coppola . Captain EO was a true culmination of star power in the late ’ 80s . Costing upwards of $ 23 million , Captain EO was the first theatrical experience that incorporated full 3D effects into a story that infused music , dance , and storytelling in a “ futuristic ” way that perfectly embodied EPCOT ’ s Future World theming , earning it a very high spot on the list .
3 Mickey ’ s Jammin ’ Jungle Parade
From 2001 to 2014 , the shaded , winding paths that connect Disney ’ s Animal Kingdom were filled with music every afternoon . First , you ’ d hear a far-off drum beat growing ever closer . Then , jungle-inspired music would fill the air as Mickey and his animal friends appeared in a rollicking , energetic , and upbeat parade . This show earns such high marks because of its up-close rare character appearances . Baloo from The Jungle Book and Rafiki from The Lion King danced their way down the narrow parade route . Mickey ’ s Jammin ’ Jungle Parade gave Animal Kingdom a heartbeat and rhythm that is still sorely missed .
2 Wishes
Picture this : On a warm summer night , standing in the middle of Main Street , U . S . A ., you can hear distant laughter from the faroff lands of Magic Kingdom as you wait for the first burst of light to appear above Cinderella Castle . Jiminy Cricket begins his narration , and you know you are about to witness Wishes . This fireworks show changed the nighttime spectacular game at WDW . The beautiful story about the power of a single wish , the swell of the music , and its seamless execution are what made Wishes the fireworks spectacular that we all wish we could bring back .
1 The Main Street Electrical Parade
It wasn ’ t all that long ago that sunset signified a beginning at Magic Kingdom : When the lights would begin to glow , the fireworks took flight , and the Main Street Electrical Parade sparkled along Main Street . Parades were such icons that the Disney Imagineers wanted to bring the experience to the late-night vibe of Magic Kingdom . Featuring “ thousands of sparkling lights and electrosyntho-magnetic musical sounds ,” the Main Street Electrical Parade was the first-ever parade to travel through a Disney Park after dark … and the Baroque Hoedown theme song is still stuck in our heads to this day . pg . 39 | March 2021