Isabella Flores
The Paint the Night Parade is a nighttime parade that debuted during Disneyland's Diamond Celebration in 2015. It features over 1.5 million LED lights, special effects, and nearly 80 performers. The parade combines nostalgia from the Main Street Electrical Parade with modern technology and upbeat music. In October 2024, Disneyland announced that Paint the Night would return to Disneyland Park as part of the Disneyland Resort's 70th-anniversary celebration, which starts on May 16, 2025, and runs through the summer of 2026.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Return Date | May 16, 2025 |
| Last Performance | September 5, 2016 |
| Parade Route | Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure |
| Number of Performers | 76 |
| Number of Lights | 1.5 million LEDs |
| Special Effects | Yes |
| Reserved Viewing | Yes |
| Duration | 17 minutes |
| Performance Times | 8:45/8:50 and 10:45/10:50 p.m. |
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What You'll Learn
Paint the Night parade returns for Disneyland's 70th anniversary
The Paint the Night parade is returning to Disneyland for its 70th anniversary! The parade, which first debuted during Disneyland's Diamond Celebration in 2015, has been a fan favourite and was last seen in 2018.
The Paint the Night parade is a spectacular nighttime procession featuring over 1.5 million LED lights, special effects, and nearly 80 performers. The parade is a modern take on the classic Main Street Electrical Parade, which has been a beloved tradition at Disneyland since 1972. The new parade features a newly arranged version of the classic “Baroque Hoedown” as well as a song from the Wreck-It Ralph soundtrack, "When Can I See You Again?". The parade also features floats with beloved Disney and Pixar characters, including Peter Pan, Monsters Inc., Cars, The Little Mermaid, Toy Story, Disney Princesses, The Incredibles, and Mickey Mouse.
The return of the Paint the Night parade is part of Disneyland's 70th-anniversary celebration, which begins on May 16, 2025, and runs through the summer of 2026. The parade is expected to run through Halloween but will likely pause during the holidays.
For those looking to get the best view of the parade, there are a few options. The Plaza Inn offers a Paint the Night dining package that includes a meal and reserved viewing for the parade. Another option is to book a guided tour, such as the Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour, which includes popcorn and other perks. For those willing to arrive early, finding a spot along the parade route to lean against a light pole or wall can provide a comfortable viewing experience.
The Paint the Night parade is a beloved tradition at Disneyland, and its return for the 70th anniversary is sure to delight fans and create new magical memories.
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The parade combines nostalgia with modern technology and upbeat music
The Paint the Night Parade is a beloved staple of Disneyland Resort, combining nostalgia with modern technology and upbeat music.
The parade, which first debuted in 2015 as part of Disneyland's Diamond Celebration, is a spiritual successor to the Main Street Electrical Parade, which ran at various Disney parks from 1972 to 1996. The Paint the Night Parade pays homage to its predecessor by using a newly arranged version of "Baroque Hoedown," the theme song of the original parade, alongside an upbeat arrangement of Owl City's "When Can I See You Again?" from the Wreck-It Ralph soundtrack.
The combination of nostalgic and modern elements is evident in the parade's floats and visuals. For example, the Tinker Bell float features a handmade wand capped with a rosette from the original 1972 Main Street Electrical Parade. At the same time, the float is 40 feet long, with 44 universes of control and video screens, and over 850,000 points of light, showcasing modern technology and special effects.
The Paint the Night Parade is also known for its high-energy, upbeat music and performances. The parade features nearly 80 performers and includes over 1.5 million LED lights, creating a vibrant and electrifying atmosphere. The music and performances are a key part of the parade's appeal, with guests describing it as "a rock concert on wheels," attracting groupies of all ages.
After a hiatus of several years, the Paint the Night Parade is set to return to Disneyland Resort as part of the park's 70th-anniversary celebration, which starts on May 16, 2025, and runs through the summer of 2026. The return of this fan-favorite parade is highly anticipated, and it will likely be a popular attraction for both tourists and locals.
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The parade features over 1 million LED lights, special effects and 76 performers
Paint the Night is a nighttime parade at Disneyland, and it first opened on May 22, 2015, as part of the resort's 60th-anniversary Diamond Celebration. The parade is a spiritual successor to the long-running Main Street Electrical Parade, which has appeared at numerous Disney parks worldwide since 1972.
