Disneyland’s Electrical Parade 2022. The best ways to watch Main Street Electrical Parade complete with viewing areas, including reserved dining and walk up spots.
The Main Street Electrical Parade is no longer running at Disneyland Resort effective September 2, 2022.
Main Street Electrical joins the line up nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland Resort which run throughout the year. You’ll definitely want a multi-day park hopper ticket to enjoy these iconic nighttime shows:
- Main Street Electrical Parade is back to honor the 50th anniversary and is the show we’ll discuss here
- Fantasmic returns to Disneyland Park May 28, 2022 over Rivers of America
- Disneyland Forever Fireworks runs on select days over Disneyland Park
- World of Color a nighttime show at California Adventure Park over Paradise Bay
In 2022 the magical lights bring us a new finale float featuring Encanto, Jungle Book, Raya and the Last Dragon, Aladdin, Coco, Mulan, Brave, Princess and the Frog and more. I was invited as a guest of Disneyland Resort to view the return of this parade in spring 2022.
This Disneyland parade runs each night, all summer long at Disneyland Park. Here’s what to expect, where to watch, what time to arrive and more. 
Read more about this classic nighttime Disney parade that has graced many Disney parks including California Adventure, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris and more.
The return of Disneyland’s Main Street Electrical Parade delights guests who remember this iconic nighttime parade from when they were young.
With the absence of the famed Paint the Night Parade and the short-lived Magic Happens Parade park regulars and locals are thrilled to come back to Disneyland Park, where it all began.
Main Street Electrical Parade Quick Info
The Main Street Electrical Parade makes its way through the center of Disneyland Park each night at Disneyland Park. It often features both a first show and a second show.
Here’s a quick look at Main Street Electrical Parade showtimes and what to expect during your visit to Disneyland Resort.
Main Street Electrical Parade Showtimes (Ends Sept 1, 2022)
- First Main Street Electrical Parade is at 8:45 PM
- Second Main Street Electrical Parade is at 10:45 PM
- Main Street Electrical Parade run time is approximately 20 minutes from start to finish
- See today’s Main Street Electrical Parade schedule for updated times
Where to Watch Main Street Electrical Parade
Main Street Electrical Parade requires theme park tickets and reservations at Disneyland Park. This Disney Parks parade runs along the parade route from it’s a small world, past Sleeping Beauty Castle, down Main Street and around Town Square.
The second show of the night it is reversed: around Town Square, up Main Street, past Sleeping Beauty Castle and to it’s a small world. Keep kids busy while waiting for the parade with these light up, fidget bracelets.
We’ll dive into specifics on where to watch for the best view of the characters and show elements below.
Main Street Electrical Parade Map
Where does everyone watch Main Street Electrical Parade? This map outlines the most common options for viewing the parade, most of which are standing room only.
Like many excited guests, I grew up watching the Main Street Electrical Parade. In my little mind it was the most dazzling, beautiful thing I had ever seen. Snuggled up in my dad’s lap along Main Street, I had it all. And now it’s your turn.
These are some of my favorite viewing areas, although you can watch from anywhere along the parade route.
“it’s a small world” Viewing Area
This is a very family-friendly viewing area. There’s a large area to choose from, including elevated space on the “it’s a small world” terrace area. It also has bathrooms and refreshment stands near by. The hardest part about this area is getting in before the show and out afterwards.
Check out my nighttime Disneyland Plan guide at the end of this article.
- What You’ll See: views of all the Main Street Electrical Parade floats.
- Sit or Stand: the first couple rows may sit on the ground, but everyone behind will likely stand.
- Time Commitment: there’s lots of space to choose from but if you’re saving space be sure to have some beach towels, sweatshirts or something with you to claim your space about 2 hours or more prior. Others can join you later but you may not leave your things unattended.
- Add these fidget glow bracelets to your park bag, the kids will love how they seem to match the parade.
Matterhorn Viewing Area
Need seats? The space right across from Matterhorn that curves along the castle edge has built in benches with brick on the ground. Grab those benches and the brick space in front of you for little ones to sit.
It also has bathrooms and refreshment stands near by. Check out my nighttime Disneyland Plan guide at the end of this article.
Main Street and Town Square Viewing Area
If you want a last minute spot and only have about 2 of you, you can easily snag a third row right on Main Street. I got this spot just 15 minutes before the parade began. If you want seated space on the curb, plan to show up much earlier.
The trick here is to scout out spots behind the rope in the walking path on Main Street. When you see room, slide under the rope for viewing. Yes, this is what Cast Members will direct you to do, “stay inside the ropes for viewing.”
- What You’ll See: views of all the Main Street Electrical Parade floats.
- Sit or Stand: the first couple rows may sit on the ground, behind may sit or stand.
- Time Commitment: last minute for a few, 2 hours+ to claim the curb or for larger groups.
Check out my nighttime Disneyland Plan guide at the end of this article.
Dining Viewing Area
When you purchase the Main Street Electrical Parade dining package you eat before you come to your spot.
The idea is to pay for a place you don’t have to hold onto since it’s guaranteed. But the earlier you arrive, the better spots you’ll get.
- What You’ll See: views of all the Main Street Electrical Parade floats.
- Sit or Stand: the first couple rows may sit on the ground, behind may sit or stand.
