 | Overall Rating: 4 StarsDisneyland hasn't had a night-time parade since it closed the Main Street Electrical Parade and followed that up with the ill-conceived "Light Magic". Paint the Night, a NEW electrical parade, pays tribute to the original spectacular and will blow your eyes and mind with magic, music, dancing and much more! |
Atmosphere: 4 Stars
The only way that you could pull off an "electrical parade" in the 21st century is to make it techno. When the lights on Main Street, USA, are dimmed to make way for the color explosion coming down the street it completely transforms the area. Only Disney magic can take you from turn-of-the-20th century America and instantly transport you to the present seamlessly.
To top it off, the soundtrack for Paint the Night not only features "When Can I See You Again?" from Wreck-It Ralph intertwined with "Baroque Hoedown" from the Main Street Electrical Parade, but it was mixed and performed by Owl City. You can't get much more legit than that!
To top it off, the soundtrack for Paint the Night not only features "When Can I See You Again?" from Wreck-It Ralph intertwined with "Baroque Hoedown" from the Main Street Electrical Parade, but it was mixed and performed by Owl City. You can't get much more legit than that!
Entertainment Quality: 4 Stars
Unlike most daytime parades, the dancers are not busied with "cheesy" moves meant only to flourish and fill time. They have to make very precise movements to time the change of color on their suits and costumes perfectly. Plus I just love it when you can see the faces of the performers and can tell they are legitimately having a blast performing in this parade!
The floats are stunning and many of the light effects leave you in awe. Most of the time when I watch Paint the Night I'm a little upset that it's over because I enjoy watching each float, performer, and other interactive elements march past. It has been a long time since a Disneyland parade impressed me so I would definitely say this show is a must-see!
The floats are stunning and many of the light effects leave you in awe. Most of the time when I watch Paint the Night I'm a little upset that it's over because I enjoy watching each float, performer, and other interactive elements march past. It has been a long time since a Disneyland parade impressed me so I would definitely say this show is a must-see!
Time Commitment: 3 Stars
Depending where you choose to view the parade, you may have to wait up to 20 minutes after the official start time before the parade actually reaches your location. Although I feel that can be totally worth it, be aware of where your viewing spot is along the parade route so you don't lose patience. If you already know you're towards the end of the route then don't get upset when the parade doesn't "start" in 5 minutes like the announcement said. It has already started, just not where you are. Overall your experience with the parade, not counting waiting time, could take as much as 40-45 minutes or as little as 15.
Update (5 November 2016) - Now that Paint the Night is operating only on select nights, you may find yourself needing to find a spot to view the show slightly earlier as crowds demand. I sill would not wait over an hour, though. There'll be some viewing place around that doesn't require hours of standing around.
See which nights during the holiday season Paint the Night will be performed!
Update (5 November 2016) - Now that Paint the Night is operating only on select nights, you may find yourself needing to find a spot to view the show slightly earlier as crowds demand. I sill would not wait over an hour, though. There'll be some viewing place around that doesn't require hours of standing around.
See which nights during the holiday season Paint the Night will be performed!
