Figments Friend
Well-Known Member
Man Disney really went all on the "Farewell Season" back in 1996.
There were billboards
Farewell Merchandise
A special VHS tape dedicated to Main Street Electrical Parade's final year, even a hours long news live news broadcast!
I even stumbled upon this video which recorded the parade's finale night. Look at how excited guests were during that evening. Heck, in this video you can actually see Mickey leaving the Drum Float to wave goodbye at the numerous floats and characters!
I once came across an old article from a guest who actually attended the final showing. He mentioned at one point, the entire parade paused to a series of applause from guests. After the parade was finished, guests all sung the "Mickey Mouse Club Alma Mater" as a farewell tribute.
I am sure you are well aware that they fully intended to retire the MSEP back then in 1996 due to the new 'street spectacle' they wanted to roll out the following year - 'Light Magic'.
The feeling at the time was that 'Light Magic' was going to be such a upgrade and so spectacular that the MSEP wouldn't be needed anymore.
Thus the 'Glowing Away' campaign.
Seriously, there were big plans for the new show and it was heavily marketed as the 'next generation' of nighttime magic and entertainment.
Of course, history has shown 'Light Magic' was a tremendous hard flop that fell flat on its face even before Opening Night.
The AP Preview night response is legendary - Something even the video I have of the full showing and aftermath can't accuratly capture.
Yeah, it was not warmly embraced at Disneyland....to put it mildly!
No surprise then that fan favorite MSEP returned.
Imagine if 'Light Magic' went well and was a smash success....where would night time light parades be today....?
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