- Time Commitment: arrive at designated time listed on your voucher or earlier.
More on dining packages below.
Parade Dining Packages
I covered my favorite viewing options above. But let’s get further into the reserved space with a dining package.
Plaza Inn Dining Package
This dining package expected includes:
- $40 per adult, $25 per child (up to age 9)
- Reservations for this package begin at 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- One voucher that reserves your spot in the preferred viewing area shown above
- Viewing is for FIRST parade only
- Get free dining alerts here
Plaza Inn is famous for their friend chicken. The menu includes this option and more.
Adult dining includes:
- World-famous Plaza Inn fried chicken
- Oven-roasted carrots
- House-made smoked mac & cheese
- Bacon and pickled onion wedge salad served with house-made ranch dressing and blue cheese crumbles
- Mickey-shaped sweet honey corn bread
- Decadent berry cheesecake
- Choice of one beverage: 20 oz. fountain beverage or 20 oz. Dasani water
Child dining includes:
- World-famous Plaza Inn fried-chicken leg
- Oven-roasted carrots
- House-made smoked mac & cheese
- Apple sauce
- Mickey-shaped sweet honey corn bread
- Decadent berry cheesecake
- Choice of one beverage: small Dasani water or small low-fat milk
Main Street Electrical Parade FAQs
The brief overview at the beginning of this article gives a quick glimpse into Main Street Electrical Parade logistics. Here we deep dive into specific questions you may have about this parade.
Don’t see an answer to your question? The comments are always open!
Do I need a Park Hopper ticket to see Main Street Electrical Parade?
If you’re not starting your day at Disneyland Park, you will need a valid park hopper ticket. I suggest getting your ticket at a discount from my partners here.
What time does Main Street Electrical Parade start?
The Main Street Electrical parade runs each night at 8:45 and 10:45 pm. Keep kids busy while you wait with these light up fidget bracelets that spin!
How long is Main Street Electrical Parade?
The parade is 20-30 minutes long from the time it arrives to your spot, until the finale. All new finale in 2022 featuring Encanto, Jungle Book, Raya and the Last Dragon, Aladdin, Coco, Mulan, Brave, Princess and the Frog and more. (Ends Sept 1, 2022).
Along with this new addition you will recognize the music instantly!
What is the song playing during Main Street Electrical Parade?
Main Street Electrical Parade made Baroque Hoedown
a familiar tune, guiding the floats down Main Street, U.S.A. The parade definitely has a retro vibe with spinning turtles, snails and other creatures, and of course the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade drum.
Who will I see during the Parade?
Along the parade route you’ll see classic Disney characters aboard floats including Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, the stepsisters, Fairy Godmother and an all new finale float with Disney and Pixar characters.
You will also see characters from Peter Pan, Snow White and even Pinocchio, Pete’s Dragon and more.
Can I stay here to watch fireworks after the parade?
Yes and you should! Some people will leave this area but it’s best to stay put. Fireworks views are excellent from many points along the parade route. You’ll also get the music and projections on Main Street, Sleeping Beauty Castle and it’s a small world.
Do I need FASTPASS for the parade?
No, Disney discontinued FASTPASS during the closure. We now have an upgraded version hybrid of both FASTPASS and Disney MaxPass called Disney Genie+. But you do not need this for the parade.
Do I need Disney Genie+ for World of Color?
Nope, not at all.
Do I need to join the Virtual Queue to see the parade?
No, Virtual Queues are for other nighttime shows. Read more about virtual queues and how to join quickly here.
Your Parade Plan
What’s your game plan for snagging hard to get seats for this iconic parade?
Getting a good seat requires skill and maybe a little patience. Including my suggestions above, I’ve also outlined a FREE Disneyland Plan to get you to ALL the nighttime shows at Disneyland Resort in summer 2022.
Check out the entire Nighttime Spectaculars Disneyland Plan here.
Plaza Inn Main Street Electrical Parade Dining
You’ll get your choice of a lunch entree (yes, fried chicken is an option!), one drink (with fountain drink refills), Plaza Inn special credential, voucher for access to reserved viewing area.
Choose any of the available restaurant tables indoors or under the adorable pink umbrellas outside. Later that evening, head to the special reserved viewing area for the parade.
Prices and Details:
- $40 per adult tax not included
- $25 per child (ages 3-9) tax not included; gratuity not required
- Separate theme park admission is required and not included in the package price
- Reservations made between 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM will receive a voucher for the days first performance of Main Street Electrical Parade
Can someone please tell me the last date the parade will be on? I can’t seem to find an answer … everyone just says it’ll run through summer but what date actually? I want my grandkids to see it before it’s gone !
Hi there, Disney has only said through summer so we have no official date. If you want to be sure to see it, I suggest booking something as soon as possible. See ticket and hotel discounts here.
September 1st!
Hello there!
How long will the Electrical parade be at Disneyland? Thank you so much!!
We don’t know for sure, but at least through summer.
This is my favorite parade! I was so sad to see it leave Disney World. Wish I was able to make it to Disneyland sometime soon to see it again!
Tessa, if this is your favorite, you have got to see Paint the Night in person. Now just waiting to hear the fate of Paint the Night. Will it return to DLR or head to WDW or another distant land? 🙂