The parade features over 1 million LED lights, special effects, and 76 performers. The Disneyland version of the parade includes a 40-foot-long float with 44 universes of control and video screens, and over 850,000 points of light. The float presents Disney Fairies such as Rosetta, Iridessa, and Silvermist, as well as Peter Pan. The Tinker Bell wand on this float is handmade and capped by a rosette from the original 1972 Main Street Electrical Parade.
The parade also includes a unit based on the 2001 Disney and Pixar film, "Monsters, Inc.". This float is 11 feet wide and 21 feet long, with nearly 17,000 points of light. It features Mike and Sulley from the film, navigating an array of vibrant, twirling doors.
Another highlight of the parade is the grand finale, starring Sorcerer Mickey, who rides 14 feet tall and 7 feet wide, with over 6,000 individually programmable LED pixels. Joining Mickey are Goofy, Donald Duck, and Minnie Mouse, each in their own whirling vehicle with custom-designed lighting. The music for the parade is a medley of classic and contemporary Disney tunes.
The parade was so popular that interactive "Mickey Mouse Paintbrushes" were made available for purchase, allowing guests to change the colours of the performers' costumes and interact with the show. Wearable merchandise, such as the "Mickey Glow Mitt" and "Minnie Glow Bow," also added to the experience by changing colours throughout the performance.
Paint the Night returned to Disneyland on May 14, 2025, as part of the resort's 70th-anniversary celebration.
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The parade route and direction
The Paint the Night Parade is a nighttime parade at Disneyland, formerly at Hong Kong Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. The parade features over 1.5 million LED lights, special effects, and nearly 80 performers. It is a spiritual successor to the Main Street Electrical Parade, which has appeared at numerous Disney parks since 1972.
For the best viewing experience, it is recommended to find a spot where you can see the parade coming from a distance, as this will give you a chance to watch the dancers and floats for a longer period of time. The raised area across from "it's a small world" can offer good sightlines, but it is important to be mindful of the parade direction and light poles. If you want to see multiple shows, you can time your viewing from this spot to catch the projection show on "it's a small world" as well as the fireworks projections.
If you are looking for a more relaxed viewing experience, consider reserving a Paint the Night dining package at Plaza Inn up to 60 days in advance. This option provides a reserved viewing area, so you don't have to camp out on the curb for hours before the parade.
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Reserved viewing areas and dining packages
Paint the Night, a beloved nighttime parade at Disneyland, is making a comeback as part of the park's 70th-anniversary celebrations. The parade, featuring over 1.5 million LED lights, special effects, and numerous characters, is expected to run from May 16, 2025, through the summer of 2026.
To enhance your viewing experience, Disneyland offers reserved viewing areas and dining packages. Here are some options to consider:
Reserved Viewing Areas
If you want to avoid the hassle of camping out for hours to secure a good spot, you can opt for a reserved viewing area. These areas are typically less crowded and offer a more comfortable and convenient way to enjoy the parade. Keep in mind that these spots are limited, so it's recommended to check their availability as your travel dates approach.
Plaza Inn Dining Package
The Plaza Inn Dining Package is a popular choice for those seeking a reserved viewing experience. This package includes a delicious lunch or dinner at the Plaza Inn, located across from the train station and the Main Street Opera House. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and you can enjoy the normal menu options available at the restaurant.
The package can be booked online via Disneyland.com or their app, up to 60 days in advance. While it guarantees a reserved viewing area, it does not guarantee seating. It is recommended to arrive early, between 7:30 and 7:45 pm, to secure a preferred spot within the viewing area.
Fantasmic! Dining Package
For a different experience, consider the Fantasmic! Dining Package. This package allows you to reserve a spot that is front and center for the Fantasmic! show at Rivers of America. You can book this package up to 60 days in advance, and it is recommended to join the virtual queue at noon on the day of your visit.
A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour
This guided tour of Disneyland Resort includes reserved viewing for the Paint the Night parade, along with some popcorn to enjoy during the show. The viewing area is conveniently located across from the train station near City Hall.
By taking advantage of these reserved viewing areas and dining packages, you can elevate your experience at Disneyland's Paint the Night parade, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable evening.
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Frequently asked questions
Paint the Night will return to Disneyland on May 16, 2025, as part of the park's 70th-anniversary celebration.
The parade will run through the summer of 2026. It will likely pause during the holidays.
Parade times can vary each night but are generally 8:45/8:50 and 10:45/10:50 p.m. before and after fireworks.
